Attachment Suppresses Viveka

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Arjuna Vishada Yogam: Chapter 1: Verse 38 and 39

यद्यप्येते न पश्यन्ति लोभोपहतचेतस: |

कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं मित्रद्रोहे च पातकम् || 38||

कथं न ज्ञेयमस्माभि: पापादस्मान्निवर्तितुम् |

कुलक्षयकृतं दोषं प्रपश्यद्भिर्जनार्दन || 39||

yady apy ete na paśhyanti lobhopahata-chetasaḥ

kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ mitra-drohe cha pātakam

kathaṁ na jñeyam asmābhiḥ pāpād asmān nivartitum

kula-kṣhaya-kṛitaṁ doṣhaṁ prapaśhyadbhir janārdana

Shloka Translation

BG – Ch. 1- Ver. 38 and 39: Greed has taken over their minds, and they see no harm in killing their relatives or betraying their friends. But, O Janardhana (Krishna), why should we, who can clearly recognize the wrongdoing in killing our relatives, not refrain from it?

Explanation

Arjuna was known as a fighter, but because of his moral character, he preferred to avoid conflict wherever possible. A Kshatriya is not supposed to decline an invitation to fight or gamble from a rival group. As a result of this responsibility, Arjuna was compelled to engage in combat after being challenged by Duryodhana’s party.

Arjuna speculated that the other party might not be aware of the consequences of such a challenge in this context. Arjuna, however, was unable to accept the challenge since he could see the negative effects.

When an obligation has a positive outcome, it is binding; nevertheless, when it has a negative outcome, no one can be bound. Arjuna made the decision not to engage in combat after weighing all of these advantages and disadvantages.

 Verse & What we can learn

The human tendency to criticize others when the critic is truly the pointer is reflected in Arjuna. Joy is one thing that both Lobha and Moha seem to produce. However, the pleasure one feels in both cases is short and temporary. Additionally, people tend to hold onto what they have because they feel a sense of grief over losing what they have gained.

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, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There is 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, we will see Arjuna pointing out the so-called negative consequences of war and killing.

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