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<a href=http://clubs./clubs/holygita

target=new>http://clubs./clubs/holygita</a><br><br>To understand

Arjuna's behavior at Kurukshetra, we

need to understand <br>the fundamentals of human

nature. All of us act entirely upon intense <br>and

unconscious emotional considerations rather than cool and

<br>conscious intellectual inference. For as unrealized souls

we are not <br>rational beings, we are human beings.

Our powerful emotions are <br>integral to that

humanness.<br><br>Overwhelmed by despair and desiring to flee the battlefield,

Arjuna <br>begins his justificatory monologue. So it is

with all of us. Swamped <br>by indefensible emotion,

we vindicate ourselves with reason and <br>logic.

When our incongruous decisions and actions threaten

our ego, <br>we seek refuge in rationalization.

<br><br>The intellect of man freed from ego is a powerful

instrument that <br>facilitates salvation. Yet, while acting

in defense of the ego it <br>serves as an engine for

sustaining illusion. <br><br>Just as denial (Dhritarastra's

blindness - literal and figurative) is <br>one defense

mechanism for the ego, rationalization (Arjuna's

<br>arguments and logic) is another. The more brilliant the

intellect the <br>more compelling is the

rationalization.<br><br>Through a confirmation bias, the mind finds innumerable

supporting <br>views of authorities as well as from

scripture. Indeed the devil <br>(uncontrolled mind) may

quote scripture for there are different <br>shlokes

(shlokas) for different folk. Thus, Arjuna quotes authority

<br>and scripture to justify avoiding the battle at

Kurukshetra.<br><br>This false image (ego) that we entertain about

ourselves appears <br>integral to both our material

existence and our peace of mind. Yet, <br>the truth is that

we are neither good nor bad, intelligent or

<br>foolish. We are whatever destiny commands us to be at that

moment. <br>Indeed, our false sense of identity and our

image imprison us and <br>prevent us from responding to

the call of God and providence.<br><br>How often do

you give excuses for not doing what is imperative and

<br>obviously (at least to your well-wishers around you)

essential in <br>your life?<br><br>How powerfully do you

use logic and reason to justify your

<br>procrastination over matters that are pressing and imminent?

<br><br>How well do you argue your case when you make

decisions and perform <br>acts based entirely on

foolishness and hubris?<br><br>Abandon your ego. Take shelter

of Krishna. Turn to the dark and <br>mystic Lord

within your heart. <br><br>May Krishna shatter your

illusion and slash through the tangled knots <br>of

rationalization as you take shelter at His feet.<br><br>© Dr.

Shantanu Nagarkatti - SriGovinda Das