The strong words
from the dear ONE
did ruffle the warrior of light,
moved him quickly from his steadfast gloom
to a slow examination of the wrong and the right
Well aware of the guilt it would bring
to have fought and killed his teachers and the kin
despite their choice
of the ungracious side
he said: to me a homeless life
seems way more appealing
than for my enjoyment of a kingdom
to put them through the gory fight.
Even victory, kingdom and heaven appeared
to be a tasteless illusion
was it right to fight or not to fight?
Aware now of his confusion
reconising what appears may be misperception
sought Arjun some help and advice
knowing fully well that the wise dont speak
unless asked properly and at the right time...
I am torn between opposites oh dear, he said,
please be my guide to light
and show me what will bring
freedom from this grief of even victory
what will definitely give
meaning to my life?
what am i supposed to do to attain glory, harmony
and long-term delight?
not shy in admitting his weakness and confusion,
seeking support and guidance from the ONE
timely, with humility and devotion,
ah what a quick and intelligent step
from the darkness of despair and confusion
toward wisdom, freedom, and a meaningful life!
.
from the dear ONE
did ruffle the warrior of light,
moved him quickly from his steadfast gloom
to a slow examination of the wrong and the right
Well aware of the guilt it would bring
to have fought and killed his teachers and the kin
despite their choice
of the ungracious side
he said: to me a homeless life
seems way more appealing
than for my enjoyment of a kingdom
to put them through the gory fight.
Even victory, kingdom and heaven appeared
to be a tasteless illusion
was it right to fight or not to fight?
Aware now of his confusion
reconising what appears may be misperception
sought Arjun some help and advice
knowing fully well that the wise dont speak
unless asked properly and at the right time...
I am torn between opposites oh dear, he said,
please be my guide to light
and show me what will bring
freedom from this grief of even victory
what will definitely give
meaning to my life?
what am i supposed to do to attain glory, harmony
and long-term delight?
not shy in admitting his weakness and confusion,
seeking support and guidance from the ONE
timely, with humility and devotion,
ah what a quick and intelligent step
from the darkness of despair and confusion
toward wisdom, freedom, and a meaningful life!
.
Mahatma Gandhi's verse-by-verse
Arjun Said:
Arjun Said:
4. How shall I, with arrows, engage Bhishma and Drona in battle, O Madhusudana, they who are worthy of reverence, O Arisudana?
5. It were better far to live on alms of this world than to slay these venerable elders. Having slain them I should but have blood-stained enjoyments.
6. Nor do we know which is better for us, that we conquer them or that they conquer us, for here stand before us Dhritarashtra's sons having killed whom we should have no desire to live.
7. My being is paralysed by faint-heartedness; my mind discerns not duty; hence I ask thee; tell me, I pray thee, in no uncertain language, wherein lies my good. I am thy disciple; guide me; I see refuge in thee.
8. For I see nothing that can dispel the anguish that shrivels up my senses even if I should win on earth uncontested sovereignty over a thriving kingdom or lordship over the gods.
Copyright 1934 Mahadev Desai for Mahatma Gandhi
Sanskrit
Arjun uvaacha
Katham Bheeshmamaham sankhye droNam cha Madhusoodana
Ishubhih pratiyotsyaami poojarhaavarisoodana (2.4)
Guroonhatvaa hi mahaanubhaavaan
shreyo bhoktum bhaikshyamapeeha loke
hatvaarthakaamanstuguroonihaiva
bhoonjeeya bhogaanrudirapradigdhaan (2.5)
Na chetadvidmah kataranno gariyo
yadva jayema yadi va no jayeyuh
yaaneva hatvaa na jijeevishaamah
teavasthitah pramukhe dhaartaraashtrah (2.6)
Pruchhami twam dharma sammoDhachetah
yachhreyah syaannishchitam bruhi tanme (2.7)
Na hi prapashyaami mamaapanudyaad
yachhokamuchhoshaNamindriyaaNam
avaapya bhoomaava sa patnamruddham
raajyaam suraaNamapi chaadhipatyam (2.8)
Copyright 3000 B.C. Vedavyasa for Sri Krishna
Arjun uvaacha
Katham Bheeshmamaham sankhye droNam cha Madhusoodana
Ishubhih pratiyotsyaami poojarhaavarisoodana (2.4)
Guroonhatvaa hi mahaanubhaavaan
shreyo bhoktum bhaikshyamapeeha loke
hatvaarthakaamanstuguroonihaiva
bhoonjeeya bhogaanrudirapradigdhaan (2.5)
Na chetadvidmah kataranno gariyo
yadva jayema yadi va no jayeyuh
yaaneva hatvaa na jijeevishaamah
teavasthitah pramukhe dhaartaraashtrah (2.6)
Pruchhami twam dharma sammoDhachetah
yachhreyah syaannishchitam bruhi tanme (2.7)
Na hi prapashyaami mamaapanudyaad
yachhokamuchhoshaNamindriyaaNam
avaapya bhoomaava sa patnamruddham
raajyaam suraaNamapi chaadhipatyam (2.8)
Copyright 3000 B.C. Vedavyasa for Sri Krishna
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