Krishna Charitra Series by HG Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji – Part 3 – Lord Krishna in Kurukshetra

And then it shifts all the way from one side of the riverbank to the other. Now, what exactly are the reasons for such a shift? We often act like this when we are balancing priorities or making decisions. Life frequently presents us with a tension between safety and activity, doesn’t it?

Ships are safest in the harbor, but ships are not meant to remain in the harbor. Similarly, we might sometimes avoid taking action and convince ourselves that we’re safe, but there’s always the potential to step out and accomplish something greater.

Now, let’s talk about the optimal balance between safety and activity. This principle applies universally. For example, if we have strengths, we should use them where required. But some situations call for us to build new strengths—especially if it enables us to serve or contribute meaningfully. Achieving this balance is dynamic and context-dependent.

All of Krishna’s actions in the Mahabharata exemplify this balance. He doesn’t act arbitrarily; rather, he is highly strategic and intelligent in his decisions. As God is omnipotent, He can do everything. However, such omnipotence alone doesn’t offer us much practical guidance for our lives. Instead, Krishna teaches us by example how to navigate life’s challenges strategically.

When Arjuna starts his dialogue with Krishna, he is seeking individual guidance. Each of us faces unique challenges and must figure out the right course of action for our circumstances. Krishna sets an example through his actions. Unlike divine omnipotence, which may not seem relatable, we can learn from Krishna’s ability to adapt to and navigate challenges while staying true to higher principles.

For instance, Krishna helps the Pandavas overcome numerous challenges. He strategically supports them, forming alliances, engaging in diplomacy, and preparing them for battle when necessary. This dynamic interplay between seeking peace and preparing for war is encapsulated in the timeless principle: Try for the best but prepare for the worst.

The Pandavas strive for peace through multiple rounds of negotiation, but they don’t neglect to prepare for war. Much of Indian history reflects an imbalance between these approaches, where only one side—either peace or conflict—is emphasized. However, Krishna’s guidance shows the importance of balancing both approaches for practical and effective results.

In life, when faced with complex problems, it’s essential to identify the most actionable cause. For instance, if I’m bored, I could blame it on something external, like climate change, but what can I do about it right now? Taking action, however small, is what matters.

Krishna exemplifies this with his multi-layered strategies. He often works through seemingly indirect or delayed approaches because, in the bigger picture, some outcomes require a sequence of events to unfold. Sometimes, a single action addresses multiple causes, even if we don’t fully understand it at the time.

So, the wisdom here is that life is not just about reacting to challenges but about proactively balancing our efforts to achieve both safety and progress. Krishna’s actions serve as a guiding framework, demonstrating how one can combine strategy, intelligence, and adaptability to navigate life’s complexities.

Right? There is always an effect. But what makes karma so complicated? One of the key factors is that a single effect can arise from multiple causes.

Different causes can combine to produce a single outcome. For instance, you might have cause 1, cause 2, all the way up to cause n, and together they result in a particular effect. Conversely, one cause or action can also lead to multiple effects—effect 1, effect 2, up to effect 10.

This means that when we aim for a specific result, we may not achieve it directly. However, some other unintended result may arise, which could eventually contribute to success. At one level, this is the essence of how Krishna operates—his actions are deeply interconnected, sometimes with effects that are not immediately obvious.

Krishna’s teachings remind us that certain actions may not lead to the desired result, but they still play a part in the greater plan. For example, Krishna acknowledges when certain plans are unlikely to succeed, but he ensures that the lessons from those efforts are clear for all. His plan A might be to avoid conflict, but if plan A fails, plan B ensures that the true dynamics of the situation are revealed.

Even when plan A is frustrated, it often serves Krishna’s broader purpose. This flexibility is a key aspect of his strategy. Each character in the narrative plays their part and leaves space for others, creating a larger picture that unfolds over time.

Consider the Pandavas during their exile. They faced many hardships, including demons in the forest. After 13 years, they reemerged stronger and more determined. Krishna didn’t rely on constant intervention; instead, he acted only occasionally to guide them toward their ultimate goal.

Sometimes, when we face challenges, we tend to overanalyze and focus on too many possible causes. However, it’s important to focus on the most actionable cause. Actionable means a cause that, when addressed, leads to constructive and meaningful change.

At different times, different causes may seem important, but we must prioritize based on what is most relevant and impactful at the moment. For example, if a particular cause is part of a broader framework of issues, addressing it may not always be immediately necessary. We need to determine which cause fits into the larger context and focus on what can drive positive outcomes.

Karma is like this: it operates through multiple causal frameworks. Not every cause needs to be analyzed or acted upon right away. The key is to identify the most constructive path forward and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the complexity of multiple potential causes.

This was caused by that. So which cause should we focus on? There are often multiple causes at play, but we need to focus on the cause that can bring about meaningful change. In other words, we should prioritize the actionable cause—the one that improves the situation.

For example, in the Mahabharata, during the war, various events unfolded due to a combination of causes. Let’s consider the role of Jayadratha. While the Pandavas were fighting outside, and other events were happening within, the turning point came when Jayadratha played his part. Jayadratha knew exactly what he was doing.

Even in the heat of battle, there was a semblance of fairness and order. Take Ashwatthama as an example—he once told someone, “You are like my son; don’t provoke me, or I’ll be forced to act.” Despite the intensity of war, there were moments of restraint and respect.

Jayadratha, however, used the opportunity to block the Pandavas and prevent them from fulfilling their mission. His actions provoked Arjuna, who directed all his anger toward him. The following day, Arjuna killed Jayadratha, leading to one of the most morale-shattering moments for the Kauravas. Their entire army had been deployed to protect one individual, yet they failed to stop Arjuna. This incident demoralized the Kaurava forces, shaking their confidence.

This story illustrates an important truth: bad things happen all the time. That’s the nature of the world. However, this doesn’t mean we passively accept such events. When Arjuna had done everything he could, Krishna stepped in to do what Arjuna couldn’t. This demonstrates a key principle: when we do our part to the best of our ability, God will do what we cannot.

For devotees and spiritual practitioners, this doesn’t mean relying solely on Krishna and leaving everything to divine intervention. Rather, it’s about doing our best in the given circumstances and trusting Krishna to handle what is beyond our control.

Now, returning to the question of causes, it’s crucial not to oversimplify. Some people take one cause and exaggerate its importance, treating it as the root of all problems. For example, some argue that poverty is the sole reason for radicalization. They claim that those without opportunities or prospects in life turn to extremism. While poverty might be a contributing factor, it’s rarely the only cause. Focusing exclusively on one cause can lead to a distorted understanding of the issue.

This kind of thinking—where one cause is magnified as the sole explanation—reflects limited knowledge. True knowledge involves exploring multiple perspectives and acknowledging the complexity of situations. Focusing narrowly on one cause can expand ignorance instead of wisdom, as it limits our ability to see the bigger picture. Real knowledge grows when we analyze situations holistically, considering all relevant factors without becoming fixated on a single cause.

We will also take note of this: there is often a tendency to identify a single cause as the root of all problems. Two extremes arise in such cases. One is when we fixate on a single cause, amplifying its significance beyond reason. The other extreme is completely ignoring that cause, as if it holds no relevance at all.

Now, let’s consider the idea of exclusivity and extremism. Exclusivists might say, “You’re going to hell anyway—why delay it?” This highlights an attitude of judgment and a lack of inclusivity. What’s important here is to recognize that while ideologies themselves may not always be the problem, certain interpretations or applications of those ideologies can lead to exclusion and extremism.

For example, some ideologies might be more prone to exclusivity than others, but it’s essential to acknowledge that the root cause often lies in how exclusionary attitudes arise, not just in the ideologies themselves. If exclusion comes from specific pathways, those pathways need to be addressed. However, if we overly fixate on those pathways, we may lose sight of broader solutions.

In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna emphasizes the need to focus on actionable causes—the ones where we can make a meaningful impact. At a societal level, this means increasing our influence constructively. Advocacy—though often viewed negatively—can play a significant role in this. Every group or community has its interests, and they must advocate for these interests to create a balanced and inclusive society. For instance, 5-10 years ago, certain groups may have felt marginalized, but today, they are advocating effectively to make their presence felt.

Similarly, within spiritual communities, there is a need for balanced representation. For example, in regions like Bangladesh, where minority groups face challenges, Indian devotees and leaders must act carefully. They need to support these communities while avoiding accusations of being overly nationalistic or biased. Advocacy in such cases must be thoughtful and strategic, ensuring both action and compassion.

When someone is targeted—whether individually or as part of a group—it is important to address the targeting in a focused way. However, indiscriminate reactions often lead to counterproductive results. Fixating on one cause without understanding the larger context can hinder progress at the ground level.

At an individual level, we must ask ourselves: what can we do? While inflammatory rhetoric and divisive narratives dominate certain spaces, it is crucial to avoid becoming part of the problem. Instead, we should focus on fostering harmony and understanding.

Spiritually, we must recognize that we are all part of a connected reality and have a role to play. This aligns with the principle of karma in the Bhagavad-gita. One action can produce multiple results, and one result can arise from multiple causes. Therefore, we must focus on constructive and actionable analysis.

Krishna teaches us that the wise act in ways that make things better. So, the question we must ask is: which cause should we focus on? Which actions will lead to the most constructive outcomes? Krishna’s plan, as illustrated in the Bhagavad-gita, provides a framework for navigating these complexities—balancing wisdom, action, and compassion to create meaningful change.

In the scripture itself, there’s there’s multiple ways in which discussed about what And then lastly, and it’s just about what can we do at a moment from the. The enemy the enemy is not a political ideology of the enemies. A more one. A more one means to extremes. This is the only part of the problem.

This is the only action that is followed up. Either of this. Let’s say, if I did apologize, In fact, the SSR session that we do here, you know, 12 sessions of the staff without any appreciation could take less or even 60% content is from your points that we have wrapped and we took it in different insights and all those questions. And I think this, explanation that you’re told about cause and effects is very important because often, you know, emotionally, we react on it. My humble request would be, you know, if you can go one more step in this saying how to identify the actionable path, and how to control the emotions or rather understand the emotions, then we make the decision.

You know, we experience it many times. You know? It’s it’s we understood that there are many causes. We are to act on the actionable cause. This is my personal effort.

Many times, I struggle with the future. You know? What when whatever little bit we’re doing, so many, challenges come, and and immediately impulse impulse will be react and we pay the price for it. And then we start thinking and in the product spectrum, we try c, we try c, we try c, we try c, then it is okay. Maybe Krishna doesn’t want it to happen.

To him? Or maybe he’s already doing, but we’re not seeing how he is. So how do I identify what an actionable cost and how do we control our emotions or manage our emotions when we have to when we have to make a decision? You know, there’s, practically, you know, in day to day life. Not only as a teacher, in fact, you know, today, I’m going to address a very big form of, industries in the office.

And, I was thinking what to speak with this. So I already got some content on what to speak with. I’m not gonna work exactly, but, So I my little knowledge, I read a very little also. I’ve got very little. I couldn’t find anywhere.

1. Balancing Safety and Activity:

The discussion begins with a metaphor about ships navigating from one side of a bank to the other, which represents the balance between safety and action. Just as a ship is safest when docked but cannot achieve its purpose unless it sails, individuals must balance staying in a safe zone with taking necessary actions in life. This balance is dynamic, meaning it needs constant adjustment depending on the situation.

2. Action Based on Strength:

The speaker explains that we need to identify our strengths and use them in actions that benefit us and others. This is where Krishna’s strategic actions come into play—Krishna’s intelligence and strategy are highlighted, showing that his actions are not impulsive but well thought out, addressing both individual needs and broader social contexts. This speaks to the importance of intellectual growth and choosing the right actions based on the situation.

3. The Role of Krishna:

Krishna’s omnipotence is acknowledged, but it’s pointed out that his actions in the Bhagavad Gita are not arbitrary. Krishna’s approach is to guide Arjuna (and through him, all individuals) in making decisions that balance personal and social responsibilities. Krishna’s teachings emphasize the importance of doing what’s right, not merely for individual salvation but for the greater good of society.

4. Navigating Challenges with Strategic Planning:

The example of Arjuna’s dilemmas is used to explain that life’s challenges often have multiple causes and effects. The speaker suggests that understanding the causes of our problems is key, but the focus should always be on the most actionable cause—the one that can lead to constructive change. This requires us to think ahead and make plans, similar to how Krishna plans his interventions strategically.

5. The Complex Nature of Karma:

The concept of karma is explored, showing that one action can have multiple results, and conversely, one result can come from multiple causes. This reinforces the idea that life is not simple, and the cause-and-effect relationship is not always linear. Therefore, individuals must be discerning in identifying the most relevant causes that they can address.

6. Dealing with Emotional Reactions:

One of the key struggles mentioned is emotional reactions. The speaker acknowledges that it’s easy to be impulsive and react emotionally to situations. However, the more constructive approach is to identify the actionable cause that can lead to positive change and act on that. Managing emotions in decision-making is crucial for this—when emotions cloud judgment, it’s important to pause, assess the situation, and choose the best course of action, rather than reacting impulsively.

7. Exclusion vs. Inclusion in Societal Contexts:

There’s a segment where the conversation turns to societal issues, discussing how some ideologies or belief systems can be exclusionary, while others seek broader inclusion. It highlights that focusing too much on one cause or ideology can be counterproductive, leading to division rather than progress. The example of religious and political dynamics in India is used to emphasize the importance of recognizing multiple perspectives and working with other groups to advocate for shared interests, rather than clinging to narrow viewpoints.

8. Strategic Leadership and Influence:

The speaker suggests that in both personal and professional settings, especially in leadership roles, one must act strategically to manage crises, build alliances, and influence others. This is reflected in how Krishna interacts with the Pandavas, helping them navigate the challenges they face. Leaders need to make decisions that benefit the larger community, recognizing that actions often have ripple effects.

9. Practical Takeaways:

The speaker reflects on personal struggles, particularly the challenge of making decisions under emotional pressure. The advice given is to focus on what’s actionable, not on the noise of extraneous causes, and to manage emotions by recognizing them but not allowing them to control decisions. Understanding that God or a higher power may already be working in ways that are unseen is also a key takeaway: when we do our part, we trust that the larger plan will unfold.

The overarching message is about strategic decision-making, recognizing the interconnectedness of causes and effects, and managing emotions for better outcomes. It encourages individuals to focus on practical solutions and to understand the complex, dynamic nature of life’s challenges. The conversation ties back to Krishna’s wisdom in the Bhagavad Gita, suggesting that we too can learn to act wisely and strategically by reflecting on our strengths, managing our emotions, and focusing on what’s most constructive in any given moment.

If you’re dealing with complex decisions or emotional reactions, it’s helpful to apply the principle of identifying the “actionable cause” and focusing your energy on solutions that can lead to real, positive change.

Thankyou very much…