The importance of inner courage
C. L. RAMAKRISHNAN
THE BHAGAVAD GITA OF INNER COURAGE: Kev Nair; pub. by Adult Faculties Council, D.P. Lane, Elamakkara Post, Kochi, Rs. 395.
This is one of the rare publications on the Bhagavad Gita, wherein the stamp of assiduous research is evident. As the title mentions, the core of the text has to do with evoking the inner courage of Arjuna, when he was caught in a dilemma: whether to discharge his duties as a member of the warrior class, or to shy away from them. It is well known that Arjuna came to the battle field itching for a fight and asked Lord Krishna to station his chariot in between the warring camps so that he could size up the enemy formation. However, the Lord contrived to get Arjuna confront Bhishma, Drona and his own kinsmen. Commentators say that the intention of the Jagadguru was to unravel the universal wisdom, keeping Arjuna as the prototype, for the benefit of humanity: “partham uddisya sastra avataranam kritam.”
Quintessence
The author has, in his thought-provoking and highly analytical introduction to the publication, brought out the quintessence of the philosophy of the Gita, i.e., one has to understand one’s dharma (right duty) and base one’s actions on buddhi (prudence, i.e. a state of mind based on reality). It is lack of this comprehension and direction that ends up in suffering. He concludes that the key to correct lifestyle is buddhi, a faculty that helps distinguish activity from renunciation, right from wrong, bondage from liberation. These words of the author are based on the advice of the Lord in the 30th verse of the concluding chapter of the Gita.
On mind control
Wherever appropriate, detailed notes are given, under the English versification of the text, which throw new light in the understanding of certain technical terms.The central point of the teachings is about exercising control over the mind and the direction it takes. And this has been well brought out. It is accepted on all hands that all the sastras lay emphasis on mind control as a pre-requisite for the right attitude and direction for one’s life. Explaining the concepts of action and renunciation of action, the author raises the question as to why one should act at all, if one were not to expect results. He stresses that it is not the material reward of action that is important but what lays the path for spiritual purification called “satva suddhi”. It may also be added that disinterestedness pre-empts dilution in the quality of work.
The principle of karma yoga is defined by the author as “discipline of stillness of action,” which has got a profound meaning. The various interpretations of the name “Krishna,” which help the purposes of worldly existence as also liberation, have been clearly outlined.
In sum, an excellent publication, which throws a lot of light on the inner meanings of the scriptural verses, with quotations from commentators like Sankara and Ramanuja, thus making a very useful addition to the literature facilitating study of the Bhagavad Gita.
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