The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Mind is cause for discomfort

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Thursday, Nov 25, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Mind is cause for discomfort

CHENNAI, NOV. 25. Is life a battlefield? Many may agree with the poser. Nothing is simple anymore, is a common refrain. Even taking a bus or train to work daily is fraught with tension. We live in a society where most people seem to possess a hidden agenda even in their regular interactions. Every facet of life, from one's character to fortune requires to be safe guarded. Amidst such daily struggles, one is not far off the mark if one were to think we are all Arjunas geared up for battle.

The Bhagavad Gita is the sign of India's wisdom and as such is the key that unlocks the door to face life squarely, Sri Suki Sivam said in his discourse. A saint once compared the Gita to 700 matchsticks in a matchbox, with each match capable of lighting up knowledge in the wielder. The Lord's direct discourse is a treasure to those on the threshold of life, and not to only those in their winter years. Despite Arjuna's stated reluctance to wage a war on his cousins and wanting to escape, God did not let him. There is a simple lesson in this for all of us. Only from confusion does clarity emerge. Often many people say they want to leave their problems behind, and find sanctuary in chanting the names of `Rama,' and `Krishna.' However, they fail to realise that one cannot escape all things in life, owing to our intrinsic natures. Arjuna's nature, what some call attitude, was that of a warrior. What assailed him was an aspect of life common even today. Our discomforts are caused largely by our minds since we want to justify our actions as the best. All arguments these days stem not from a search for truth, but to cosmetise our non-virtuous conduct. A debtor avoided paying his dues despite repeated appeals, yet when an armed bandit arrived, he quickly settled the amount aware that the same would be stolen soon. Instead of adharma one should set the sights on a higher goal. A severely afflicted leper was bound to his chair, yet his wife roamed the streets in search of alms and help, towing the much-bandaged leper resembling a mummy. Unable to bear this traumatic sight a person wondered at the man's calm acceptance of his fate, and awaiting his end at the appropriate time. When plagued by problems one should face up to it squarely instead of looking at means of escape. When Bhishma gave the bugle call announcing commencement of hostilities, Lord Krishna responded at once with a return call. Why did the Lord do so? The action was not prompted by a frenzy for waging war, but was actually a pronouncement of willingness to face up to the challenge.

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