Body Wisdom – In Gita Verse 1.30 I am now unable to stand here any longer. I am forgetting myself, and my mind is reeling. I see only causes of misfortune, O Kṛṣṇa, killer of the Keśī demon.
Arjuna’s limbs have become weak, and his mind has abandoned him. He has dropped his bow and appears so debilitated that he expresses, “I don’t even have the strength to sit on the chariot.” This scenario necessitates an understanding of a few critical aspects.
Firstly, the body is a mere reflection of our mind. Any significant internal occurrence within the mind is mirrored in every part of the body. Arjuna, who was robust moments ago, has suddenly become so weak that he struggles to remain seated on the chariot. It is not a physical illness, ageing, or sudden weakness that has befallen him. The primary change is in his mind, which has become weak, feeble, and fragmented. When the mind is divided into contradictory parts, the body immediately reflects this by becoming sick and weak. Conversely, a harmonious mind results in a healthy and undivided body. The dropping of his bow, the trembling of his limbs, and the standing of his hair are indicators that the body is merely a shadow of the mind.
This was not always the prevailing understanding. Historically, it was believed that the mind was merely a shadow of the body. Prominent thinkers such as Jupiter, Epicurus, Karl Marx, and Engels posited that consciousness was a by-product, a mere reflection of the body. This perspective was echoed by American psychologists James and Lange, who proposed the James-Lange Theory. They argued that bodily reactions precede and cause emotional experiences. For instance, they suggested that a person feels fear because they run, not the other way around. They contended that bodily actions, such as clenching fists or teeth, lead to emotions like anger.
Arjuna’s predicament is emblematic of human nature. He is engulfed in pain and does not wish to remain in his current state. He desires either to become like Duryodhana or to have someone explain that everything is as it should be, or to be elevated beyond his current state. His distress and sorrow stem from the turmoil in his mind, which has manifested in his body. In our lives, most disturbances originate from the mind and affect the body, yet we often focus on the body instead of addressing the mind.
If Krishna had adhered to contemporary scientific reasoning, he might have diagnosed Arjuna with a physical ailment or a hormonal deficiency, suggesting hospitalisation. However, Krishna chose to address Arjuna’s mind, recognising that the root of his weakness lay there. This approach highlights the importance of addressing mental and emotional states to achieve holistic well-being.
Arjuna’s state of mind is a reflection of a universal human experience, though not always as intense. Our crises are often less dramatic, allowing us to endure them. However, in moments of profound crisis, we too might seek to become whole and undivided.
Arjuna expresses that he is losing consciousness and his mind is reeling. He calls upon Krishna, the slayer of demons, to help him overcome his current state of unconsciousness, which he perceives as his demon. He does not wish to escape his unconsciousness but seeks Krishna’s support to remember himself. This plea for self-remembering is a call for Krishna to bring him back to awareness and light, recognising that he cannot overcome his unconsciousness alone.
Understanding body wisdom is crucial, as Arjuna’s physical symptoms alerted him to his unconscious state. The body is designed to operate efficiently and flawlessly; this is an art, it is not austerity. The body possesses ancient wisdom, having existed through various forms of life long before the mind. The mind, a recent development, is less wise and more prone to folly.
The body provides clear signals when it has reached its limits, whether in the context of eating or other activities. Disregarding these signals in favour of the mind’s desires can result in adverse consequences. While the mind’s function is to navigate the external environment, the body serves as the fundamental basis. Individuals who neglect their bodily cues and impair their senses may experience a prolonged disconnection from their subjective experiences compared to those who heed their bodily signals and act accordingly.
Listening to the body leads to simplicity and well-being, though it may not garner respect from others who value asceticism over sensuality. However, a sensual person is more alive and connected to the present moment. The body, with its accumulated wisdom, guides us to enjoy the grace and beatitude of life.
Human beings are a miraculous presence on this small planet, surrounded by a vast universe. Despite the enormity of the cosmos, life and consciousness appear to be unique to Earth. By following the body’s wisdom, as Arjuna did, we can reconnect with our subjectivity and achieve a harmonious state of being.
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