Remembering the life of Arjuna, being a prince and son of Lord Indra and friend of beloved Lord Krishna, had to live life on alms after varnavat. Then was exiled for 13 years to live in forest and 1 year a life of servitude. Even prior to the start of the epic battle with Kauravas he told Krishna that he wants to give up Kingdom and instead of killing his relatives and guru would like to live a life begging.
During the kurukshetra war Arjun lost everyone, including all his sons and Abhimanyu, who was brutally murdered. It makes me ponder if this life is meant for all the pleasures and wealth that the world has in store? Is it just that we need to pursue wealth? and does it ensure happiness? However, Duryodhan and Dhritrashtra were never happy despite having all the wealth and Kingdom of Hastinapur, and later after ousting Pandavas, even after taking Indraprastha.
Let's look at Lord Krishna, he lived on earth to perform his duty. He did not seek revenge on Kansa who killed his brothers and imprisoned his parents. He only annihilated Kansa and his demons only when they attacked him. Krishna had only one purpose which he describes in Gita, to protect the sadhus (good people), to annihilate evil forces, and establish righteousness (living by principles for the welfare of society/humanity).
Listening to lectures from Ramakrishna mission and reading works of Swamy Vivekananda, I often come across the phrase “Shiva Gyana Jeeva Seva” The knowledge of the divine is to serve other living beings.
I think it is definitely important to pursue the four key goals or pursuits for human beings, as described in the Vedas which are:
Dharma (live life by principles for welfare of others and self)
Artha (pursue knowledge, wealth, and prosperity)
Kama (desire pleasures of the world through your senses eat food, listen to music and marry) and
Moksha (seek the knowledge and practice of liberation)
While in pursuit of the four goals don't forget to work for the welfare of others, don't get stuck in any one pursuit all your life. Even if you get stuck, pray to the Lord to get you back to the pursuit of purposeful and conscious living, which helps you achieve true happiness - and it is only achieved through peace and in service of others.
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti!
Amit Baghel
