The Lamenting Mind
Yeshamarthe Kankshitham Naha Rajyam Bhoga Sukhanicha
Ta Imevasthitha Yuddhe Pranamsthyakthwa Dhananicha
Acharyah Pitarah Putraha Tathaivacha Pitamahaha
Matulah Shwashurah Pauthraha Syala Sambandhinasthatha
*****
Arjuna continues with ascertaining the excusing, seeking the support of Sri Krishna for his point of vies. The very teachers, fathers and sons, grand fathers, uncles, fathers-in-law and other relatives - for whose sake we desire kingdoms, enjoyment and pleasures - are lined up here ready to give their lives.
The battle lines are clearly drawn and all of Arjuna's teachers, relatives and dear ones are clearly in the opposite camp, ready to fight the Pandavas. This is a context where there is no room for doubt. Yet, the lamenting mind is not ready to see the truth on the face.
In a confusing situation where one is faced with a moral dilemma, the first requirement is quietude of mind, watching the various emotions that well up, with the beacon light of awareness. As the Zen proverb says, the need in such a crisis is to first "Shut up and Sit Down." - Swahilya Shambhavi.
No comments:
Post a Comment