Duties!


As Arjun travelled impetuously, all creatures fearfully gave way & after passing over many mountains, he arrived at Himalayās. It took him 1 day to reach this abode of demigods, as he traveled at speed of mind using his mystic powers. Crossing over, he soon came to Gandhamādana & then reached Indrakila, walking day and night without any fatigue


As he arrived at the sacred place, a voice from sky ordered him to stop. Looking around in astonishment, he saw a frail sage with matted hair seated beneath a tree, blazing with ascetic splendor. Sage said-Who’re you that has come with a bow & arrows, encased in armor appearing like a Kshatriya. There is no need of weapons here, as this is abode of peaceful Brāhmanās devoted to austerities. Throw it away! By coming here, you, who is unsurpassed in prowess, have attained a pure state of existence


Although sage repeatedly asked to throw away his bow, Arjun remained adamant in determination to accomplish his mission. Pleased with his tenacity, the sage finally revealed his identity: I’m Indra & am pleased that you’ve been able to come here. Ask for benediction you desire?


Arjun, wonderstruck in presence of celestial chief, lowered his head & with folded hands said: O King of demigods, I wish to receive all your celestial weapons. Indra smiled: O Dhananjay! having reached here what is the need of weapons? You’ve attained pure state of existence & so you should ask for residence in heavenly region of your desire?


Arjun replied: I don’t desire to enjoy prosperity/happiness of heaven until I can rejoin my brothers & take revenge against my enemies. Indra informed Arjun: First you must obtain blessings of Lord Siva. Only then I’ll award you celestial weapons you desire


Arjun continued to reside there, applying himself to execution of severe austerities. Dressed in deerskin, rags & grass, he ate only fallen leaves & fruit every 3rd day during 1st month of his vow. During 2nd month, he reduced his eating to once in 6 days & in entire 3rd month he ate only twice. In 4th month, he gave up eating altogether & standing on tips of his toes with arms upraised, he maintained life only by breathing


At this time, sages residing there approached Lord Siva & said that due to severe austerities performed by Arjun, entire area is scorched & they’re feeling difficulties. Lord Siva replied that he knows Arjun’s intentions & will go to award him the fulfillment of his desires


We may also be tempted by material enjoyment while executing our duties. But we need to raise ourselves above material profit-loss considerations & this can be done only thro’ spiritual connectedness which instils in us sense of responsibility for higher purpose


We need to overcome material distractions to fulfill the ultimate purpose of focusing on defined duties. Personal attachments & aversions should be kept away from purposeful action. Thus, we can attain spiritual purity, intellectual clarity & release from misery


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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