In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very important accord from Arjuna, highlighting the importance of “punishments” as a Kshatrya ruler. Only if there are strict punishments and codes of law, “Dharma” will sustain. By saying so, Arjuna emphasizes that Yudishtra had done the right thing by punishing all the wrongdoers of the Hastinapura kingdom, and there’s nothing for him to regret or brood over it. War at Kurukshetra was inevitable and it had to be fought. Now, there is no point in regretting, and by fighting the war, Yudishtra has indeed established “Dharma” in the kingdom. It is a good thing that has happened. Arjuna’s point throws light on the current scenario as well – We’re witnessing today as to how punishments and strict moral and ethical codes of conduct are being enforced in several countries and organizations, as a result of which, they are thriving well. Whereas, on the other side, countries where law enforcement is poor, are facing huge stumbling blocks for growth and development. It is not just that – Even basic safety of people in such poor law enforcing countries is under question.
Saying thus, Arjuna is highlighting how fear is important for people to walk the path of “Dharma”. He emphasizes the point of fear in such a way that it should be there to bring people to the right track, but not to be used as a weapon to threaten anybody beyond that. Moving forward thus, Arjuna gives the next pointer to Yudishtra for thinking. He says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’re saying that you’re renouncing everything and go to the forest to perform penance. However, haven’t you seen in your lifetime that several people in the past who had gone to the forest, were entangled and embroiled with some desires there also and losing focus? For instance, Sage Vishwamitra had the same problem. He went to the forest to perform penance, by renouncing his kingdom and everything. But do you think he was successful straightaway? He had to meet a woman in the forest and his desires towards her completely changed his life. He had to bear a family and through that, his focus was lost! This, he could have done very well by being in his kingdom, isn’t it? Similarly, there are several examples like this, wherein even people with high “Vairagya” (Will power) are being pushed down because of such inducements of desires. Hence, walking the path of “Tapas” is not as easy as you think. You’re saying that the forest is beautiful with lush green trees, fruits, flowers, water, etc. Here itself, it shows that you’ve already been carried away! Indra plays this role beautifully here – If one is getting engrossed into the “Tapas”, his primary job is to send an “Apsaras” woman (Celestial woman) from his Indra-Lokha to disturb that person’s penance by inducing desire towards her. This woman will also wantedly roam around the person who is doing “Tapas” and would disturb him. Falling for this woman, the person will indulge in unwanted activities and with this, all his “Tapo-Balam” is gone for a toss! Hence, Oh Yudishtra! If you’ve to walk this path, it is extremely hard and not as easy as you think it is. You’ve to have extremely high “Vairagya” not to fall into any such traps. Moreover, in the forest, as it is very lonely and nobody is around to see, your desires will start peaking when something like this happens. You will not be able to control yourself. Hence, it is better not to walk that dangerous path and get into a family life again. Rather, it is better to be in the kingdom itself, perform your duties as per the “Kshatrya Dharma” and lead a life dedicated to the people of our kingdom!”
This is yet another important point being stressed upon by Arjuna, which is relevant in today’s scenario as well. Many of us might start off with our spiritual pursuits very nicely on Day One, but as subsequent days progress, we will slowly deviate from it and get trapped into several worldly affairs! It is not easy to sustain a highly spiritual journey, devoid of any desires or anger. This is why, even Bhagawan Krishna emphasizes more on the “Karma Yoga” rather than the “Gnyaana Yoga”. Arjuna too had the same quest during the start of the war. We’ve seen how Arjuna saw an opportunity everytime to run away from the battlefield and go to the forest to perform penance. It was Bhagawan Krishna who pulled him back with a great effort! Here, in the Bhagawad Gita, Bhagawan Krishna Himself explains how “Karma Yoga” is the best way to attain “Moksha”, rather than the “Gnyaana Yoga”, which indicates the practice of going to the forest and performing penance. Only a very few people in this world (maybe a handful) have been successful in such a pursuit (“Gnyaana Yoga”). A vast majority of normal people find success only through the “Karma Yoga”. It is difficult to have such a high “Vairaagya” (Will power) to persist through “Tapas” and hence, Arjuna warns Yudishtra against taking that treacherous path.
So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 