Hindu Article-Mind is cause for discomfort

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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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