Need And Desire – In Gita Verse 1.12 Then Bhīṣma, the great valiant grandsire of the Kuru dynasty, the grandfather of the fighters, blew his conch shell very loudly, making a sound like the roar of a lion, giving Duryodhana joy.
In the context of the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 1.12, we observe Bhīṣma Pitamah, the venerable and formidable patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, taking a decisive action to bolster the morale of Duryodhana. Fully aware of the formidable challenge posed by the presence of Lord Krishna on the opposing side, Bhīṣma nonetheless sought to alleviate the anxiety of his grand-nephew. By blowing his conch shell with the might and resonance akin to a lion’s roar, Bhīṣma not only signalled the commencement of the battle but also conveyed his readiness to lead the Kaurava army with unwavering commitment and valour.
In ancient times, the blowing of the conch shell held significant connotations. It was a signal that marked the beginning of hostilities on the battlefield. By doing so, Bhīṣma sent a clear message to both the Kauravas and the Pandavas about his determination, focus, and leadership qualities. This act was not merely ceremonial but was imbued with deeper meanings of control, pride, and the readiness to engage in the battle ahead.
The reactions to Bhīṣma’s act were telling and varied between the two sides. Duryodhana, upon hearing the conch shell, expressed immediate joy. This reaction highlights his eagerness to engage in battle, driven more by his desires than by a clear, objective assessment of the situation. His focus was not on the immediate actions required but rather on the fulfilment of his long-standing aspirations.
The distinction between needs and desires is crucial here. Needs are fundamental and arise from the natural requirements of life. They are simple, immediate, and can be satisfied, such as hunger, thirst, and rest. Desires, on the other hand, are complex and often stem from the mind’s projections into the future. They are not rooted in the present moment and are inherently insatiable because they constantly move beyond immediate fulfilment.
Understanding this difference is essential. Desires are mental constructs that project us into the future, creating a sense of perpetual dissatisfaction. They are akin to the illusion of the horizon, which appears to be a reachable point where the earth meets the sky. However, the closer one gets, the further it recedes, perpetuating an endless chase. This illusion, often referred to as ‘Maya’ in Hindu philosophy, underscores the deceptive nature of desires.
In contrast, needs are grounded in the present moment and are existential. They can be addressed and satisfied here and now. For instance, hunger can be satiated by eating, and thirst by drinking. Desires, however, are never fully attainable because they are not based on immediate reality but on future projections. This continuous pursuit of desires can lead to frustration and a neglect of essential needs, ultimately resulting in a sense of ruin and lost time.
The story of Mencius, a follower of Confucius, serves as a poignant illustration of this principle. When asked how he would live his life if given another chance, Mencius responded that he would focus more on fulfilling his needs and less on chasing desires. This realisation often comes too late in life, emphasising the importance of prioritising needs over desires from the outset.
On the other side of the battlefield, the Pandavas also heard Bhīṣma’s conch shell but responded with silence. Their reaction was not one of joy or eagerness but of contemplation and solemnity. For the Pandavas, the war was not merely about victory or defeat; it was about engaging in battle without harbouring enmity. This introspective silence indicated their connection to their inner values and the gravity of the challenge they faced. It was a reflection of their commitment to fight with a sense of duty and righteousness, rather than being driven by desires.
Bhīṣma’s act of blowing the conch shell served as a powerful symbol of readiness and leadership, impacting both sides of the conflict in different ways. While Duryodhana’s reaction was driven by desire, the Pandavas’ response was rooted in a deeper understanding of their duty and the moral complexities of the battle. This distinction between needs and desires, and the importance of prioritising the former, remains a timeless lesson in the pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life.
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