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(गीता-7) अर्जुन के तल पर उतर रहे कृष्ण || आचार्य प्रशांत, भगवद् गीता पर (2022)
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3 years ago
Shri Krishna
Bhagavad Gita
Dharma
Atma
Aham-vritti
Karma Yoga
Maya
Sankhya Yoga
Description

Acharya Prashant explains that Shri Krishna has attempted to enlighten Arjun through two methods so far. The first was by explaining the 'Atma' (the Self), and the second was by explaining the 'Aham-vritti' (the ego-tendency), which is what is born and dies repeatedly. Since Arjun could not understand through these methods, Shri Krishna moves to a third approach, which is directed at the personal ego. This personal ego is connected to the body and the current life. Shri Krishna's teaching methodology involves starting with the highest truth, which is 'Sankhya Yoga' (the path of knowledge). His initial attempt is for Arjun to agree with the highest argument. However, to comprehend the highest argument, one needs the highest level of consciousness. Since Arjun does not grasp this, Krishna has to lower the level of his teaching. When even that fails, he resorts to making things very tangible by showing his 'Virat Roop' (cosmic form). This illustrates the process between a Guru and a disciple, where the Guru first tries to explain through the highest means and then descends to the disciple's level of understanding. At this lower level, Shri Krishna tells Arjun that considering his 'Kshatriya dharma' (warrior duty), he should not waver, as there is nothing more beneficial for a Kshatriya than a righteous war. He uses both temptation and fear to motivate Arjun. He tempts him by saying that if he is killed in the war, he will attain heaven, and if he is victorious, he will enjoy the kingdom. He also instills fear by stating that retreating from the war will lead to the loss of his dharma and fame, and he will incur sin and infamy, which is more painful than death for a respectable person. Acharya Prashant clarifies that these arguments are not at the highest spiritual level but are tailored to Arjun's current state. Spirituality is not about abandoning the world but about using the world to transcend it. For the right goal, any means can be justified. This is why even acts that might seem morally ambiguous are considered right if the ultimate aim is Dharma. He further explains that those who are attached to rituals, pleasures, and the idea of heaven cannot grasp the ultimate knowledge of the Gita because their minds are deluded by desires. The fundamental issue is not ignorance but a lack of love; with love, understanding comes easily. The essence of being like Arjun is to recognize the Guru when he is present and to have the commitment to listen and follow the path, no matter how difficult.