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Commentary by Jayaram V
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8. For even on obtaining undisputed sovereignty and an affluent kingdom on this earth and lordship over the gods, I do not see any means that can drive away the grief, which is drying up my senses. |
Grief enters the house of every one, touches the heart of every mortal, subjugates
the pride of every material success and proves its unquestionable authority over
man's little achievements and his fractured dreams of materialistic well being.
It comes with calculated certainty, declaring its overwhelming influence on the
affairs of men caught in the game of power politics and material success.
It is well known that material wealth and success are least capable of establishing
peace and harmony in any ones life. They are the false masters whom we serve in
the vain hope that at least in our case they would be more generous and prove different.
But in the end when we realize that the laws of the world do not change for us,
we come to the same grieving situation as Arjuna has. This is the costly lesson
every man learns, much against his wishes and expectations and with serious consequences.
This the lesson which shatters our belief permanently in the efficacy and supremacy
of the life we have chosen to live on earth, the confidence we have reposed in our
egoistic selves and ego centered lives.
Arjuna has now reached this stage. He has realized that material wealth, success,
fame and name do not ensure peace and permanent happiness for him; but only increase
his grief and confusion. Arjuna has now learnt the ultimate lesson any one can hope
to learn on the path of materialistic ambition. He has in fact arrived at the right
conclusion that would finally put him on the path to salvation.
Suffering is the corrective message God sends to man caught in the web of selfish
desires and egoistic pursuits. Suffering in any form is an indication that the life
and the actions of the sufferer need a thorough review and revision and that there
is an urgent need on his part to correct himself and his way of living. If the individual
does not take this warning seriously his suffering is bound to increase till he
realizes his folly and mends himself and his life. Suffering is therefore an inevitable
out come of our imperfect lives and wrong actions. It has to be taken seriously
as a warning and prepare oneself for a change. Arjuna has taken the warning seriously.
He has realized the futility of his material life and has sought God's help to find
a solution to his suffering.
Bhagavadgita Chapter 2 Verses 1- 21
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