CONFLICTS Of EMOTIONS :IS ARJUNA A COWARD?
There is so much criticism going on regarding Arjun's behaviour on the eve of The Great Battle.Especially Karna fans target him for his cowardice as they call it . But no one among them think before they say such things. Many great people tried to inject sense among them but still we come across this cynics who try to prove themselves over smart by calling Arjun a coward and Gita as interpolation.
Let me analyse my Hero's mindset at that crucial moment on that auspicious Margasirsha Ekadasi morning.The situation in which we find Arjuna in is not enviable at all.He is known for his sensitive nature that makes him stand apart from his Peers.In contrast we see Yudhishtir who though opposed war in the beginning stood firm once it was decided that war is inevitable.For others it may be for their hatred for their opponent side or for the love of their own side.Point to be noted here is none of them were competent enough to raise the question of Dharma and its abstract nature.But Arjun is different. He is capable enough to understand his conflicting emotions and had the intelligence to have clarity regarding them.There are two ways before him.Either to fight paramount,gain his kingdom and redeem themselves from unending troubles Or to stay away from battle that results in saving his kith and kin from death.The issue may look simple at the outset but is too complicated at the inset. Moreover the time he had at his disposal is too short.But he can not afford to be indecisive.He therefore proceeded to decide on the Prima Facie aspects of the case.Arjun reasoned that securing a kingdom at the cost of the lives of his near and dear is not desirable to him. Rather he can live by begging alms renouncing worldly pleasures.But Arjun is clever enough to realise that his reasonings may not be right as at that time he was swayed away by emotions like love for his kinsmen.
I must say a coward will never think this much and makes utmost effort to find answers for his questions.And his friend,guide and Philosopher would never have been able to clear his misconceptions and show him the path of Dharma.if he is just a coward.Arjun is not a stubborn person who gave importance only to his feelings and emotions.He is a trained warrior who always followed the path of Dharma,did penance and served elders.So he is ready to fight even against the dictates of his heart if the rules of Dharma required him to fight. Surely this is not the sign of a coward.There is so much to learn from his confusion,from his sensitivity and from his reluctance to fight.And the Lord knows this better than any one else. He is not dealing with a coward. He is having the task to convince the most intelligent warrior friend of him who will leave no stone unturned to express his doubts and get clear answers for them.
Jai Narayan,Jai Nar.
Credit: Lakshmi Telidevara
There is so much criticism going on regarding Arjun's behaviour on the eve of The Great Battle.Especially Karna fans target him for his cowardice as they call it . But no one among them think before they say such things. Many great people tried to inject sense among them but still we come across this cynics who try to prove themselves over smart by calling Arjun a coward and Gita as interpolation.
Let me analyse my Hero's mindset at that crucial moment on that auspicious Margasirsha Ekadasi morning.The situation in which we find Arjuna in is not enviable at all.He is known for his sensitive nature that makes him stand apart from his Peers.In contrast we see Yudhishtir who though opposed war in the beginning stood firm once it was decided that war is inevitable.For others it may be for their hatred for their opponent side or for the love of their own side.Point to be noted here is none of them were competent enough to raise the question of Dharma and its abstract nature.But Arjun is different. He is capable enough to understand his conflicting emotions and had the intelligence to have clarity regarding them.There are two ways before him.Either to fight paramount,gain his kingdom and redeem themselves from unending troubles Or to stay away from battle that results in saving his kith and kin from death.The issue may look simple at the outset but is too complicated at the inset. Moreover the time he had at his disposal is too short.But he can not afford to be indecisive.He therefore proceeded to decide on the Prima Facie aspects of the case.Arjun reasoned that securing a kingdom at the cost of the lives of his near and dear is not desirable to him. Rather he can live by begging alms renouncing worldly pleasures.But Arjun is clever enough to realise that his reasonings may not be right as at that time he was swayed away by emotions like love for his kinsmen.
I must say a coward will never think this much and makes utmost effort to find answers for his questions.And his friend,guide and Philosopher would never have been able to clear his misconceptions and show him the path of Dharma.if he is just a coward.Arjun is not a stubborn person who gave importance only to his feelings and emotions.He is a trained warrior who always followed the path of Dharma,did penance and served elders.So he is ready to fight even against the dictates of his heart if the rules of Dharma required him to fight. Surely this is not the sign of a coward.There is so much to learn from his confusion,from his sensitivity and from his reluctance to fight.And the Lord knows this better than any one else. He is not dealing with a coward. He is having the task to convince the most intelligent warrior friend of him who will leave no stone unturned to express his doubts and get clear answers for them.
Jai Narayan,Jai Nar.
Credit: Lakshmi Telidevara
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