External Validation – In Gita Verse 3.2 My intelligence is bewildered by Your equivocal instructions. Therefore, please tell me decisively which will be most beneficial for me.
Arjuna, in this verse, expresses his perplexity to Krishna, stating that his intelligence is bewildered by Krishna’s seemingly equivocal instructions. He seeks clarity, asking Krishna to decisively tell him what would be most beneficial for his welfare. This plea from Arjuna is indicative of a deeper human struggle: the quest for certainty and guidance amidst confusion.
Arjuna’s request for a clear and decisive answer highlights a common human tendency to seek external validation for our decisions. However, can someone else’s words truly provide the certainty we seek? No matter how confidently Krishna speaks, Arjuna’s internal confusion prevents him from embracing the certainty Krishna offers. This lack of alignment between Krishna’s assuredness and Arjuna’s wavering mind is akin to parallel railway tracks that run alongside each other but never meet.
Arjuna’s plea for certainty is a reflection of his inner turmoil. A confused mind will always find uncertainty, even in the most definitive statements. Conversely, a determined mind can find certainty even in ambiguous situations. This principle underscores the importance of one’s internal state in interpreting external guidance. We often project our inner confusion onto the world, extracting uncertainty from even the most certain statements.
The anecdote of Socrates’ calm demeanour in the face of death illustrates this point. Socrates finds certainty in both possible outcomes of his death: if the soul perishes, there is nothing to worry about, and if the soul survives, there is still no reason to worry. This unwavering certainty, even in the face of death, contrasts sharply with Arjuna’s wavering mind. Socrates’ example shows that certainty comes from within, not from external validation.
Krishna’s teachings, including the philosophy of Sankhya, are presented with utmost certainty. He asserts that self-knowledge is paramount and that understanding oneself is sufficient. Yet, Arjuna’s mind remains restless, seeking definitive answers to quell his uncertainty. This indicates that the root of the problem lies not in the teachings but in Arjuna’s unsettled mind.
Arjuna’s struggle is emblematic of the human condition. Our minds, like Arjuna’s, are often in a state of flux, unable to make firm decisions. Even when actions are taken, the mind remains uncertain, constantly questioning and doubting. This perpetual state of uncertainty is a hallmark of the human experience.
The mind, symbolised by Arjuna, is inherently wavering. It seeks certainty from external sources, be it temples, gurus, or scriptures. However, true certainty cannot be found externally. An unsettled mind will always find reasons to doubt, while a settled mind finds certainty within. The basis of certainty is the state of the mind, not external words or principles.
Arjuna’s interaction with Krishna underscores this point. Despite Krishna’s unwavering determination, Arjuna continues to seek external validation for his decisions. This highlights a fundamental truth: those who seek certainty from others often lack it within themselves.
Arjuna’s use of the word “intelligence” in this verse is an attempt to mask his confusion. He uses impressive language to hide his ignorance, hoping that Krishna might mistake it for wisdom. However, true wisdom cannot be misled, though the mind can be bewildered.
The distinction between the mind and wisdom is crucial. The mind constantly projects its own interpretations onto reality, distorting it to fit its preconceptions. It acts as a barrier against reality, filtering out most of it and allowing only a small, distorted portion to reach us. Wisdom, on the other hand, involves setting the mind aside and perceiving reality as it is.
The mind is shaped by societal conditioning, serving as society’s agent within us. It is not in our service but in service to societal norms and expectations. This conditioning creates various types of minds – Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, etc. – each with its own biases. However, reality is beyond these labels. True wisdom requires transcending these conditioned minds and observing reality without interference.
The practice of watchfulness, as taught by Buddha, is a path to wisdom. By observing our actions, thoughts, and sensations without judgement, we gradually free ourselves from societal conditioning. This watchfulness extends even to our sleep, where the ultimate goal is to remain conscious and aware.
Arjuna’s plea for decisive guidance from Krishna reflects a deeper human tendency to seek external validation amidst internal confusion. True certainty and wisdom, however, come from within. By cultivating a watchful and aware mind, we can transcend societal conditioning and perceive reality as it is. Arjuna’s journey, and our own, is a testament to the importance of inner clarity in navigating the complexities of life.
Tags: External Validation
