At the beginning of the Mahabharata, a confused, nervous and anxious Arjun, apprehensive about the result and forgetting the main purpose of the conflict, was overcome by fear, grief and misplaced sympathy. The remedy to this common malady lies in the knowledge of our own true or absolute identity. Lord Krishna explained this to Arjun and clarified doubts regarding his duties in the second chapter of Gita.
Arjun misunderstood the Lord’s words. Therefore, he wondered why Lord Krishna was asking him to engage in action (in this case warfare), when knowledge was the higher path. Arjun wanted advice on how to attain shreyas, that which is good. Shreyas operates at two levels — at the individual level and at the universal level. Karma yoga deals with totality — the good of all or absolute good. It does not cater to just the good of an individual.
For example, sugar is not good for a diabetic, but the same sugar may be prescribed for one with low sugar levels. Hence, sugar is good for specific persons at the individual level, but not, necessarily, good for all. It is good health that is universally desired. Thus, at the physical level, good health is shreyas for everyone.
Secondly, at the mental level, shreyas is peace of mind. In spite of indulging in wrong, illegal or immoral actions, we all aspire for a calm and peaceful mind.
Thirdly, shreyas at the intellectual level is clarity of thought. Arjun was confused and lacked this basic clarity. Confusion is very common: students are confused about which subjects to choose; youth are confounded regarding their career options; and bachelors question the need to marry or not.
Finally, at the spiritual level, shreyas is contentment and happiness. This contentment is not dependent of any factor, thing, being, time, place or situation. Being comfortable or at ease in every situation is shreyas.
Swami Tejomayananda is the head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide
