Kurukshetra War Story – Chapter 5: Essence of Bhagavad Gita

Essence of the Bhagavad Gita

Arjuna's despair, who was eager for war until yesterday, was filled with disappointment and delusion today. The Gandiva was slipping from his hands, and his eyes were filled with tears. Shri Krishna, who was both his charioteer and friend, sensed this delicate situation. He decided to show Arjuna the light of knowledge that could illuminate his path.

Dispelling Delusion

Silence had fallen over the battlefield of Kurukshetra, with only the faint clinking of the warriors' weapons audible. Arjuna, seated in his chariot, trembled at the thought of killing his gurus and relatives. His mind was restless, and pain was clearly visible on his face. Shri Krishna asked in a calm voice, "Arjuna, what kind of cowardice is this that is troubling you on this battlefield? This is neither a path to heaven nor to glory."

Arjuna said in despair, "O Krishna, how can I shoot arrows at my kinsmen, my gurus? How can I slay revered figures like Grandfather Bhishma and Dronacharya? I do not want victory, I do not want the happiness of the kingdom, if its price is the slaughter of my own people. I do not want to fight this war."

The Teaching of Karma Yoga

Shri Krishna explained the essence of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. He said, "Arjuna, you are mistaking the body for the soul, hence you are caught in delusion. The soul is immortal, indestructible. It is born and then, like old clothes, it sheds the body and takes on a new one. Therefore, do not grieve. Your duty is to fight, and you must fulfill your duty. Act without worrying about the fruits. Karma Yoga is the best path." Shri Krishna imparted the divine knowledge of "Karmanye vadhikaraste Ma phaleshu kadachana" (You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions). He explained that man has the right only to act, the fruit is not in his hands. The fruit comes by the will of God. By acting with detachment, man can attain liberation. Shri Krishna said that everyone should act according to their nature, and this is their dharma.

There was an amazing power in Shri Krishna's voice. The doubts arising in Arjuna's mind gradually began to disappear. He began to understand what his duty was, and with what attitude he should act. Just as darkness is dispelled by sunlight, so was Arjuna's delusion dispelled by Shri Krishna's knowledge. By Shri Krishna's grace, he began to understand his duty and became ready for war.

Dispelling Arjuna's Doubts

Shri Krishna explained to Arjuna that the war is not just physical, but also spiritual. It is a war between righteousness and unrighteousness. He said, "Arjuna, fight the impurities of your mind, conquer your ego, anger, and greed. This is the true war. And in this war, you must side with dharma." Shri Krishna showed Arjuna his cosmic form, through which Arjuna realized that this world is a manifestation of God. Now Arjuna's heart became calm and steady. He picked up his Gandiva and prepared for battle. In the next chapter, the land of Kurukshetra will echo with the war cries of the warriors, and the battle will begin for the establishment of dharma.