King Dhritarashtra: So, has Arjuna retreated his army and returning home now?
Sanjay: Well actually, it sounds like Lord Krishna is reminding Arjuna that crying doesn't suit him, and I quote, is "unmanly."
King Dhritarashtra: 😏
Sanjay: Ya know, I have to say... I've seen many warriors but none as compassionate as Arjuna. Take a listen to their chat for yourself:
Arjuna: Krishna, how can you expect me to hurt guys like Bheeshma and Droncharya? They literally taught me how to fight!
Besides, we have no idea which way this war will end. How could I live with myself knowing I killed them and others?
Even if we win, I would feel like I've lost, knowing what I did. I am SO torn. Please just tell me what to do, Krishna!!!
Lord Krishna: I'm so glad you asked because that's exactly why I'm here. I have a LOT to say so make yourself comfortable in this chariot.
Arjuna: Gladly. I'll do anything to stall me from going out on the battlefield.
Lord Krishna: Look, I know you're stressed. But these feelings are fleeting perceptions -- none of it is permanent. You have to learn to not let ANY emotion -- good or bad -- control you.
What you're crying over, truly isn't worth it. The wise lament neither for the living nor for the dead.
There was never a time when neither of us did not exist. And nor will there ever be. Do you understand what I'm saying?
Arjuna: I do, but what does it have to do with this war that I don't want to fight?!!?
Lord Krishna: Because you're worried about killing people yet fail to understand that the true essence of someone's being can never be taken away -- not by you or anyone.
Our soul can't be killed because it moves from one body to another. The only thing that will perish at death is the body, which is like an armor for the soul.
The soul can neither kill nor can be killed. But death is certain for anyone that was born, as is rebirth for anyone that dies. So why be sad about the inevitable?
Arjuna: I hear what you're saying but still... to have to kill people who I consider to be my family and mentors... how can I?
Lord Krishna: Because as a warrior, this is literally your one job and the path to salvation. You're fighting for righteousness.
And TBH, for a guy like you, you'd probably wish you were dead than be labeled as "the coward who ran away."
It's really a win-win situation, if you think about it: you'll either be killed and go to heaven, or rule your kingdom.
Arjuna: If my kingdom and the throne are my rewards, then is all this brutality really worth it? It just doesn't seem right...
Lord Krishna: Fight because it's your duty. That's it. Don't focus on anything else. Don't worry about how you feel about it or whether you'll win or lose.
Simply focus on performing your prescribed duties -- not the fruits of your actions. Stop chasing actions for their rewards. Those who do, are the miserable ones.
Is that clear? Because I'm now going to move onto the next portion of my TEDx talk: Buddhi Yog, or the Yog of the Intellect.
Arjuna: Wait, then what was all the stuff you were just talking about?
Lord Krishna: Oh, that was Sankhya yog, knowledge about the soul. So, as I was saying... learn to keep your mind clear and focused.
The path to heaven isn't filled with fancy rituals, because all that is just performative.
Arjuna: Okay, so then... what exactly does an "enlightened person" look like? How am I supposed to act?
Lord Krishna: It's someone who's not disturbed by misery or joy, doesn't crave pleasure, is free from attachment, fear, and anger,
You see... attachment leads to desire, and desire leads to anger. Anger leads to clouded judgment, which results in confusion. When you're confused, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the mind is destroyed, you're practically ruined.
Just as a strong wind can sweep a boat off its course on water, so can a distracted mind. If you can give up all material desires and live without greed, ownership, and ego, you will feel at peace.
