The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata, addresses the profound dilemma faced by the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Arjuna is conflicted about fighting in the war, as it would mean battling his own relatives, beloved friends, and revered teachers. The Bhagavad Gita presents a dialogue between Arjuna and his charioteer, Lord Krishna, who offers spiritual and practical guidance to help Arjuna resolve his inner conflict.
Here are the key points from the Bhagavad Gita that address
the question, "How can I fight those I love?":
1. Duty and Dharma (Righteousness)
Krishna reminds Arjuna of his duty (dharma) as a Kshatriya
(warrior caste). The primary duty of a Kshatriya is to uphold righteousness and
protect society. By abandoning the battlefield, Arjuna would be neglecting his
dharma and allowing adharma (unrighteousness) to prevail.
2. The Eternal Soul (Atman)
Krishna teaches that the soul (atman) is eternal and
indestructible. Physical bodies perish, but the soul does not. This perspective
helps Arjuna understand that killing the body does not destroy the soul,
alleviating some of his grief and hesitation.
3. Detachment and Selflessness
Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty without
attachment to the results. This concept of Nishkama Karma (selfless action)
emphasizes that one should act according to their duty without being influenced
by personal emotions or desires for the outcome. Acting selflessly for the
greater good aligns with divine will.
4. The Illusion of Maya
Krishna explains that the world is governed by Maya
(illusion), which creates attachments and delusions. Recognizing this illusion
helps Arjuna see beyond his personal attachments and perceive the broader
cosmic order and duty.
5. Surrender to Divine Will
Krishna urges Arjuna to surrender to him and trust in his
guidance. By surrendering to the divine will, Arjuna can transcend his doubts
and act with clarity and purpose.
6. Seeing the Universal Form
In a pivotal moment, Krishna reveals his Vishvarupa
(Universal Form) to Arjuna, showing him the vast, all-encompassing nature of
divinity. This vision helps Arjuna grasp the insignificance of individual
events in the grand scheme of things and reinforces his commitment to his duty.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches that when faced with difficult
decisions, especially those involving loved ones, one should:
- Recognize and perform one's duty (dharma) without attachment.
- Understand the eternal nature of the soul and the illusory nature of the physical world.
- Act selflessly, aligning actions with righteousness and divine will.
- Surrender personal ego and desires, trusting in higher guidance.
By embracing these teachings, Arjuna finds the strength and clarity to fight in the battle, ultimately upholding righteousness and fulfilling his role in the cosmic order.