Geethartha Chinthane 68: Crushing of Arjuna's ego

In battle, anyone can die, and anyone can survive. Arjuna’s ego is evident when he says, “Bring my chariot forward.” He could have said, “Place our chariot here,” but instead, he used the singular expression, “Take the chariot there and stop.” How could Krishna have felt when Arjuna gave such a command? Krishna had come to assist the Pandavas, and Arjuna’s choice of words displeased him. Achyuta means one who is without any flaw or fall. Krishna, the flawless charioteer, did not falter in his duty, but Arjuna’s tone revealed his arrogance.

In the Kaurava army of 11 Akshauhinis, not even 1% were from the Kaurava lineage. The number of kings was fewer, while soldiers were many. Yet, Arjuna refers to them as his kinsmen. Sanjaya calls Arjuna Gudakesha, meaning the one who has conquered sleep or the lord of sleep. When arrogance increases, sleep disappears. Desires like lust and anger are all born from ego. The first impact of arrogance falls on sleep.

Krishna, on the other hand, is called Hrishikesha, the lord of the senses. There is a close relationship between the lord of the senses and the lord of sleep. Guda refers to ignorance. Thus, the lord of ignorance (Arjuna) speaks with the lord of the senses (Krishna).

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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