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Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION: ARJUNA'S DESPONDENCY
3. The Purpose Of The Gita: To Dispel Anti-Swadharma[1] Delusion
11. Arjuna was not only speaking the language of non-violence, he was also talking of sannyasa (renunciation of the world). He was saying that sannyasa was preferable to the blood-stained kshatradharma (duty of the Kshatriya). But was this his swadharma? Was this in keeping with his nature? He could easily have donned the garb of a recluse, but how could he have acquired the mentality of a recluse? Had he gone to the forest to live the life of a recluse he would have started killing the deer there. The Lord tells him plainly, “O Arjuna! You are saying that you would not fight. This is an illusion. Your nature, which has been formed through all these years, will compel you to fight.” Arjuna is finding his swadharma devoid of merit. But even if it is so perceived, one has to find fulfillment through its practice only. There can be no pride attached to any particular swadharma. This is the maxim of development. Swadharma is not something that is to be adopted because it is perceived to be great or noble; nor is it to be cast off because it appears base. Swadharma is neither great nor small; it is equal to our measure. It is that which fits us the best. श्रेयान् स्वधर्मो विगुण: (‘One’s own dharma, even if it is devoid of merit is the best for oneself.’),[2] the Gita says. The word dharma here does not mean a religion like Hinduism, Islam or Christianity. Every individual, in fact, has his own distinct dharma. Two hundred individuals sitting in front of me here have two hundred different dharmas. Even my own dharma today is not what it was ten years ago, and it will not be the same in ten years’ time. As one’s mind grows and develops through reflection and experience, the old dharma gets shed and one acquires new dharma. One should not do anything in this matter obstinately. 12. It is not good for me to adopt another’s dharma, however superior it may appear to be. I like sunlight. It helps my growth. I worship the sun. But my rightful place is here on this earth. If I leave the earth and try to get close to the sun, I would be burnt to ashes. Compared to the sun, the earth may appear worthless; it may not be self-luminous, still I should strive for self-development by staying on the earth, which is my rightful place, so long as I lack the capacity to stand the sun’s powerful blaze. If someone w“Milk is more luxurious than water. Come and swim in the mIt can survive in water only; in milk it will die. |
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