Ego the Root Cause of All Negative Qualities

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Arjuna Vishada Yogam: Chapter 1: Verse 27

तान्समीक्ष्य स कौन्तेय: सर्वान्बन्धूनवस्थितान् || 27||

कृपया परयाविष्टो विषीदन्निदमब्रवीत् |

tān samīkṣhya sa kaunteyaḥ sarvān bandhūn avasthitān

kṛipayā parayāviṣhṭo viṣhīdann idam abravīt|| 27||

 Shloka Translation

BG – Ch. 1- Ver. 27: Arjuna, Kunti’s son, was overcome with compassion and great sorrow when he saw all of his relatives present, and he spoke the following words with great sadness.

Explanation

The intended impact of Shree Krishna’s remarks on Arjuna was achieved. His heart fell as he observed the army on both sides of the battleground; they were all “Kurus,” his relatives. A few minutes prior, the valiant warrior who wished to exact revenge on the Kauravas for all of their crimes, suddenly experienced terror.

Knowing the destruction this conflict would bring, his bravery began to wane. As a result, Sanjaya referred to him as Kaunteya the son of Kunti, implying that Arjuna had developed a tender heart like his mother. However, Arjuna was now incredibly confused and had many thoughts on his mind.

Reflection 

A powerful ego can switch almost rapidly from one emotion to its exact opposite. Arjuna’s attitude quickly changed from bravery to cowardice when he observed the quality of the warriors in the opposing army. One’s emotional equilibrium is especially susceptible when the ego, rather than the rational mind, is in charge. It only required Shri Krishna to draw attention to Arjuna’s relatives in the army for him to lose his balance.

This verse also demonstrates how everyone is vulnerable to the ego’s effects. Arjuna was one of the best warriors on the earth and a dedicated, well-educated warrior. Even someone as tough as him rapidly lost control of his emotions.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, and meditation for stress, and each meditation’s benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the next verse, we will know what Arjuna speaks having overcome with sorrow.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…