In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna explaining an important point as to how we should treat “Sukham”, “Dukham”, Success and Failure equally with balance. If we succeed in something with flying colours, we should refrain from vociferously celebrating it, and at the same time, if we encounter failure, we should refrain from sitting in a corner and continuously brooding over it. We should take both on the same plane, and this is what Bhagawan Krishna is advising to Arjuna as well. In this context, we’ve seen that Arjuna had asked Bhagawan that what would happen if he loses the war against the Kaurava army, for which, Bhagawan Krishna explains that if such a situation happens, he would get “Veera-Svargam” wherein he would be able to enjoy the experience of the luxurious “Svarga Lokha” for all the “Punya Karma” that he has done till now. However, if he wins the war, he would be able to enjoy the luxuries of the kingdom of Hastinapura and thereby get an opportunity to execute the duties of the kingdom along the path of “Dharma”. Hence, in both ways, Arjuna is only going to experience satisfaction, because he would be following the path of “Dharma” to fight the war.
Now this is the difference which Bhagawan stresses upon again and again – Fighting the war might be a mere bad action that might cause harm to thousands of people. However, if the fight is for the cause of “Dharma” and if it is taking place by obeying Bhagawan’s words, it becomes part of “Punya Karma”. However, if the same war is fought by Arjuna because of his anger and ego towards Duryodhana, it wouldn’t be counted as “Punya Karma” and “Dharma”. This is the subtle difference in approach towards our actions that we’ve to understand clearly. If we approach our “Karma” (Duties in this context) with a mindset that Bhagawan has asked us to perform, it becomes “Dharma” and whatever result arises out of it, would not bother us really. Even if we encounter failure towards the end, we would automatically be able to develop that mindset that perhaps Bhagawan wanted us to undergo this failure for some major reason, which we might not be able to understand.
For instance, if we are preparing well to clear an interview for a job which is something that we dream about for many months / years – We would obviously put in a lot of effort to prepare for the interview and associated processes, wouldn’t we? If we make our preparations keeping Bhagawan in mind and assuming that Bhagawan is guiding us in whatever effort we make, success or failure that come as a result, will not bother us really. Especially if there’s a failure and if we do not get short-listed for the subsequent rounds, we would be able to develop a mindset thus, “It’s okay! Perhaps Bhagawan did not want us to enter into this company at this time. Maybe the time isn’t good for us to do this. Bhagawan knows when to give what! Hence, let us wait for the right time and right opportunity and keep praying to Bhagawan!” Now, when will this mindset come? It will come only when we’re surrendering all our actions to Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet, isn’t it? Hence, if we’re surrendering our actions to Bhagawan, won’t we be able to view both success and failure equally?
Now this is the second step here which Bhagawan is going to explain. I’m just giving a prelude on this today, and in the subsequent episodes, we shall witness the shlokas and Bhagawan’s explanation on this. However, for now, we should understand that the first step is to try and view success and failure on the same plane. But how do we do this? How do we develop that mindset to view success and failure equally in life? The only way through which we can achieve this step is to completely surrender all our actions to Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet. If we’re able to do so, we would be able to have a balanced outlook towards everything in life. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall take this discussion forward at a more in-depth level! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 