Sunday, January 6, 2008

Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 1 - Verses 7-9

Asmakam tu Vishishtaye Tannibodha Dwijothama
Nayaka Mamasainyasya Samgnartham Tan Bravimite

Bhavan Bhishmascha Karnascha Kripascha Samitinjayaha
Ashwathama Vikarnascha Saumadattir Jayadrathaha

Anye Cha Bahavashuraha Madarthe Tyakta Jivithaha
Nana Shastra Praharanaha Sarve Yuddha Visharadaha.
*****

Duryodhana gathers his own confidence by addressing his Guru in exhalting terms as Dwijothama, or twice born. It means a person who has realised the spiritual truth. "On our side, I shall now mention to you the distinguished leaders of the army.

Yourself, Bhishma, Karna, the victorious Kripa, Ashwathama, Vikarna, son of Somadatta and Jayadratha.

There are many more brave men, who are ready to lay down their lives for my sake. They are capable of fighting with different weapons and all of them are seasoned warriors.

Duryodhana here reveals the qualities of a person making an attempt to get into the present moment, looking at the positive side of things, even at the last moment. Though there is a lurking fear of defeat, he does not allow himself to get overwhelmed and begins to count his strengths, starting from the spiritual power of his Guru. It may also be noted here that he is focussing more only on the physical prowess of his army, unlike Arjuna an accomplished warrior for whom the battle field becomes a place for contemplation and reflection.

Duryodhana gives some techniques for efficient crisis management by positive thinking. By highlighting the strengths, he not only allays his own fears, but also gives confidence to the other members of the army.

The Bhagavad Gita is increasingly becoming a text for study by management students and Duryodhana's stock-taking of valiant members of his team, points towards a confidence building exercise to boost the morale of a team in corporate management, particularly in the face of a crisis. It does not help a team leader to pick holes at such moments, but to encourage and provide support, as Duryodhana does.
- Swahilya Shambhavi.

4 comments:

georgebreed said...

Thank you, Swahilya, for walking us through this spiritual classic. There is no end to its wisdom. George

Swahilya Shambhavi said...

Welcome George. It is my pleasure and a deeper understanding for myself!

bhattathiri said...

The Holy Gita is the essence of the Vedas, Upanishads. It is a universal scripture applicable to people of all temperaments and for all times. It is a book with sublime thoughts and practical instructions on Yoga, Devotion, Vedanta and Action. It is profound in thought and sublime in heights of vision. It brings peace and solace to souls that are afflicted by the three fires of mortal existence, namely, afflictions caused by one's own body (disease etc), those caused by beings around one ( e.g. wild animals, snakes etc.), and those caused by the gods (natural disasters, earth-quakes, floods etc).

Mind can be one's friend or enemy. Mind is the cause for both bondage and liberation. The word mind is derived from man to think and the word man derived from manu (Sanskrit word for man).

Swahilya Shambhavi said...

True Bhattathiri. You have succinctly put the Tapa Thraya as it is called - Adhi Bhauthikam, Adhi Daivikam and Adhyathmikam. Thanks for visiting.