Duty above everything

When Arjun floundered in confusion and agony over fighting his teachers and brethren to win the Kurukshetra war, the foundation for the Bhagwad Gita was laid.Arjun turned to his cousin, friend and charioteer Krishn, declared that he could not fight, and laid down his bow. Krishn then assumed a new role and became a mentor and guide for his distraught cousin Arjun. He went on to explain the importance of performing one’s duty, explaining that it is better to do one’s ordained duties in an insignificant way than to carry out responsibilities of another excellently.

He dismissed Arjun’s lamentation that he would rather take refuge in the forest than decimate his people, sending scores of women into widowhood with further devastating consequences.

Krishn reminded Arjun that as a warrior, his duty was to fight the righteous war, and since he would do so under Krishn’s bidding, he would not have to bear the taint of consequences. Krishn advised Arjun to give up the ego that brings attachment towards objects and people.

He displayed his frightening Virat form, where Arjun saw all enemies in the battlefield being devoured by Krishn. Arjun realised he was only an instrument, and it behoved him to fight in the Mahabharat and trust Krishn’s magnificence. One should perform one’s prescribed duties, trust the Divine, and understand that whatever follows is for the best.