14/03/2009

Why War Begins!!!

The major reason for war or conflict is I believe jealousy.Conflicts and misunderstandings are a regular feature with all of us for sure.If we just sat quiet to think about the causes we would all find out that the major reason in most instances is jealousy in one form or the other.
Sage Vyasa has given this message and it is for sure relevant to all times.He illustrates this with a beautiful story:
The palace of Indraprastha was constructed by Pandavas with such an opulence so as to excite the human senses (indriyas). The architect of demons, Maya built this palace as a ‘bribe’ to Pandavas in gratitude of saving his life from the forest fire of Khandawa. The palace was built to make others mesmerized and jealous, surpassing the basic needs of a palace, a place to live.
Duryodhana came to visit this palace as an invited guest. Confused by the illusion and appearance of water on the palace floor, Duryodhana fell down flat, exposing parts of his body. At this the lady of the house, Panchali (Draupadi) instead of helping Duryodhana to get up, she laughed at him seeing his misplaced robes and partial nudity.
This moment is the seed of Mahabharatha war. Duryodhana was so angry and insulted ath this,that he decided in his mind to ridicule Panchali by disrobing her in public. It is this decision that evolved into the great war of Mahabharatha.
More often than not, we build our houses, celebrate festivals and wear special clothes all with the aim to amaze others and in the process make them jealous. The celebration of our weddings and birthday parties are all full of pomp and show just as Pandavas had their Rajasuyam. Ultimate result of such celebrations is jealousy and animosity.
Baghavad Gita has brought this out to us with such beauty and simplicity,if only all of us took a few minutes everyday to read and assimilate what has been said in the Gita we would all have such valuable and wonderful lessons for life.
Any book is usually written with the intention of imparting knowledge,once that is achieved then the book is put aside and is not of use any more. But the Baghvad Gita should not be approached with similar attitude.
Bhagavad Gita is the comprehensive summary of all scriptures, giving out the essence of 'knowledge' that is worth knowing. Gita can be imagined as a milking cow born out of all Upanishads put together. Krishna is milking the cow and Arjuna is the calf. Arjuna keeps on asking questions so that Krishna is able to milk the nectar of Gita, just as the calf would hit the mother cow’s udder to get the milk to flow. There will always be people of noble nature all over the world who will cherish the nectar of Gita just as there will be bumble bees around the Lotus flower attracted by its honey.
By properly learning Gita, a society that respects higher values can be created.
Let us resolve to read at least one shloka from the Gita everyday and develop introspection within our minds to recognise the righteous and unrighteous thoughts.

Jai Guru Dev!!!


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