Excitement and Lack Of Teamwork – In Gita Verse 1.13 After that, the conch shells, drums, bugles, trumpets and horns were all suddenly sounded, and the combined sound was tumultuous.
Upon the blowing of the commander’s conch, an array of musical instruments, such as conches, drums, pakhawaj, and dhol, were suddenly played. The resultant cacophony was so intense that it made the hearts of the warriors tremble. Bhīṣma’s call for battle incited the Kaurava army to eagerly play various instruments, creating a tumultuous soundscape. The verse mentions different instruments: Shaṅkhāḥ (conches), paṇav (drums), ānak (kettledrums), bhreyah (bugles), and go-mukh (blowing horns). Together, these instruments produced a loud pandemonium.
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita communicates two primary themes: Excitement and Lack of Teamwork.
On the subject of excitement, as soon as Bhīṣma, the grandsire, blew his conch shell, the Kaurava army responded by beating drums and blowing bugles, trumpets, and horns simultaneously. The combined sound was tumultuous and chaotic, symbolising excitement and eagerness. Excitement, in this context, can be likened to a form of anxiety. When one is driven by excitement, it becomes challenging to achieve a meditative state or to move inward, as excitement inherently requires an external focus.
Even before the war commenced, the Kaurava army’s excitement indicated a lack of focus on their own resources. Their attention was diverted towards others, similar to the hare in the fable who, after challenging the tortoise, became so excited that he forgot he was in a race. Despite having the capacity to win, the hare lost due to his misplaced focus.
The objective world is a reflection of our subjective world. The sudden, simultaneous sounds made by the Kaurava army were tumultuous rather than harmonious, indicating their lack of focus on their own resources. Their excitement was a distraction. While it is essential to be aware of others and their arrangements, one must not become fixated on them. Gathering information about the external world is necessary, but it is equally important to remain conscious and focused on one’s own resources and planning.
Another reason for the Kaurava army’s excitement was the opportunity to showcase their bravery, talent, and weaponry. Each member of the Kaurava team was eager for individual recognition and victory. In scientific experiments, expected results are considered resources. Similarly, victory should be viewed as a resource, allowing one to connect with their subjectivity. Embracing victory as a circumstance provided by the universe brings new challenges and assignments. Instead of getting excited, one should focus on the present moment and consider how to contribute meaningfully. This approach fosters a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
Humans possess infinite capacities but are often unaware of them. Tremendous treasures lie within the unconscious, obscured by a lifelong focus on the external world. From childhood, we are trained to look outside, gradually forgetting how to look within. Connecting with one’s subjectivity marks the beginning of inward exploration. This connection does not imply rejecting the external world but rather enriching one’s perception of it through inner awareness. When one looks inward, the external world transforms, revealing its divine essence. Understanding God within oneself is the first step to recognising the divine in the external world.
Regarding the lack of teamwork, Duryodhana viewed his team as special but not unique. He proclaimed their strength, victorious members, and sophisticated weapons, which excited the team. However, this excitement was rooted in individual capacity rather than collective strength. By emphasising individual specialness, Duryodhana inadvertently created divisions within the team. Each member felt extraordinary, leading to a lack of unity.
A special person thrives on comparison, believing they are extraordinary, while a unique person understands their inherent uniqueness without comparison. A unique person feels connected to everyone, recognising that everything in existence is incomplete and imperfect.
Consider the difference between a solo performance and a concert. Even if the musicians are the same, a solo performance differs significantly from a concert. In Duryodhana’s team, each member excelled individually, but there was no sense of teamwork. The lack of concern for collective success hindered their ability to fight as a cohesive unit. Their excitement and pride in individual expertise led to a chaotic and tumultuous sound when they played their instruments together, signalling a lack of teamwork.
Even experienced individuals like Bhīṣma or Dronacharya could not address the lack of teamwork within Duryodhana’s team. Before the war began, their spirit was already diminished. For Duryodhana, his will took precedence over collective harmony and effective teamwork.
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