Arjuna in the Modern World
We are Arjuna in the modern world. A different time but same story! Arjuna found his Krishna through his inquiries but can we?
Arjuna's Despair
On the day of war, Arjuna — one of the best warrior of his time — asked Krishna to drive his chariot between the two armies so that he could see the enemies clearly.
When he looked, he saw his grandfather Bheesma, his Guru Dronacharya, his cousins and his nephews. He understood he would have to kill the people he loved the most to win the war. If he lost, injustice would win and the whole region would become evil.
Either way something precious would be destroyed forever.
His body reacted before his mind could argue. His hands started shaking, mouth dried and his skin felt burning. The bow Gandhiva dropped from his fingers.
I don't want to fight. I don't want victory and enjoy the pleasure of the Kingdom without my beloved ones.
He sat down behind the chariot and refused to pick up the Gandhiva again. This is the Arjuna's Despair.
Modern Human's Despair
We share the same despair as Arjuna's. The time is different but the story remains same. Stuck in a war but on a different battlefield.
A student prepares for an examp or job. When he finally gets it, he realizes he has no time left for family or friends and he feels empty.
An employee works late everyday to get promoted. After the promotion, he still feels stressed and lonely.
What is the point of all the hard work?
A person keeps quiet in a bad relationship because leaving would hurt people he loves. Staying also hurts him every seconds. He doesn't see a winning choice.
In these situations, the body reacts the same way as Arjuna's. Heart races, sleep disappears, appetite goes away, hands shake and mind gets foggy.
Arjuna reached complete despair. Only after accepting his despair, he was ready to listen Krishna. Krishna was with him all his life, but he was gifted with Gita only on the battlefield.
Open door
Despair is painful but it is also the door. As long as we don't accept our despair. As long as we don't see, feel our suffering, the door remains shut. Guidance stays quiet like a candle hidden from our closed eyes.
Accept your ignorance and sufferings, you shall find a Krishna waiting to speak to you.