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This article summarizes the view points from Bhagavad Gita by Swami

Tejomayanandaji, the current Head of the Chinmaya Mission. Swamiji forcefully

argues that Arjuna's problem was mostly due to the fact he didn't have a vision

for the Mahabharat War. Lord Krishna through the conversation helps Arjuna to

realize the vision. With the vision, the mission became quite for Arjun.

 

warmest regards,

 

Ram Chandran

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This article is emailed to you by Ram Chandran ( rchandran )

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Source: The Hindu (http://www.hinduonnet.com)

 

Man's action must be guided by vision

 

CHENNAI, NOV. 20. ``Anyone who wants to lead a fruitful life must

have a vision before him and must engage in action with the

objective of realising this vision,'' was how Swami Tejomayananda

summed up the Gita way of life. The Bhagavad Gita is one of the

most popular scriptural texts. Its importance is well-

acknowledged but a person who wants to follow it must pause and

consider what the Gita means to him to translate its teachings

into his life. To have a vision and not engage in action amounts

to a daydream, whereas, action without a vision will tantamount

to groping in the darkness.

 

Without visualising what an individual wants to achieve in his

life, if he engages in action he will drift aimlessly. The

problem with Arjuna was that he lacked a vision. He had only

action in his mind when he came to the battlefield, vengeance to

be precise, to rout the Kauravas and get back the kingdom. But,

when he stood before the Kaurava army, just when the war was

about to begin he developed cold feet. Totally shattered seeing

all his relations arrayed in battle, his bow slipped from his

hand and his mind was in a whirl. He told Lord Krishna that there

was no point in coveting a victory that would be the end of his

kinsmen.

 

In his discourse, Swami Ishwarananda said it was lack of vision

that made Arjuna withdraw from action but providentially Lord

Krishna was by his side to steer him through his dilemma. Arjuna

then submitted to the Lord beseeching Him, ``My natural

disposition is vitiated by a sense of pity and my mind is in

utter confusion regarding my duty. Tell me with certainty what

will lead to my good; I am Your disciple. Instruct me, who have

taken refuge in You.'' The majority go about performing actions

in day-to-day life mechanically without reflecting on where they

are heading or even on what they are doing. Maybe a crisis

occasionally shakes their complacence to contemplate on the

meaning of life. There are some moments of wisdom as during a

Satsangh (in the company of saints) and endeavour to lead a

fruitful life but no sustained effort in that direction.

 

We are familiar with action but not with the intention behind our

actions. This was the reason for Arjuna's dilemma and the Lord

who knew his problem did not tell him not to fight. Instead, He

wanted Arjuna to realise that it was his intention (vengeance)

which was not right. He engaged him in a long conversation so

that he would gain the right vision and gave him the choice to

act rightly.

 

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