The Arjuna attitude

July 1970, Prasanthi Nilayam

Professor Kasturi's English.

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ETERNITY extends before man; space too is horizonless; but, life is short and very unsure. Therefore, man has to make the best use of the years allotted to him in this world, and try to become one with the Absolute, so that these entrances and exits may be ended. That is his , the duty he has to do for himself. Know that and live according to its dictates - -that is the meaning and purpose of life. So, the Almighty who has made creatures evolve unto human beings comes down as Man, whenever that creature forgets or ignores this basic duty to itself. The of India have, through the process of purifying their intuition, discovered this fact and sensed the message that the Incarnations bring, the carry. Many times in human history, have come and awakened man. But, the animal past, and the demonic delusion drag him into the mire, where he foolishly revels in sensual, physical and transient trivialities. This is a splendid chance to fulfil your human existence. The (Bliss) that you hope to derive from kith and kin, from wealth and worldly fame, is but a pale shadow of the that resides in the spring of your heart, where God dwells. Try to contact that spring; go to the very source; be centred in the or; God within. Few seek real ; the many are led away by the pseudo- of the senses, the intellect and the mind. Real springs only from Truth. And, is the or duty of each to himself. Seek Truth, serve Truth, be Truth.

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was the brother-in-law of ; he was a close companion and even a chum of the Lord, for many decades! , remember, was 84 years old, at the time of the battle, when He served as a non-combatant charioteer! But, yet, it was only on that battlefield that the Message of the was imparted to him! Why? developed the requisite attitude for the reception and retention of the Message only then. First was puzzled about his duty and was tremendously anxious to get light thrown upon it. He was torn between two paths, and in spite of all his discrimination and detachment he was at a loss to discover what his was. Second, he surrendered his judgement to God, and declared, out of the deepest recesses of his heart, in indescribable agony, "I am your disciple; I dedicate my entire being to your Will; tell me what to do and I shall obey."

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Every deed must be a step in the pilgrimage to God is also called - a name applicable to all men, for, it is derived from (earth). It means earthly, earthborn. So, this situation is a reminder to every man on earth. If only you cultivate a deep yearning for guidance about your appropriate , and if only you surrender your will, your intellect, your emotions, your impulses to God, He will lead you to Himself and endow you with Supreme Bliss. Thirdly, was overcome by Love, though it took on the colour of egoism and delusion. He felt that it was wrong and useless to kill his kinsmen, to plunge the land in misery, to slaughter the armies ranged against him. He preferred a life sustained on alms to ruling over an empire won by the sword. This compassion, though misplaced and based on an unreal sense of values, had its own appeal, to the Lord, who resolved to transmute it into the renunciation of the attachment to the deed, and the fruits of the deed. Every deed must take man nearer the goal; it must be a step in the pilgrimage to God. It must cleanse the emotions, correct the attitude, clarify the path and co-operate in the consummation. This has to be the constant care and vigilance of every seeker and aspirant to Bliss.