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Bhagavad
Gita - November 09, 2007
Chapter
2, Verses: 4-7
Swami
Yogatmananda
Vedanta
Society of Providence
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II.5:
Arjuna said, "Rather than killing noble-minded elders, it is better
in this world to live even on alms. But by killing the elders we shall
only be enjoying here the pleasures of wealth and desirable things drenched
in blood."
II.7: "With my nature overpowered by weak commiseration, with a
mind bewildered about duty, I supplicate You. Tell me for certain that
which is better; I am Your disciple. Instruct me who have taken refuge
in You."
The
above image is from Gita Darshan by courtesy of Sri
Ramakrishna Math, Hyderabad.
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Summary
of this lecture:
With the admonishing as well as encouraging words of Sri Krishna, Arjuna
is able to see that his thoughts of not fighting the war were not entirely
right; he also sees that his mental and intellectual capability has
been covered by delusion. He is thus not able to decide what is right,
what is wrong. He therefore earnestly prays Lord Krishna to be his teacher;
he is surrendering completely to Krishna, with the prayer to lift him
out of this terribly torturous mire. 'Even if I get the unrivaled kingdom
of heavens, it will not be enough to remove this terrible sorrow, which
is eating into my vitals' - he urges Sri Krishna with great earnestness.
But after having said this - after agreeing to surrender to Krishna,
- he again reiterates his earlier decision - 'I am not going to fight
the war!' This is what happens to us; strange but true; we go to the
teacher, seek his advice but wish to follow our own ideas!
Arjuna is not seeking here anything about spiritual life or Moksha (ultimate
liberation); his is just the most common mundane concern, the concern
of everyone - young-old, rich-poor, ignorant-learned - all want cessation
of suffering and total happiness. That is why Arjuna is very much close
to us; he is seeking just what everyone seeks.
And thus starts the primary enquiry of Vedanta: 'What can give complete
relief from pain and ultimate happiness?' The answer from the Lord will
now follow.
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