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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Shaunaka Rishi Das

Good morning.

Many years ago, the prince Arjuna stood in a chariot, and Arjuna was having a bad day. He was on a battlefield. His chariot driver was Lord Krishna, in the story, God himself. Arjuna was the leading warrior on one side of the field and stopped to consider how this coming war could be a good idea – and couldn’t see it. He was a nice chap.

Unfortunately, a bit of philosophy before a battle is like putting salt in your sweet rice. The mixture doesn’t work, and Arjuna lost the plot. He began to sweat, his hair fell loose from his oiled plaits, his muscles weakened, and he dropped his bow. He showed all the signs of a panic attack. Not a good scene, but surprisingly, the introduction to one of the most interesting conversations in world literature – encapsulated in the book, Bhagavad-gita, the song of God.

Among other things, it’s a counselling session, which begins when Arjuna asks Krishna to help him, and Krishna responds with respect for Arjuna and affection. Krishna then outlines all Arjuna’s options, material and spiritual, letting him know what he thought was best, and leaving the final choice to Arjuna. A masterclass in how to help others with kindness, detachment, and love.

We live in a complex world, faced with potential panic throughout our lives. We suffer a bit, enjoy a bit, and hope a lot. When hope is in question, when we are confused about who we are and what the point of life might be, we really need help. I am thankful to Arjuna for his example, and his honesty, in asking for help – which can be surprisingly difficult.

Pray, in the distress of mental anguish, and of pain, when I have difficulty thinking straight, let me remember Arjuna, and simply ask for help.

Hare Krishna