A practical essence of Mahabharata

It was not until he stood in the middle of two battle-ready troops that he envisaged the emotional involvement it would take for him to finish the battle. The long history leading to this point hadn’t prepared Arjuna for the humanitarian cost of the battle. Arjuna’s motivation weakened as an ethical dilemma captured his mind. The dilemma of going against his own value and belief system. He looked outward for external motivation that could alleviate his internal conflict and provide answers to the ultimate question, of what is right and what is wrong.

?hrī bhagavān uvācha kutastvā ka?hmalamida? vi?hame samupasthitam anārya-ju?h?amaswargyam akīrti-karam arjuna

?hrī-bhagavān uvācha—the Supreme Lord said;?kuta?—wherefrom;?tvā—to you;?ka?hmalam—delusion;?idam—this;?vi?hame—in this hour of peril;?samupasthitam—overcome;?anārya—crude person;?ju?h?am—practiced;?aswargyam—which does not lead to the higher abodes;?akīrti-karam—leading to disgrace;?arjuna—Arjun

Lord Krishna, the microcosm of the universe, was not only Arjuna’s charioteer but also his guiding light. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to limit the extent of his emotional side. According to Lord Krishna, showing emotions is a sign of a person with holistic views, but getting swayed away by emotions at a time of dire need is unacceptable. Empathy and forgiveness shall be bestowed upon those in need, and it is circumstantial. Omitting reasoning in light of a decision that could be of potential harm to subordinates may not be the best approach. Krishna advocates need over want. Arjuna’s confusion about fighting his family and mentors stems from a personal sense of affection and disregards the greater good. Lord Krishna acts in a strict manner to show Arjuna his path to fulfillment of ethical righteousness. As a leader of the people, Arjuna should understand that leaning toward sympathy in an hour of peril is not befitting of a true leader.

As Arjuna was contemplating the words spoken by Lord Krishna, Lord Krishna was as invested in the conversation as Arjuna himself. Krishna, as a master, guides and motivates Arjuna to go down the path of karma. According to Krishna’s wisdom, the execution of the plan is of utmost importance, and failing to do so would not be beneficial. Krishna is aware of the dilemma Arjuna is experiencing and carefully addresses his concerns with pragmatism and morality. At this point, Krishna shows faith in his disciple and supports Arjuna to achieve what he is targeted for.

samo ’ha? sarva-bhūte?hu na me dve?hyo ’sti na priya? ye bhajanti tu mā? bhaktyā mayi te te?hu chāpyaham

sama?—equally disposed;?aham—I;?sarva-bhūte?hu—to all living beings;?na—no one;?me—to Me;?dve?hya?—inimical;?asti—is;?na—not;?priya?—dear;?ye—who;?bhajanti—worship with love;?tu—but;?mām—Me;?bhaktyā—with devotion;?mayi—reside in Me;?te—such persons;?te?hu—in them;?cha—and;?api—also;?aham—I

Lord Krishna not only treats his followers equally but also treats them as equals. Krishna knows the power he possesses and chooses to show humility and respect to all who believe in him. Krishna, during Arjuna’s dilemma, doesn’t order him but vicariously understands what Arjuna is going through and tries to evade the root of Arjuna’s discontentment. Krishna takes the onus of his teachings and patiently explains to Arjuna the meaning of karma and other teachings he wishes him to follow. As someone whom Arjuna looks up to, Krishna is a source of affirmation to Arjuna. Being a locus of positive affirmation and divine motivation makes Krishna a perfect companion in pressing situations. Lord Krishna, the omnipresent one, is aware of the multiple personalities he holds across the universe and transcends them in a form easily acceptable to his disciples. This makes Arjuna and many other followers have faith in their leader, Lord Krishna.