Manage Your Resources – In Gita Verse 1.3 O my teacher, behold the great army of the sons of Pāṇḍu, so expertly arranged by your intelligent disciple the son of Drupada.
O Acharya, observe the formidable army of the Pandavas, arranged meticulously by your astute disciple, Dhrishtadyumna, in formations such as Shakta and Padma. This verse from the Bhagavad Gita provides profound insights into the human psyche, especially when one grapples with feelings of inferiority. When an individual is plagued by an inferiority complex, they often compensate by asserting their own superiority. In contrast, those who are secure in themselves tend to acknowledge and appreciate the strengths of others.
When Duryodhana addressed his teacher, he referred to Dhrishtadyumna as “your intelligent disciple” rather than directly praising Dronacharya. This subtle choice of words reveals a lack of genuine respect for his teacher, as well as an attempt to undermine Dronacharya’s authority and responsibility. Duryodhana’s focus was not on leveraging his own resources, such as the Narayani Sena trained by Krishna, but rather on what the Pandavas possessed and how to defeat them.
This mentality is prevalent in our own lives. We often feel inadequate, constantly comparing ourselves to others instead of appreciating and utilising our own resources. By focusing on what we have in the present moment, we can shift our consciousness from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance. This shift enables us to realise that everything we need is already available and achievable. When we stop comparing ourselves to others and start valuing our own resources, we transform from a state of poverty to one of prosperity.
Living in abundance is a fundamental aspect of spirituality. Nature itself exemplifies this principle with its diversity and richness. The existence of countless varieties of flowers, birds, and animals demonstrates that abundance is the very essence of life. Nature does not subscribe to asceticism; it thrives on abundance and richness, rejecting the notion of poverty.
This concept draws a fine line between becoming a beggar and being an emperor. Our circumstances are shaped by our own choices and perspectives. No external force can prevent us from achieving greatness; only our own limitations can. The key to becoming an emperor lies in embracing our true selves and recognising our inherent potential.
The root cause of tension is the constant desire to become something other than what we are. This perpetual striving creates a gap between our current state and our idealised future self, leading to tension and dissatisfaction. Whether the goal is wealth, fame, power, or even spiritual liberation, the pursuit of an unattainable ideal generates stress.
Tension arises from the disparity between what we have and what we desire. The greater the gap, the more intense the tension. Conversely, when we are content with what we have, we experience peace and ease. This state of contentment aligns with the principles of Tao and Dharma, where there is no gap between desire and reality.
The longing for physical, mental, or psychic attributes creates tension at various levels of our being. For instance, desiring a different physical appearance generates physical tension, which can spread to other aspects of our existence. Similarly, aspiring to greater intelligence or psychic powers creates mental tension. Accepting ourselves completely is the key to eliminating tension. This total acceptance is a profound and transformative experience, rarely found but immensely powerful.
Existence itself is inherently non-tense. Tension arises from hypothetical, non-existent possibilities projected into the future. The present moment is free from tension, as it is grounded in reality. Imagination, when directed towards future possibilities, can create tension. However, when focused on the present, imagination becomes a tool for creativity and living fully.
By channelling our imaginative capacities into the present moment, we can transform our existence into a living poetry. This approach allows us to live beyond tension, embracing the richness and abundance of life as it unfolds.
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