The silence of Kurukshetra is heavy. Arjuna has heard of the eternal soul and of selfless action. Yet doubts still flicker within him. Can knowledge and action truly be one? How is wisdom to be lived in this world of chaos? How does the warrior balance battle and enlightenment?
Krishna looks into Arjuna’s eyes, and with the calm of eternity, begins to speak once more.
Arjuna, I revealed this eternal wisdom at the beginning of time. I gave it first to the Sun, the eternal witness of all, who passed it to Manu, father of mankind. Manu gave it to Ikshvaku, and so it was handed down through generations of kings and sages. But in the course of ages, this knowledge was lost. Today, I speak it again to you, for you are My devotee and My friend. You are worthy to receive it.
Arjuna is startled. How can this be, O Krishna? You are here with me, my contemporary, my charioteer. How could You have given this wisdom to the Sun in ancient days?
Krishna smiles, His gaze vast, His voice echoing with truth.
Many births have passed for you and for Me, Arjuna. You do not remember yours, but I remember them all. Though I am unborn, though I am eternal, though I am the Lord of all beings, yet I take birth, age after age. Whenever dharma declines and adharma rises, I manifest Myself. To protect the good, to destroy the wicked, and to re-establish dharma, I am born in every age.
The battlefield itself seems to tremble at these words. Arjuna hears not only his friend and charioteer, but the eternal voice of Bhagavan.
Know this, Arjuna: He who knows My divine birth and action is freed from rebirth. When he leaves the body, he comes to Me, not to be born again. Many seekers have attained this freedom by surrendering to Me. Walk the same path, with faith and devotion, and you too shall be free.
Krishna’s voice deepens, carrying wisdom and power.
Men act in different ways, following their nature. But I accept all sincere seekers. Whatever path men take to reach Me, on that path I meet them, for all paths lead to Me. Those who worship the gods go to the gods. Those who honor ancestors go to ancestors. But those who worship Me with devotion come to Me alone.
Understand this, Arjuna. The ignorant act from desire. The wise act from knowledge. But both act. The difference is this: the ignorant are bound by their action, while the wise are free. For the wise see action itself as sacrifice, offered without attachment.
Arjuna listens, but another doubt stirs within him. He bows slightly and whispers. If all action can bind, if desire corrupts, how can I be sure which action is pure? How shall I know?
Krishna answers, His tone both stern and compassionate.
Actions are of many kinds. The path of wisdom is not to abandon action, but to discern. Sacrifice, self-discipline, study, service — these are noble. Action done for selfish reward binds. Action offered as service, with detachment, liberates.
The wise see this truth. They see that sacrifice can be knowledge. They see that self-discipline can be devotion. They see that service can be offering. And above all, they see that knowledge is the highest purifier.
Arjuna’s eyes sharpen. Knowledge? Krishna nods.
Yes, Arjuna. Nothing in this world is so purifying as true knowledge. He who is perfected in yoga finds this knowledge within his own soul in time. The man of faith, devoted, who controls his senses, attains knowledge. And having attained knowledge, he quickly finds supreme peace.
But the man without faith, the doubter, the restless, perishes. For the doubting soul finds no peace in this world or in the next.
Therefore cut doubt with the sword of wisdom. Take refuge in knowledge. Discipline your mind. Fix your heart on truth. Such wisdom will burn away karma, as fire burns dry wood.
Arjuna feels the weight of these words. Doubt begins to loosen its grip. He sees before him the field of battle, but within he feels a spark of clarity. Krishna continues, His voice rising like the tide.
Rise, O warrior. Arm yourself with knowledge. Balance action with wisdom. Live in discipline, with faith, with devotion. Such a yogi is free, even while acting. Such a yogi lives in the world but is not bound by it.
Closing Reflection in Krishna’s Voice
O listener, this wisdom is not only for Arjuna. It is for you. You too stand between confusion and clarity, between doubt and devotion. You too wonder whether to act or withdraw, whether to fight or to flee.
Know this: life demands action. To live is to act. But wisdom transforms action. When you act in ignorance, you are bound. When you act in wisdom, you are free. Knowledge is the sword that severs doubt, the fire that burns bondage, the light that reveals truth.
Seek knowledge with faith. Act with discipline. Surrender the fruit to the eternal. In such balance lies freedom. In such yoga lies peace.
This is Jnana Yoga, the discipline of knowledge and wisdom.
Soft Call to Action
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