Wisdom V/S Mind – In Gita Verse 3.1 Arjuna said: O Janārdana, O Keśava, why do You want to engage me in this ghastly warfare, if You think that intelligence is better than fruitive work?
Arjuna addresses Krishna as Janardana and Keshava, questioning why he is being urged into the horrors of war if intelligence is deemed superior to action. This raises a fundamental inquiry: Is the essence of life discovered through action or knowledge? If through action, it implies that the truth is not inherent, but acquired through effort, and could be lost in inaction. However, the truth of life is not something to be gained through work; it is already present as the soul of our souls. What we have lost is not the truth itself but the awareness and harmony with it.
Krishna had previously spoken to Arjuna about Sankhya Yoga, emphasising that what is worth attaining has already been achieved and that liberation and joy in life depend on knowledge. Arjuna’s question arises from this teaching: If knowledge alone is sufficient for liberation, why must he engage in the dreadful act of war? This question challenges the Sankhya philosophy, which posits that truth is known through knowledge alone, without the need for action or effort.
The philosophical discourse can be divided into two streams: Sankhya and Yoga. Sankhya maintains that truth is known through knowledge, requiring no action or karma. In contrast, Yoga asserts that without action, nothing can be achieved. Yoga views ignorance as chains that must be cut through effort, while Sankhya sees ignorance as darkness dispelled by the light of knowledge.
Krishna has explained the supremacy of Sankhya to Arjuna, stating that knowledge is paramount. Arjuna’s question, however, reveals his reluctance to engage in war. He seeks a rationale to avoid action, using the argument that if knowledge is enough, he should abandon his duties and pursue knowledge alone. This reveals Arjuna’s fear and his attempt to justify inaction.
Arjuna’s emphasis is not on attaining knowledge but on escaping the responsibilities of war. He uses the philosophy of Sankhya as an excuse to avoid action, not out of a genuine desire for knowledge. This distinction is crucial for understanding Krishna’s subsequent teachings.
Arjuna’s reluctance to fight stems from his unconscious belief that war is unproductive and does not align with his wisdom. He perceives wisdom as something that should be applied to joyful and creative endeavours, not to the violence of war. This reflects a misunderstanding of the unity between subjective and objective realities, and between life and death.
In life, we often face situations where immediate actions do not seem pleasant but are necessary for long-term benefits, much like parents disciplining their children. The universe, too, expects us to act consciously in response to present demands. Arjuna, however, is currently in a state of unconsciousness, doubting whether his wisdom should be applied to war.
Arjuna’s choice of Krishna over the Narayani Sena reflects his inherent consciousness, albeit clouded by doubt. He questions whether using his wisdom for war will yield positive results, much like parents who appear strict but act out of compassion for their children’s future.
Undertaking such steps is a significant challenge that requires considerable courage. This involves putting one’s entire life’s learning and wisdom at stake. Courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it is the presence of fear accompanied by the willingness to confront it. The term ‘courage’ originates from the Latin word ‘cor,’ which means heart. To be courageous is to live from the heart, embracing uncertainty, love, and trust, and venturing into the unknown. The heart is inclined to take risks, in contrast to the more calculating and cautious nature of the mind.
Arjuna’s current state is one of being physically alive but spiritually dead. This reflects a common human experience where fear of the unknown leads to inaction. True courage involves responding to the demands of the present moment, even when it is daunting.
Consider a real-life scenario where you witness someone in distress and choose to help despite the danger. This act of courage brings a sense of fulfilment and aliveness, contrasting with the guilt and insensitivity felt when avoiding action. Arjuna must similarly overcome his mind’s excuses and follow his wisdom to act courageously in the present moment.
Arjuna’s dilemma highlights the tension between knowledge and action. Krishna’s teachings aim to guide Arjuna to understand that true wisdom involves acting in alignment with the present moment’s demands, embracing courage, and transcending the fear that hinders action. This understanding is essential for Arjuna to fulfil his dharma and realise the deeper truths of life.
Tags: Wisdom V/S Mind
