Geethartha Chinthane-117: Bhagavad Gita's message through Arjuna for all

Emotions should take precedence over intellect. When Krishna says “Na Anushochanti Panditah” (The wise do not grieve), he points out that grieving belongs to both the past and the present. He tells Arjuna that his sorrow is not his own but is due to empathy for others’ grief. Krishna clarifies that while Arjuna speaks of Drona and others’ deaths, he has not mentioned God. Hence, Krishna declares that both he (as Ishwara) and everyone else are eternal.

When problems arise, offering alternatives reduces their intensity. Krishna demonstrates this by asking Arjuna, “Is your grief because the body is perishable? Or is it because the soul perishes?” He assures Arjuna that neither the body nor the soul truly perishes, thereby questioning the very existence of the problem.

This serves as a perfect example of how to address challenges. The Skanda Purana clarifies that birth and death are aspects of living beings, not of God. God is eternal, without a physical body, and hence the question of bodily destruction doesn’t arise.

Although Krishna was directly addressing Arjuna, who already possessed Vedantic knowledge, his teachings were meant for everyone. Krishna even resolves Arjuna’s unspoken doubt: “Yes, the body perishes, but memories of shared moments linger, don’t they?” This, too, is explained to alleviate sorrow.

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