Fulfill obligations, careful not to falter. Learn to choose battles wisely. Own up to responsibilities. Defeat the purpose. Arjuna wants what is rightfully his and finds himself asking questions in the middle of the battlefield. Krishna helps Arjuna find his way. The ultimate goal is important because it teaches true self, it comes from knowledge, it leads to sacrifice, and it causes karma. Arjuna confuses empirical self for the true Self.
“According to the Gita, it is the failure to distinguish between the lower self and higher Self.” (Koller pg.110) The lower empirical self is composed of the gunas, (sattva, rajas, and tamas) which are the strands of energy matter that are the basis of all psycho-physical existence. In order for the real Self to be seen, the concealed veil of the gunas must be removed. “The empirical self must be disciplined and brought under control so that it is no longer capable of confusing a person.” (Koller pg. 111) By acknowledging specific moral goals and applying them into one’s everyday life. Arjuna learns how his worldly duties can help him become oneness with God.
Seek knowledge and you will succeed. Learning about spiritual knowledge of true Self, Arjuna doubts himself. He soon finds out that in order to fulfill his duties, he must learn to have faith. “ There are marvelous benefits from this selfless way of life, Arjuna, but you cannot acquire them without firm faith.” (Hawley pg 34) Knowledge is power, those who seek it will succeed in life. The ignorant one, carries a mark of egoism. Krishna explains the importance of Atma, which is the divine power within. Arjuna explains that certain principles must be obtained. To constantly practice teachings brings joy to one’s life. “Whatever path a person travels to Me is My path… All paths lead to Me” (Hawley pg 39). Krishna also taught Suraya (the Sun God) the same eternal truths. These truths were taught for generations so that they are taught to not only do their worldly duties, but to keep teaching these secrets as well.
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A form of sacrifice. Arjuna, is in the middle of the battlefield ready to fight to reclaim his kingdom. Arjuna soon realizes that the people that he will fight and possibly kill are friends, teachers, and even family members. Arjuna, becomes overwhelmed by sorry casting away his bow and arrows(64). “This is a great sin! To prepare to kill our own relations out of greed for the pleasures of a kingdom.” (Bresnan pg 64). Arjuna would not fight. By killing your own blood for the pleasures of a kingdom is a form of sacrifice. Although Arjuna was forced to leave his kingdom by his relatives. Arjuna did not want to gain his kingdom back by killing his cousins, old friends, and teachers. Krishna tells Arjuna that the battle is a righteous cause. Which means no matter what happens Arjuna wins. If Arjuna is killed in the battle, Arjuna will immediately enter heaven; if Arjuna wins the battle, he will achieve a great name and fame. Either Arjuna will achieve success.
Karma is action. One must live with inner truth by removing selfless desires. “ You, Arjuna, are a warrior-prince by birth and by training. If you try to avoid your duty and mutate into a sanyasi (spiritual ascetic) merely because you face doing some things that you imagine are painful, you will be violating your inner Truth (your conscience, your dharma), which is the root basis of your life!”(Hawley pg 15). This is inaction which will cause a consequence that will lead to selfish desires. Worldly desires cause humans to become selfish. Selfishness causes a lack of consideration towards the many important things in life.
“The principle of attaining freedom from the gunas through cooperation with them underlies a variety of practices and ideals constituting the everyday life and social practice of the person who aims at Atma-realization.” (Koller pg 111). To have self discipline and following the three ways of nonattachment. One must recognize these three goals to reach the ultimate goal. Enduring temptations of the world may seem extreme, but it is the consequence of gaining strength. Humans are responsible for each action taken whether it is inaction or action. Taking responsibility for worldly duties is important because it causes a positive future.
Here we learned about true Self as opposed to empirical self. We also learned how powerful knowledge can become. Then we learned about sacrifice in situations that sometimes cannot be avoided. Last, the cause of Karma which teaches us the difference in inaction and action, and what consequences we may face when making a choice to do or not to do something. We also face many challenges in life. These challenges acquire us to learn certain principles, maintain positive attitude and remain persistent. Worldly desires have no positive benefits.
We question ourselves on the things we do and say everyday. We all have a purpose in life and if we dig down deep we will find it. We must make sure we choose the right thing to do. We may make mistakes, but learning from those mistakes is what makes us better individuals. To fulfill your destiny you must positively learn the true definition of each goal and apply it to yourself. Once you have done so, then you have reached your Atma by also gaining awareness, giving up possessions, which lead to the cause of inaction or action. Now, you have reached the supreme goal.
