Intrinsic Individuality – In Gita Verse 18.59 If you do not act according to My direction and do not fight, then you will be falsely directed. By your nature, you will have to be engaged in warfare.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.59, Krishna imparts a profound lesson to Arjuna, emphasising the importance of aligning actions with one’s intrinsic nature. He asserts that if Arjuna, driven by ego, resolves not to fight, such determination is misguided. This directive underscores that human beliefs, often influenced by ego, can be deceptive. Arjuna did not choose his birth, life, or death; these were determined by a higher cosmic play. He is a part of the vast, divine orchestration, much like a wave in an ocean. Therefore, any belief rooted in ego is inherently false.
Krishna’s message to Arjuna is clear: relying on ego and deciding not to fight is not only false but also contrary to Arjuna’s true nature. The essence of the discourse is not about the act of fighting per se, but about recognising and embracing one’s true self. Arjuna, as a Kshatriya (warrior class), is naturally inclined towards warfare. His upbringing, values, and emotions are all aligned with the duties of a warrior. To deny this inherent nature would be to deny his very existence and purpose.
Krishna emphasises that Arjuna’s determination to abstain from battle is fallacious because his nature as a Kshatriya will inevitably compel him to engage in warfare. Every aspect of Arjuna’s being is designed for combat. His skills, training, and instincts are all honed for battle. Even if he were to flee, he would find himself in situations where his warrior instincts would take over. For instance, if Arjuna were to renounce his duties and retreat to meditate, the sight of a lion would instinctively make him reach for his bow, Gandiva, forgetting his vow of renunciation.
Krishna’s argument is that Arjuna’s entire being is prepared for war. His physical, mental, and emotional faculties are all geared towards combat. Even if Arjuna were to seek peace, he would do so with the determination and fervour of a warrior. Thus, it is Arjuna’s destiny to fight, and to think otherwise is to be deluded by ego. Krishna’s counsel is a reminder that ego is the root of all false determinations.
Moreover, Krishna advises Arjuna to discover his true self, his intrinsic individuality, and to remain true to it. Arjuna is inherently a warrior, and to speak the language of renunciation is to deviate from his authentic self. If Arjuna were to adopt the lifestyle of a renunciate and encounter a lion in the forest, he would instinctively fight rather than pray. This reaction is a testament to his true nature as a Kshatriya. He is not a Brahmin (priestly class), Vaishya (merchant class), or Shudra (labour class); his fulfilment lies in adventure and combat.
Krishnass guidance is rooted in the understanding that Arjuna can only find true joy and fulfilment through acts of bravery and valour. To speak of renunciation and non-violence is to borrow a language that is not his own. Krishna urges Arjuna to be authentic, to embrace his true nature as a warrior, and not to imitate others. Authenticity, according to Krishna, is the highest virtue, and living a borrowed life is akin to living a horror.
Krishna’s use of the term ‘dharma’ refers to one’s individuality, not to any religious doctrine. In Indian philosophy, dharma represents the intrinsic nature of an individual. The varna system, which categorises individuals into Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, is based on this concept of individuality. These categories are broad and not exclusive, recognising the unique nature of each individual within a group.
For instance, a Shudra finds joy in work and service, not because he is inferior, but because that is his true nature. Misinterpretations of the varna system have led to social hierarchies, but originally, it was a recognition of individual differences and natural inclinations. Krishna’s message is that it is better to die true to one’s nature than to live a life of imitation, which is destructive and inauthentic.
Krishna advocates for an authentic life, where one lives true to one’s nature. Authenticity means being an individual, undivided and whole. Society often tries to impose conformity, enslaving individuals to follow the ego-driven desires of others. True freedom lies in resisting these pressures and remaining true to oneself.
In conclusion, Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita emphasise the importance of authenticity and self-discovery. By aligning with one’s true nature, individuals can lead a life of fulfilment and purpose. This lesson is not just for Arjuna but for all of humanity, urging us to look beyond ego and societal pressures to find and embrace our true selves.
Tags: Intrinsic Individuality
