Focus On What You Want – In Gita Verse 1.2 Sanjay said: On observing the Pandava army standing in military formation, King Duryodhan approached his teacher Dronacharya, and said the following words.
Sanjay began by addressing King Dhritarashtra’s concern about the impending battle, attempting to alleviate his worry by confirming that the Pandava army was indeed standing in a formidable military formation, ready for combat. He then proceeded to describe the actions of Dhritarashtra’s son, Duryodhana, on the battlefield.
King Dhritarashtra, being blind, relied heavily on his eldest son, Duryodhana, who effectively ruled the kingdom of Hastinapur. In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana is portrayed as rude, egoistic, evil, and cruel. His animosity towards the Pandavas was evident from his childhood, and he seized every opportunity to undermine them. Duryodhana’s ultimate goal was to eliminate the Pandavas to rule Hastinapur unchallenged. However, upon seeing the vast and well-organised Pandava army, he was taken aback. He had grossly underestimated their military strength, which far exceeded his expectations.
Duryodhana approached his guru, Dronacharya, under the guise of showing respect, but his true intention was to soothe his own anxiety. His approach to his guru indicated his unease and fear about the war’s outcome, triggered by the impressive military formation of the Pandava army.
Before Duryodhana spoke, his actions had already revealed his focus. He walked to his teacher, Dronacharya, without his team, signalling that he did not intend to reassess his strategy after observing the Pandava army’s arrangement. His sole aim was to defeat them, not necessarily to win the war. There is a significant difference between wanting to win a war and wanting to defeat someone.
The universe responds to our focus and intent. Duryodhana’s primary focus was on defeating the Pandavas, and his strategy and actions were meticulously aligned with this goal, ultimately leading to his downfall. The universe does not understand the language of others or oneself; it only comprehends where one’s focus lies. As Duryodhana concentrated solely on defeating the Pandavas, his efforts were directed towards this end, resulting in his eventual loss in the war.
From a young age, we are taught by our parents, elders, and teachers to always wish well for others. This principle is rooted in the belief that good intentions towards others bring positive outcomes to us. When we give something to others, it is advised to give the best, as this mindset fosters positive energy and outcomes.
An illustrative example of this principle can be found in an anecdote from Manohar Parrikar’s life, known as the Watermelon Festival. In September 2016, Parrikar, a resident of Parra, Goa, recounted a story during the 14th FGI Awards for Excellence in Vadodara. He spoke about the famous Watermelon Festival in his village, where farmers would organise a watermelon-eating contest for children at the end of the harvest season. The older farmer would ask the children to spit out the seeds into a bowl, collecting them for the next crop. He used the best watermelons for the contest, ensuring the best seeds for future harvests. This practice not only benefited his crop but also the neighbouring farmers, resulting in a thriving watermelon crop.
However, when the farmer’s son took over, he prioritised immediate profit by selling the larger watermelons and using the smaller ones for the contest. Over time, this practice led to a decline in the quality of the watermelons. Within seven years, Parra’s best watermelons had diminished. This story underscores the importance of focusing on long-term benefits and quality rather than short-term gains.
To achieve the best outcomes, we must shift our focus from receiving to giving. This shift requires moving from a mindset of duty to one of responsibility. Often, we act out of a sense of duty rather than genuine responsibility, which prevents us from creating an environment of love and godliness. For instance, traditionally, women are expected to take care of the family’s food. Instead of merely fulfilling this duty, involving others in this task can transform the environment from one of duty to participation. This collective responsibility fosters a loving and supportive atmosphere.
No one can prevent us from creating a positive environment except ourselves. By making small shifts in our thinking, we can invite the universe to create miracles for us.
