Its been about a year since I have been completely captivated by the principal idea of Bhagavat Gita - that of detached action, as a way to conduct ones life. Such action is devoid of greed for gain, or fear of failure or loss. It is done purely in spirit of right action, conduct-complete, calm, poised and concentrated in its very self, uninfluenced by external factors, and thus independent of intent or outcome.
At Kurukshetra, Arjuna-the supreme warrior-is filled with sorrow,and grief at confronting his relatives and friends across the battle line. He is ready to renounce war rather than raise arms in violence against his kin. Then God Krishna, his charioteer, mentor, friend, advises him:
Follow the path of your Karma, without pondering on the fruits of that path.
This mythological battle described in the epic Mahabharata has often been seen as an allegory for the battles that we constantly fight-the good versus evil, right versus wrong, raging within.
Or maybe, it is a guidepost, a beacon, shining awareness that lines must be drawn, and battles must be fought, in order to follow, conscientiously the path of right personal action, correct conduct through this passage called life. Krishna warns Arjuna against weakness and cowardice, in facing his enemies, internal demons, in name of caring, and compassion-since both arise from attachments-or Maya, illusion, in the great, eternal cosmic theater.
As the new year begins, I jump into my own Kurukshetra, to play hide and seek with Maya-to run from her laughter and clasping hands, be caught, and then run after her in joy, seeking her flitting, illusionary form, for as long as we do not tire of this Karmic game.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment