Value: Krishnaversation - December 2025
First Week: Path of Action
We conclude this final month of our year-long discussions on spiritual values with the most significant highlights from the conversation between Bhagavan Krishna and Arjuna. The term used by a well-known Vedanta Acharya, Madhusudana Saraswati, for this conversation is samvada, which means "intelligent communication" and not merely a list of instructions from one to another. It does not refer to commandments or rules.
Arjuna was the best warrior of his time, a renowned archer and accomplished leader. For someone like him, who is already an efficient warrior, Bhagavan Krishna's conversation begins with the theme of "efficiency in action." The reason for this focus is that, at the outset of the war, Arjuna was confused about the purpose of the conflict. Krishna provides numerous insights to help him gain clarity.
We see a few of them below:
Detach, and the world cannot touch you
Presently, we all act according to our direct or indirect attachments. A working person engages in daily duties mostly out of attachment to family members or for profit and prosperity, a king does so for 'his' kingdom, and so on. The possible failures and other uncertainties from the world cause fear, anxiety, stress, etc., which would make one inefficient while working, as in the case of Arjuna.
Bhagavan Krishna's advice is: Do not stop doing what you need to do, but do your best, without attachment to action or the results. Then the world will not touch you; you will remain like the lotus on the water.
One who chases his own shadow can never rest
The entity that drives you to act day after day is a phantom that resembles you. It remains discontent and unhappy, regardless of how much you provide for its demands. Even in a state of detachment, it will continue to seek results!
Bhagavan Krishna explains that God does not create any actors, actions, or attachments to results. These arise solely from 'habit.' You have developed a habit of chasing after the shadow that continuously eludes you, causing your mind to pursue various things and beings. Only by turning your attention to the ever-present Self can you discover true and eternal rest.
Selfless action is where there is less 'self' and more action
A person who has discovered inner peace acts out of compassion for others. Their actions are driven by choice rather than compulsion from within or outside influences. As a result, their actions are free from personal gratification, demands, desires, or ambitions.
Bhagavan Krishna emphasizes that such a person serves as an example for others to follow. They may appear to work tirelessly with ambition, but only those who observe their calm demeanor amidst a busy schedule will truly understand the depth of their connection to the restful Self.
