Mahabharata to Deal with Conflicting Situations

Swami Bhoomananda Tirthaji, discusses the third chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, focussing on Sri Krishna’s response to Arjuna’s query where he emphasizes on consistent action, without attachment to the outcomes. Performing necessary actions without attachment (Sanga), leads to spiritual fulfillment.

Swamiji shifts the discussion to some episodes from the Mahabharata. Before the commencement of war, Yudhishthira visited the Kaurava camp to pay his respects to all the elders and take their blessings. During that time, Krishna went to Karna and unsuccessfully urged him not to fight in the Kaurava side. The same Krishna’s interactions with Karna in the course of the battle were very different. He listed out all the unrigheous things Karna had done and urged Arjuna to kill him.

Swamiji emphasizes that Mahabharata incidents and the teachings can help a seeker in navigating conflicting situations in everyday life. The Mahabharata has an answer, an example or model for all questions or situations. We are in a world where everything is not smooth and pleasant; There are many bitter and unpleasant situations. We are forced to deal with different personalities. So, a seeker should do what has to be done, dealing with all conflicting situations.

Shlokas chanted in the Track:
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर ।
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः ।।
Bhagavad Gita 3.19