When One Allows Their Emotions To Run Wild Rationality Is Destroyed
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Arjuna Vishada Yogam: Chapter 1: Verse 29
वेपथुश्च शरीरे मे रोमहर्षश्च जायते || 29||
गाण्डीवं स्रंसते हस्तात्त्वक्चै व परिदह्यते |
vepathuśh cha śharīre me roma-harṣhaśh cha jāyate|| 29||
gāṇḍīvaṁ sraṁsate hastāt tvak chaiva paridahyate
Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 1- Ver. 29: My entire body trembles, and my hair is on end. My flesh is burning all over, and my bow, the Gandiva, is slipping from my grasp.
Explanation
On this occasion, Arjuna referred to Shree Krishna as Keshava, the slayer of the monster Keshi. However, Arjuna was so troubled by the idea of killing his family members that his body began to quiver. Even holding his magnificent bow Gāṇḍīva, which was capable of producing noises that could paralyze even the mightiest foes, he was powerless to do anything.
There are two types of body trembling and two types of hair standing on end. Such occurrences either take place under conditions of extreme spiritual ecstasy or great material terror. Absolute realization lacks fear. The material factor is the cause of Arjuna’s symptoms in this circumstance. Additionally, he became so impatient that his acclaimed bow Gandiva started to slip from his hands, and because of the burning sensation his skin was experiencing due to his internal heartburn. These are all results of a materialistic view of life.
Reflection
Wisdom is lost when one’s emotions are allowed to run wild. This is what Arjuna was alluding to in this verse when he said that’s when one starts discussing or thinking about irrational things like superstition.
On the surface, Arjuna’s second sentence in this verse appears to be an expression of compassion for his family. Fear was the real underlying feeling that sparked the panic attack. Arjuna was used to triumphing in every battle he engaged in.
His ego felt seriously threatened when he observed the quality of the Kaurava army’s warriors, fearing that perhaps this time it might not prevail. Here, we can see that Arjuna’s ego was attempting to divert this anxiety by mistaking the genuine feeling of fear for compassion.
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 verses, also we will know what statements Arjuna makes after starting to lose control over his body and mind.
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