श्रीभगवानुवाच |
अशोच्यानन्वशोचस्त्वं प्रज्ञावादांश्च भाषसे |
गतासूनगतासूंश्च नानुशोचन्ति पण्डिता: || 2. 11||
Meaning of the Shloka: The Supreme Lord said “You are lamenting for those who aren’t worthy and are speaking like a scholar! True scholars do not shed tears for those who are alive or dead.” (Bhagvad Gita 2.11)
Context: Arjuna (the listener in the conversation) exhibited his deep regret for participating in the war and was considering backing off. When he looked at the opposing army and found it was all his elders, brothers, and friends, his emotions got the better of him.
He began going off about why no one should pick up weapons against his own and how that would lead to the demise of the entire dynasty, regardless of how powerful they might be.
Finally, he admitted that he was confused about what to do and asked Krishna for advice. The aforementioned Shloka was the first thing Krishna, his charioteer, said.
This does raise a few questions which are answered in the rest of this chapter.
Why lamenting is a characteristic of the unwise
We all have experienced some kind of sorrow and melancholy because of losses. It could be a person, good health, money, or something favorite. As per Krishna, being grief-stricken for anything like that is dumb.
The wise and learned know quite well about the transient nature of the universe and everything within it. Everything including our bodies, thoughts, memories, wishes, and material possessions go through the same cycle of creation and destruction.
It is inevitable that it will disappear into the darkness to never return. Getting attached to something that you know is temporary and transient is a sign of the unwise, especially when you are perfectly aware of the facts of nature.
How to deal with losses in life
The same way you always have. Just focus on the next task at hand and move on.
Look, it is impossible to be a cold-hearted person whenever anything bad happens unless you are a psychopath. However, you have to remind yourself that even you are an illusion, a passing entity in the cosmos, who will, one day, disappear into the darkness, like your miseries.
Keep in mind that Krishna isn’t advising you to stuff your negative emotions and lock them up in an iron chamber within your psyche. He is merely suggesting that the fear of losing something or a loss should not prevent you from performing your duties with sincerity and honesty.
In the context of the Mahabharat, Arjuna is a warrior and should go to war for his kingdom and citizens. The fact that he is going against his brothers, elders, teachers, and friends should not affect his commitment and zeal to charge into the battle.
Conclusion: Cut your losses and move on
All of us have encountered situations in life where we endured more suffering due to our attachment to someone or something that we know is gone forever. In those emotional times, our desire for those entities masks our knowledge.
Reminding yourself of the transient nature of the universe and everything within it will help you move on and focus on the next thing you are supposed to do. Although this makes healing easy, you may still feel pain (I do), which is perfectly normal, considering this is basic human nature.
Just keep your chin up. Keep grinding.
Until next time,
Tara
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Next Chapter: Coming Soon
Previous Chapter: Krishna Said That: Prologue
Index (with Prologue): Krishna Said That: Prologue
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