Personified weapons. Personal shankh.
Devdatta and Panchajanya ...the celestial conchshells of Arjun-Krishn.
Gandiva and Sudarshan ... the divine bow and divine discus.
Weapons and conchshells were extremely personified objects in Mahabharata era. They were given elaborate names just as we name a child. They remained private, precious and intensely personal possessions.
Never did Krishn show a temptation to own Gandiva. Never did Arjun show slightest inclination to own Sudarshan. (Ashwatthama, however, did try to do an 'exchange deal' for getting the Sudarshanchakra)
Yet, in the midst of this affectionate care, Krishn also advocated detachment. Responsible detachment, not mere disinterest in one's possession.
In Kaliyuga, we are increasingly tempted by the 'latest' iPhone and 'latest' fashion style statement. Today's owned object is tossed aside tomorrow. Use and throw. Objects, relations, people ...
Plenty to learn for the modern us.
- SVS
Devdatta and Panchajanya ...the celestial conchshells of Arjun-Krishn.
Gandiva and Sudarshan ... the divine bow and divine discus.
Weapons and conchshells were extremely personified objects in Mahabharata era. They were given elaborate names just as we name a child. They remained private, precious and intensely personal possessions.
Never did Krishn show a temptation to own Gandiva. Never did Arjun show slightest inclination to own Sudarshan. (Ashwatthama, however, did try to do an 'exchange deal' for getting the Sudarshanchakra)
Yet, in the midst of this affectionate care, Krishn also advocated detachment. Responsible detachment, not mere disinterest in one's possession.
In Kaliyuga, we are increasingly tempted by the 'latest' iPhone and 'latest' fashion style statement. Today's owned object is tossed aside tomorrow. Use and throw. Objects, relations, people ...
Plenty to learn for the modern us.
- SVS
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