The first verse of Gita

 

On some days, the writing just flows! Something I read a few days ago resonates with me deeply. I was able to grasp the true meaning of the first verse of "Gita". I read a book by Paramahansa Yogananda, who I consider a scientific rishi for his propensity to encourage scientific research in all concepts. - I will present what I understood from it and what I have gained from my experiences. To be very honest, I feel like this is the first time I can speak with complete conviction about a topic. Knowledge can be read and understood, but wisdom can only be realized!  

The first verse of Gita - (copied from a book)

The blind Dhirtarashtra said :"On the holy plain of Kurukshetra, when my offspring and the sons of Pandu had gathered together; eager for battle, what did they, O Sanjaya ? " 

Here are the Sanskrit meanings as taught, "Kurukshetra" - field of action (kuru- action, kshetra - field). "Field of action - human body", "Pandu" - white (pure intelligence). "Dhritarashtra - blind mind (dhrita - tight, rashtra- kingdom)", what did they do today, who won ?

The author points us that why was past-tense used in the first place. If he really wanted to know the current story, why not ask, what is happening now instead of "what did they"

In other words, the author is really asking : " On the battlefield of the body today, who won ? - pure intelligence or the blind mind ? ". We all have good habits and bad habits, internally, some which are formed by surroundings, some by the way we are brought up, but we may lack self control to avoid those. These good and bad habits are in constant battle within ourselves. Most people are not aware of this, but with progress and evolution we are all becoming aware. 

The instruction to understand here is, before we go to sleep, lets do a mental impartial self introspection: "In the battle today on the field of my body, who won the battle ? - The good actions (pure intelligence) or evil actions (born of hundreds of unpleasant habits of the blind mind)". Which side won today - self discipline or tempting, but undesirable tendencies ? 


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