Arjuna's Sorrow on the Battlefield

On the vast battlefield of Kurukshetra, two mighty armies stood ready for war. 

Arjuna, a great warrior, suddenly felt deep sorrow. Tears filled his eyes as he saw his family and teachers standing against him, ready to fight.

Sanjaya, who could see the battlefield from afar, told King Dhritarashtra what was happening. 

He described how Arjuna, full of pity and confusion, turned to Krishna, his charioteer.

Sanjaya said: Arjuna, overwhelmed with pity and with tears in his eyes, spoke to Krishna, who is also known as Madhusudana.

Krishna, seeing Arjuna's state, spoke first. He asked, "O Arjuna, how has this confusion come over you at such a crucial moment? This behavior is not fitting for an honorable person. It brings neither heaven nor glory."

Krishna continued, urging Arjuna to rise up and fulfill his duty. "Do not give in to this weakness, Arjuna. It does not suit you. Shake off this cowardice and stand up, O scorcher of enemies!"

Arjuna, still troubled, spoke his heart. "O Krishna, how can I fight with arrows against Bhishma and Drona, who deserve my respect? It is better to live by begging than to kill these great souls who are my teachers. Killing them would stain all my pleasures with blood."

He added, "We do not know which is better for us, to conquer them or be conquered by them. If we kill the sons of Dhritarashtra, we will not want to live, yet they stand before us ready to fight."

Feeling weak and unsure, Arjuna turned to Krishna for guidance. "My nature is overwhelmed by pity, and my mind is confused about my duty. I ask you to tell me clearly what is best for me. I am your disciple, surrendered to you. Please instruct me."

Arjuna confessed his deep despair. "I do not see what could remove this sorrow that is drying up my senses, even if I were to obtain a prosperous kingdom on Earth, or even the sovereignty of the Gods."

After speaking these words, Arjuna declared, "I will not fight," and then fell silent.

Sanjaya told King Dhritarashtra how Arjuna, after expressing his grief and decision not to fight, fell silent before Krishna, setting the stage for the profound teachings that would follow in the Bhagavad Gita.

This story is a compilation of the first 9 shlokas (verses) of the second chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.

Lessons from Arjuna's Dilemma and Krishna's Guidance

Facing Inner Conflicts:

Arjuna was conflicted about fighting in the battle, torn between his duty as a warrior and his love and respect for his family and teachers.

It's natural to experience moments of doubt and confusion, especially when faced with difficult decisions.

Recognize and acknowledge your inner conflicts instead of avoiding them. Seek clarity and guidance to make well-informed decisions.

Seeking Guidance:

Overwhelmed with emotion, Arjuna sought advice from Krishna, admitting his inability to decide the right course of action.

When confused or troubled, seeking guidance from a trusted mentor or advisor can provide clarity and direction.

Don't hesitate to ask for help from those who have more experience or wisdom. Their perspective can help you see things more clearly.

Understanding Duty and Responsibility:

Krishna reminded Arjuna of his duty as a warrior and encouraged him to rise and fight.

It's important to understand and fulfill your responsibilities, even when they seem difficult or overwhelming.

Reflect on your roles and responsibilities in life, whether personal or professional. Strive to fulfill them with integrity and dedication.

Overcoming Weakness:

Krishna urged Arjuna to cast off his weakness and face his responsibilities with courage.

Moments of weakness or fear can prevent you from taking necessary action.

Identify and overcome your weaknesses by building inner strength and resilience. This might involve self-reflection, personal growth, or seeking support from others.

Emotional Balance:

Arjuna’s emotions clouded his judgment, making it hard for him to see his duty clearly.

Emotions can cloud judgment and lead to confusion.

Practice emotional intelligence by recognizing and managing your emotions. This can help you make more rational and balanced decisions.

Value of Inner Strength:

Krishna encouraged Arjuna to find his inner strength and rise above his emotional turmoil.

Inner strength and determination are crucial for facing life's challenges.

Cultivate inner strength through practices like mindfulness, meditation, or physical exercise. Strengthen your resolve to face challenges head-on.

Importance of Perspective:

Arjuna was unable to see beyond his immediate emotional distress to the larger context of his duty and the greater good.

Sometimes, a broader perspective is needed to understand the true nature of a situation.

Try to see the bigger picture when making decisions. Consider the long-term consequences and the impact on others.

By understanding and applying these lessons, drawn from Arjuna's experience on the battlefield, people today can navigate their own challenges with greater wisdom, resilience, and clarity.