Bhagavd Gita is believed to include all the wisdom contained in the Upanishads. This teaching puts utmost emphasis on duty (Dharma). Every one must perform his duty (Dharma); people should never shy away from performing their duty for any reason what so ever. The soldier has duties, which he should perform even at the cost of his own life. The policeman has duties; he should, for instance, apprehend the criminal and put him behind bars, no matter how wealthy or powerful the culprit is. It is the duty of the parent to correct a child when the child is tending to go on the wrong path. The child may resent the correction but this should not deter the parent from doing his duty as a parent. It is the duty of the teacher to teach and make sure that the students are benefiting from his teaching. It is the duty of the husband to protect his wife and it is the duty of the wife to support her husband under all circumstances. Every one should perform his/her duty sincerely – and should never neglect his/her duty no matter for what reasons or no matter how compelling these reasons are.
Arjuna wanted to withdraw from the battlefield – when he saw all his Gurus and close relatives lined up on the battlefield, whom he would have to kill. This vision was most abhorrent to him. Then, Bhagavaan Krishna says, “Arjuna, you are a hero to all ordinary persons. You stand out in history as one of those outstanding characters, not only renowned for your prowess on the battlefield, but also known for your uprightness, manliness, valour, courage, character, devotion and commitment to your duty, and compassion for the weak. Whatever you do, is exactly what others are going to do. If you champion the cause of duty, many of your fans would undoubtedly follow your example - and harmony and stability would flourish in the society for generations”.
“Arjuna, you are a Kshatriya (warrior) – whose duty is to fight in support of Dharma (righteousness). You have come to the battlefield to fight in support of Dharma. If you should abandon the war and retreat from the battle field now, for whatever reason, you would be setting a very bad example. They say, “Yadhaa Raajah, Tathaa Prajah”. The Prajah (people), observing their Raajah (king and leader) running away from his duty on the battlefield, would also abandon their own respective duties. If the role model neglects his obligatory duties, it is noticed. The Praajah also would neglect their obligatory duties”.
“Thus, if you abandon the war now and turn away from the battle field, you would not only be responsible for your own down fall, but you would also be responsible for the spread of “Adharma” in your Prajah. Remember, the mission of Arjuna, the great hero, is eradication of “Adharma” - not promoting “Adharma””.
By asking Arjuna to do what is required to be done in the battlefield situation, Bhagavaan Krishna was telling Arjuna to perform his “Dharma” (his obligatory duty). As`a Kshatrya, it is his obligatory duty to wage the war against Adharma – no matter what the consequences are. He had come to the battle field to fight - and fight he should.
In life, every one has roles that must be fulfilled. Situations do not happen randomly. They happen because Isvara wants them to happen. Because there is something to be done by you, you are placed in a particular situation. This is the law of Karma. This is “Isvarechcha” (desire of God). You cannot run away from what you should be doing. (Swami Dayananda)
The next thought is “About Purushaardhas”
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