Patience Is Very Active – In Gita Verse 1.6 There are the mighty Yudhāmanyu, the very powerful Uttamaujā, the son of Subhadrā and the sons of Draupadī. All these warriors are great chariot fighters.
The Bhagavad Gita’s Verse 1.6 references the mighty warriors Yudhāmanyu, Uttamaujā, Abhimanyu – the son of Subhadrā – and the sons of Draupadī, all of whom are distinguished chariot fighters. This verse highlights their prowess and valour in the context of the impending battle.
Duryodhana’s impatience and anxiety to win the war led him to make statements that inadvertently revealed his insecurities and lack of faith in his own progeny. He mentioned the powerful Uttamaujā, the son of Subhadrā, and the sons of Draupadī, implying that the sons of the Pandavas, despite being raised during their exile, were somehow more capable than his own. This admission inadvertently highlighted his and his brothers’ failure as parents, as they were unable to instil the same strength and valour in their children.
In moments of intense desire, anxiety, or anger, it is often advised to refrain from taking immediate action. Acting in haste can lead to decisions that are not well thought out and can have detrimental consequences. Patience, on the other hand, is a virtue that allows for thoughtful consideration and often leads to better outcomes.
In today’s fast-paced world, impatience is a common affliction. It can prevent us from achieving what might be possible with just a bit more patience. Spiritual growth, in particular, requires a great deal of patience and trust in the process. It is not merely an individual effort but a part of the larger existence striving to reach its pinnacle through us.
Patience is not passive; it is an active, alert state of being. When waiting for a friend, for instance, one remains attentive to every sound, every movement, expecting the friend’s arrival at any moment. This kind of patience is vibrant and conscious, much like a flame burning bright. It involves waiting with a heart full of expectation and readiness, no matter how long it takes.
Religion and spirituality require this kind of infinite patience. They are not merely about rituals performed in a temple or adhering to a set of rules. They are about being present in the moment, fully engaged and aware. Impatience, on the other hand, indicates a lack of trust in the process and in one’s own dreams and longings. True patience means trusting that the desired outcome will come in its own time and being willing to wait with a heart full of anticipation and readiness. People are in a hurry, and religion is such a tree that it needs patience.
The Pandavas exemplified this kind of patience. Despite their hardships, they remained grateful and active, ready to participate fully in the war when the time came. Their soldiers, too, were prepared and willing to fight. In contrast, Duryodhana’s impatience led to a lack of respect and action, causing his army to be demoralised and ineffective even before the war began. This highlights the importance of having a supportive and participative team to achieve one’s goals.
When we do not allow ourselves or those around us to utilise available resources, the environment becomes tense and stifling. Everything feels stagnant and lifeless. Patience, however, is like a fragrance of trust. Even in the darkest night, one trusts that dawn is approaching. The night may grow darker, but this is often a sign that dawn is near. Logic might suggest otherwise, but patience trusts the process.
Our minds often distract us from the present moment, pulling us into the past or future. Infinite patience means trusting the present moment, not worrying about tomorrow, and fully immersing oneself in the now. This kind of presence can lead to a sense of well-being and bliss, where everything feels perfect as it is.
Bliss is not something we create; it is something we receive. It comes from beyond and requires us to learn the art of waiting. Infinite patience is essential for experiencing this bliss. Spirituality is about living in the present moment, fully engaged and unhurried, allowing no room for the mind to wander. It is about being so absorbed in the present that there is no desire for anything else.
This verse of Bhagavad Gita teaches us the importance of patience, trust, and being present. These virtues are essential for spiritual growth and achieving a state of bliss. By cultivating patience and trust, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and find fulfilment in the present moment.
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