Gyaneshwari Geeta-13

Gyaneshwari Geeta-13

8. Indeed I see nothing that might dispel this sorrow that dries up my senses, even if I were to obtain the kingdom on earth, unrivalled and rich, or even the over-lordship of gods. The grief that I feel at the sight of these kinsmen will not be relieved without your instruction. Even if I were to gain the world or the abode of Indra, this delusive pity of mine will not abate (61-65).

Just as a roasted seed, planted in a fertile soil, will not grow even when watered properly, or even as medicine is of no use to a person whose days are numbered, but nothing but nectar can help him, so neither royal pleasures nor prosperity can enliven my mind, but only, O merciful Lord, your affection will sustain me. (Jnanadeva says) so said Arjuna as if he was freed from delusion; but instantly he was seized by the sudden impulse of delusion. On second thought I feel that this was not a sudden impulse, but that he was bitten by the deadly snake in the form of delusion (66-70).

When he saw that Arjuna’s heart was overflowing with pity, it hit him in his vital parts causing repeated spasms of grief. In this difficult situation Lord Krishna, the snake-charmer, was there to counteract the poison with his compassionate gaze. As the Lord happened to be close by agitated Arjuna, he will easily protect him in his kindness. With this in view I had stated that Arjuna was bit by the snake in the form of delusion. Arjuna was enveloped by delusion as the sun is covered with clouds (71-75).

Even as in summer the mountain is scorched by conflagration, so Arjuna, the supreme archer, had become torn with grief. Therefore, Lord Krishna, overflowing with the nectar of pity, turned towards him like a blue cloud, with his flashing teeth looking like lightening and his sonorous speech like rumbling thunder. Now hear how that generous cloud (Krishna) will pour and soothe the mountain (Arjuna) and produce shoots of wisdom in him. Listen to this story for the solace of your mind, so says Jnanadeva, disciple of Nivritti (76-80).

Sanjaya said:

9. Having thus addressed Krishna, O scorcher of the foes, Arjuna said to Govinda (Krishna), “I shall not fight” and became silent. Sanjaya said, O king, listen to what the grief-stricken Partha said. He said to Lord Krishna, “Pray, do not press me further, I will not fight; about this my mind is settled.” Saying this all at once, he remained silent. Lord Krishna was amazed to see him in that condition.

10. Then smiling, as it were, O Bharata, Krishna spoke to him, who was grieving, these words in the midst of the two armies. Then the Lord said to himself, “What is Arjuna up to now? He does not seem to understand. What can one do to make him see reason and restore his courage? Just as an exorcist appraises one possessed by a ghost (81-85),

or a physician prescribes an antidote for an incurable disease, so Lord Krishna standing in the midst of the two armies, began to think of a plan to rid Arjuna of his obsession. Divining its cause, he began to speak in a somewhat angry tone. Just as a mother’s anger is full of affection for the child, or even a bitter medicine contains the ambrosial power of healing, which is not apparent but is seen from the result, so he began his speech with apparent unconcern but full of affection within (86-90).

Om Namah Shivay