Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 1:Verses 20- 23

Moving from sound to silence

Atha Vyavasthithan Drishtwa Dhartharashtran Kapidhwajaha
Pravrutte Shastrasampate Dhanurudhyamya Pandavaha

Hrishikesham Tada Vakyam Idamaha Mahipate
Arjuna Uvacha:
Senayorubhayormadhya Ratham Sthapayamechyuta

Yavadetan Niriksheham Yodhu kaman Avasthithan
Kairmaya Sahayodhdhavyam Asmin Rana Samudhyame

Yotsyamanan Aveksheham Yayetetra Samagataha
Dhartharashtrasya Durbudhdheh Yuddhe Priya Chikirshavaha.

*****

Oh King, Arjuna, the Pandava leader with the banner of a monkey (Hanuman), on seeing the followers of Dhritarashtra arrayed for the battle and the war about to begin, holding up his bow, told Sri Krishna:

"Oh Achyuta! Please stop my chariot between the two armies so that I can see all those ready to fight and who are the persons, I have to contend with on the eve of the battle.

Let me also see those who are on the side of the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra and are ready to join the battle."

When all the noise outside raises and subsides, only then does the mind settle down to see the truth. Arjuna asks Krishna to stop the chariot in the space between the armies as he wishes to take stock of the people he has to fight. Settling down after encountering the chaos of the world outside is the first to meditation. The sounds outside create a similar heightening of the energies experienced within. When the sounds drop, there is also a sympathetic sudden drop in the vibrations of the sound within, helping the individual to experience the silence that always existed. This helps the mind to emerge with some clarity in the midst of chaos. And it is clarity that will aid further action rooted in the truth. - Swahilya Shambhavi.

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