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18. It is said these bodies of the eternal (soul) which is indestructible and incomprehensible come to an end. Therefore fight, O Bharata
(Arjuna)
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Knowledge of reality alone is not sufficient. A proper understanding of death is also essential to understand the true nature of our existence. Without this understanding we remain very narrow minded and confused, unable to comprehend the true significance of life. It is also very likely that we become very selfish and self-centered in our approach and attitude, living for very limited ends. Our vision would not extend beyond the boundaries of mortal life and our activities, beyond personal welfare.
If death is the end of all there is no justification for us to lead a morally upright and socially acceptable life. God and a Dharma would not make any sense. Life itself would appear as a meaningless process on earth, some blind activity without any apparent moral and spiritual purpose. There would not be any justification for the ego and the senses to indulge in activities that would not bring them immediate rewards and gratification. Death may even become means for ending of ones own suffering.
Arjuna is also in a similar state of confusion and he needs to be explained the true nature of death. His ego is unable to comprehend life beyond death. He is not willing to fight war because he does not want to be the cause of death of his relatives. For him like many of us death is the ending of all relationships and activity. Lord Krishna is therefore explaining him the proper nature of death and the finite and infinite parts of man. The physical body is subject to Death. But the soul is immortal and indestructible. The emphasis in life should be therefore on the soul, but not the mortal body. Life's wars should be fought for the sake of the soul and for immortality without undue concern for the physical comfort. The immortal soul should
be the center of life not the physical body or the mind.
Commentary by Jayaram V
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