Compassion – In Gita Verse 2.10 O descendant of Bharata, at that time Kṛṣṇa, smiling, in the midst of both the armies, spoke the following words to the grief-stricken Arjuna
In this verse, Krishna addresses Arjuna as a descendant of Bharata, smiling amidst the two armies. This smile is not one of mockery but a gesture of understanding and compassion. Krishna recognises the turmoil within Arjuna, who, despite his training and lineage, finds himself paralysed by grief and indecision.
Krishna’s laughter, as articulated by Sanjay, serves a profound and insightful purpose. It is not intended to belittle Arjuna’s sorrow but rather to underscore the inherent contradiction in his resolve. Arjuna, enveloped in grief, proclaims with unwavering certainty that he will not engage in battle. However, this declaration emerges from a fragmented and conflicted state of mind. Krishna, with his discerning perception, recognises this internal dissonance. His smile is a response to the self-deception that Arjuna is experiencing, a gentle acknowledgment of the disparity between Arjuna’s outward assertions and his inner turmoil. This subtle yet powerful gesture serves as a reminder that our outward expressions of certainty often conceal deep-seated uncertainties and internal conflicts.
The duality within Arjuna is starkly evident – his verbal statements and intended actions are misaligned, mirroring the inner chaos that clouds his judgement. Krishna’s laughter, therefore, is both timely and appropriate, illuminating the incongruity between Arjuna’s external declarations and his internal state. It acts as a compassionate yet incisive prompt towards self-awareness, encouraging Arjuna to confront and reconcile these contradictions. This moment of levity from Krishna is not mere mockery but a strategic and empathetic effort to awaken Arjuna to his own inner schisms, thereby guiding him towards a path of clarity and self-realisation.
Krishna’s approach is deeply rooted in compassion towards Arjuna. His smile subtly communicates an understanding that the grief-stricken Arjuna is not the warrior he once was; he has momentarily lost sight of his true self. Krishna’s compassion is evident as he refrains from offering immediate solutions or directives. Instead, he provides Arjuna with an opportunity to awaken to his own consciousness, to rediscover his strength and purpose from within. Krishna’s smile whispers that he knows Arjuna has forgotten who he is, but rather than telling him what to do, he gives him a wake-up call. This allows Arjuna to regain his consciousness and, from his own freedom, choose his path forward.
To illustrate this point, consider the poignant story of Kissa Gautami. Her narrative powerfully demonstrates how profound realisations can arise from intense grief and despair. Devastated by the loss of her only son and husband, Kissa Gautami sought a miracle from Buddha to bring her child back to life.
Buddha, known for his wisdom and compassion, instructed her to gather mustard seeds from a household where no one had ever died. Desperate and hopeful, Kissa Gautami embarked on her quest, knocking on countless doors. Each household could provide mustard seeds, but none met the condition, as death had touched every home.
Gradually, Kissa Gautami realised the universality of death and the inevitability of loss. This journey transformed her understanding from personal grief to a broader comprehension of life’s impermanence. By the time she returned to Buddha, she had come to terms with the natural cycle of life and death and sought spiritual initiation instead.
Recognising her transformation, Buddha guided her towards spiritual enlightenment. This story shows that true understanding and growth often emerge from our deepest sorrows. Kissa Gautami’s journey underscores the importance of confronting and embracing life’s realities, leading to a more profound and enlightened existence.
Similarly, Krishna’s smile invites Arjuna to transcend his immediate sorrow and see the larger picture, rising above the dualities that cloud his mind. Krishna’s compassion lies in giving Arjuna the space to come to this realisation on his own, fostering a deeper understanding.
Both Krishna’s smile and Buddha’s wisdom guide individuals towards self-awareness and spiritual growth. They remind us that compassion, coupled with gentle guidance, can lead to profound personal transformation and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
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