Bhagwad Geeta : The Arjuna’s way.
By: Rituraj Kumar
Tags: Bhagwad Gita, Life, Questions, Purpose Of Life, Dharma

Bhagwad Geeta, a spiritual dive into seeking answers of meaning and purpose of life, a pious Hindu scripture based on the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurushetra which lays down the path to be followed by entire humanity and seeks to answers the dilemmas faced by us at different stages of life.

In the battlefield of Kurushetra Lord Krishna was on the chariot of Arjuna as his 'sarathi' (guide) against the mighty Kauravas army, upon reaching the battleground and seeing his family members and dear ones on the opposite side, Arjuna was perplexed about the purpose this war would serve and he opens himself up to his 'sarathi' and seeks answers to his queries, this conversation between the two is inscribed in the holy Bhagwad Geeta.

The preachings of Lord Krishna in Geeta about the various aspects of life, the way he explains and quenches the curiosity of Arjuna is widely appreciated, discussed and researched. I was also absorbed in the answers of Lord Krishna, the deep spiritual aspects it relates to and how it tries to simplify the complex web of attachments, we are trapped into during our life.

During my reading of the Bhagwad Geeta, an aspect struck me which I find is not widely discussed. The essence of Bhagwad Geeta is seen as the preaching of Lord Krishna but by what I was truly amazed were the questions of Arjuna, upon how he brought them out from his within. The soul of Geeta lies in them too. I put forward that before you arrive at the answers of Lord Krishna and try to decode and absorb them, you must try to understand the questions of Arjuna, their dimensions and most importantly ask yourself, How did Arjuna think of this? where did it come from in him? I believe it is only then you can comprehend the answers of Lord Krishna.

Let me take you through one exchange between the two to validate my belief.

After a few exchange of questions and answers with Lord Krishna, still caught in a dilemma to proceed in the war or not, confused Arjuna asks :

These people on the other side, who happen to be my family, kin and dwellers of the same kingdom, I believe you, Lord, they are not on side of 'dharma' (righteousness). If I go ahead in the war and kill them all, by your words, their annihilation might seem justified. But dear Lord, what about the women who would be left without their husbands and the children who would be left devoid of their father’s care? What will be the faith of such society, the honour of women and upbringing of the children? Won’t it lead to our coming generations being corrupt and polluted (spiritually)?

Observe how Arjuna brings out this question, he tries to analyze the consequences of his actions not only on himself or those in the opponents to whom he is attached but also on the society and coming generations. What a remarkable soul he is to think on these lines.

We human, in general, think mostly on how our actions would benefit us or our loved ones to whom we are attached to. Measuring the effect of our deeds on the society we live in or the generations that are yet to come is beauty of rare kind.

Therefore, I strongly argue that one has to try and get into the state of mind as that of Arjuna’s and to appreciate the beauty and pureness of his thoughts and conscience. It is only then one can dive deep into the answers and preachings of Lord Krishna to fetch the spiritual pearls that lie to be explored to find the purpose of life.

As far as the answer of Lord to Arjuna’s query, it states that as a warrior he is dutybound to proceed in the war and the removal of the 'adharmic' (evil) forces would ensure a better society and future generation. You will able to explore more when you try it yourself and I leave it for you!