Be Spontaneous – In Gita Verse 1.23 Let me see those who have come here to fight, wishing to please the evil-minded son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.
Arjuna’s request to position his chariot strategically to observe the warriors gathered to support the misguided Duryodhana marks a pivotal moment. Recognising that this conflict extends beyond a simple familial dispute, Arjuna understands it to be a complex confrontation involving multiple parties, each with their own motivations and strategies. The challenge of engaging in a war devoid of enmity further complicates the situation, requiring Arjuna to navigate a battlefield where traditional animosities are absent but strategic intricacies abound.
Duryodhana has granted his allies the freedom to pursue their personal vendettas, necessitating constant adaptation and strategic planning from Arjuna and his team. In this chaotic environment, self-consciousness, self-alertness, and watching become indispensable. These qualities pave the way for spontaneity, which is essential for generating the impromptu responses required to navigate the uncertainties of battle. Arjuna’s ability to remain vigilant and responsive is critical in addressing the ever-changing dynamics of the conflict, ensuring that he and his allies can effectively counter the unpredictable challenges they face.
The concept of spontaneity in the context of war raises an intriguing question: Is spontaneity compatible with vigilant observation? According to Buddha, the journey begins with stillness and observation. Learning to remain silent and undisturbed is the first step. Once this state of calm is achieved, action naturally follows. The grass grows by itself, symbolising that action continues even in the absence of a conscious doer. When the ego, which is tied to past experiences and knowledge, is set aside, actions become spontaneous and unencumbered.
Action does not disappear; the grass grows by itself. The Buddha does not become inactive; great action happens through him, although there is no doer anymore. The doer disappears, but the doing continues. When there is no doer, the doing is spontaneous; it cannot be otherwise. It is the presence of the doer that inhibits spontaneity. By relinquishing the ego and its attachment to past experiences and knowledge, one allows actions to flow naturally and effortlessly.
In this state of being, watching and spontaneity are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. The initial stillness and observation foster an environment where spontaneous action can flourish. Thus, in the context of war or any other endeavour, true spontaneity arises from a foundation of calm and watchful awareness, free from the constraints of ego-driven intentions.
The ego, representing the accumulation of past experiences, often hinders spontaneity. Actions driven by the ego are reactions based on past conclusions rather than genuine responses to the present moment. This reliance on past knowledge can obscure one’s perception of the present, leading to mechanical and blind actions. In contrast, a state of awareness allows for true responsiveness, where actions are informed by the present situation rather than past conditioning.
Duryodhana’s decision to allow individual combat among his allies creates a scenario where the Pandavas must adopt a non-doer mindset to effectively counter their opponents. A knowledgeable person, functioning purely from accumulated knowledge, may become blind to the realities of the present moment. True awareness, however, involves quiet observation and responding to the situation as it unfolds.
A person of awareness acts out of consciousness, akin to a mirror reflecting reality accurately and moment by moment. Unlike a photo plate that captures a static image, a mirror continuously reflects the ever-changing reality. This metaphor underscores the importance of living in the present and responding to life’s dynamics authentically.
Buddha’s teachings emphasise the transformation of consciousness into a mirror through silence and observation. This clarity allows for spontaneous and authentic living. Arjuna’s desire to observe the warriors is not driven by anxiety but by a need for vigilance. He seeks to ensure that he has not overlooked any aspect of the situation. His actions stem from a state of non-doership, where his body becomes a vehicle for the universe’s will, embodying spontaneity.
Arjuna’s request to survey the battlefield reflects a deeper understanding of the complexities of war and the necessity for constant watchfulness and adaptability. By embracing a state of awareness and setting aside the ego, one can achieve spontaneous and authentic actions. This approach, as taught by Buddha, emphasises the importance of living in the present and responding to life’s ever-changing circumstances with clarity and vision. Arjuna’s actions exemplify this principle, demonstrating that true spontaneity arises from a deep connection with the present moment and a state of non-doership.
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