Arjuna's Dilemma

[RedDragon94]

The first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita the main character Arjuna is faced with a struggle with himself and his situation (having to fight family members in battle). He becomes discouraged and asks Krishna why he must fight.

What do you think the point of struggle is (anyone can answer)?

 

[Terese]

Struggle is overcoming challenges. Without sacrifice, nothing can be born.

 

[Papoon]

I think asking 'what is the point ?' is not the intent of the Gita.

It is more a question of 'what is the nature of this struggle'.

The nature is prakriti and paraprakriti.

Krsna says that the material energy is prakriti, but reveals that the Superior Energy, paraprakriti, consists of "all beings struggling with prakriti'.

I.e. that struggle is the divine in man.

 

[RedDragon94]

Struggle is overcoming challenges. Without sacrifice, nothing can be born.

Is there a greater purpose to suffering than just overcoming?

What is born out of sacrifice?

 

[Papoon]

Is there a greater purpose to suffering than just overcoming?

What is born out of sacrifice?

I don't think there is an Ultimate Purpose in the Hindu world view.

 

[RedDragon94]

I don't think there is an Ultimate Purpose in the Hindu world view.

Okay. Maybe I'm not that.

 

[RedDragon94]

I don't think there is an Ultimate Purpose in the Hindu world view.

What I meant was what is the purpose to you personally?

 

[Papoon]

What I meant was what is the purpose to you personally?

There is none.
It's just the way it is.

 

[RedDragon94]

There is none.
It's just the way it is.

Okay.

 

[Papoon]

Okay.

I nevertheless construct meaning from my joys and sufferings.

I can construct a meaning from my face in the mirror too..

It's what we do, otherwise the situation is just too weird

 

[Terese]

Is there a greater purpose to suffering than just overcoming?

What is born out of sacrifice?

Everything. Mothers endure pain to beget offspring, atoms clash and collide within another to create more complex ones, much sacrifice happens all the time.

 

[wizanda]

What do you think the point of struggle is (anyone can answer)?

...Having had an explanation of the Adharmic Kali Yuga (evil age of limitation) that is currently over this world, Arjuna is asked to fight everyone's unrighteousness....

11:32-33 The Supreme Lord said: I am mighty Time, the source of destruction that comes forth to annihilate the worlds. Even without your participation, the warriors arrayed in the opposing army shall cease to exist.Therefore, arise and attain honor! Conquer your foes and enjoy prosperous rulership. These warriors stand already slain by me, and you will only be an instrument of my work, O expert archer.

The Lord shall be as a fire, which will cleanse this reality soon, regardless if Arjuna fights or not; so it is about a recognition of the Maya only being an illusion.

The struggle is only within, at seeing the limitations of his own mind, and realizing that only Brahman is real.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Justification for war perhaps or for absolute obedience to rulers. I could read it that way. From time to time these are considered important qualities, so why would they not find their way into scriptures? You have to keep in mind the world did not always have machines, fertilizer etc. Life was hard, and people bossed other people around. It was the way of things.