In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna continuing His detailed accord on who are “Raakshasas” and what are their characteristics. Bhagawan clearly explains that the Raakshasas have an “I” attitude that is prevalent widely in all of them. Raakshasas have a mindset that the entire world belongs to them and it is only because of them that the world is functioning. Moreover, the Raakshasas are completely selfish in nature and if anybody talks / acts against them, they would be destroyed. Hence, Bhagawan cautions Arjuna and of course, all of us that we should not get into such a trap ever in our lives. We should be focused on Bhagawan and should always remember that Bhagawan is the one who is behind all our accomplishments, happiness and sorrows also. If we have this attitude, we would be able to maintain the balance in our mind. This accord is a huge eye-opener for all of us as well. So when Bhagawan talks about the “Raakshasas”, He is also talking about people like us who have all the above-mentioned characteristics too. Hence, it is a subtle warning that Bhagawan gives to all of us and we should be smart enough to act according to what Bhagawan wants us to do.
Moving on further thus, Bhagawan says – “Oh Arjuna! Those people who are deemed to be “Raakshasas”, or, who possess these characteristics of “Raakshasas” are certainly bound to reach the “Naraka Lokha” wherein they would be made to pay for all their misdeeds and wrongdoings! The “Naraka Lokha” is one of the most treacherous “Lokhas” that one could ever reach. Hence, it is better to follow whatever I say in this world, so as to atleast avoid the “Naraka Lokha”!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Arjuna starts having tears in his eyes! He is now profusely crying! Upon seeing this, Bhagawan Krishna becomes slightly puzzled now! Why is Arjuna crying at this point when the Bhagawad Gita is almost going to get over? It is to be remembered by readers that Arjuna wept profusely in the beginning of the Bhagawad Gita when Bhagawan Krishna wantedly parked the chariot in front of Bhishmachaarya and his Guru Dhronachaarya. At that time, Bhagawan had to really convince and pacify Arjuna and thus, the fifteen “Adhyaayas” of the Bhagawad Gita were born. Now as Arjuna is crying once again, Bhagawan Krishna is scared whether He has to come up with fifteen more “Adhyaayas” of the Gita! 🙂
Upon seeing Arjuna weeping, Bhagawan comforts him and asks the reason for his sudden change in demeanour. Arjuna replies thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Upon listening to all that you said till now about the “Devas” and the “Raakshasas”, I’m scared as to which category you will put me into! Of course, I have enormous characteristics that a “Raakshasa” would possess, but I’m not someone who is wanting to do something bad to someone! Maybe I might have ended up hurting people unconsciously, but will you consider those also as characteristics of a “Raakshasa” and brand me within that category?”
Sensing Arjuna’s fear, Bhagawan Krishna laughs out loudly! He comforts Arjuna once again and replies thus, “Oh my dear Arjuna! Please do not worry! I’ll always categorize you under the “Devas” only. I know about you and we’ve been together for so many years now, isn’t it?” As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna heaves a huge sigh of relief firstly! Catching his breath once again, Arjuna asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! How do you know that I’m part of the “Devas” category? How do you decide this?” For this, Bhagawan replies thus, “Oh Arjuna! It’s very simple – For the past few hours we’ve been discussing so many things, aren’t we? I’m continuously keeping on saying that I’m the supreme Lord of this world in many different ways. Not even once during these fifteen “Adhyaayas” did you raise your voice and protest against my words! Not even once did your ego rise up and you picked up a weapon to come and attack me! This itself shows that you are a down to earth person and it is because of this, you’re coming under the “Devas” only! If I would have told all this to someone like Duryodhana, imagine what would have been the reaction from him! He would have definitely come and attacked me the next moment! This itself shows the difference between you and him! Oh Arjuna! Please ensure that you follow all the aspects of the “Shaastras” verbatim! At any point in time, do not try to overdo something against the “Shaastras’ instructions. If you do so, you’ll have to keep taking multiple births in this world again and again and you will be unable to come out of this cycle of birth and death!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna clarifies Arjuna’s important doubt of whether he falls under the “Devas” or the “Raakshasas” category. With this clarification that Bhagawan has given, we ourselves can do a self-introspection to find out which category we would be under! So for today, let us do this introspection within ourselves and let us wait till the next episode to continue this further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 