यदृच्छया चोपपन्नं स्वर्गद्वारमपावृतम् | सुखिन: क्षत्रिया: पार्थ लभन्ते युद्धमीदृशम् || 32 || |
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“O Son of Pritha, fortunate are those to whom such righteous battle comes uninvited; therein they find an open door to heaven.”
Commentary
This verse encompasses two distinct types of warriors: the traditional soldier, defending his nation’s borders, and the spiritual aspirant, safeguarding his inner tranquility. The valiant soldier, who bravely confronts the perils of battle without flinching, is promised celestial rewards upon departing this mortal coil. Similarly, the spiritual warrior, eschewing physical force, employs the weapons of tolerance, non-violence, reason, love, and prayer to rouse the conscience of adversaries. These adversaries may manifest as inner conflicts or external adversaries who seek to undermine, slander, or assail one’s peace and integrity. In this spiritual combat, the warrior safeguards the sanctity of his hard-won inner peace, joy, and wisdom, cultivated through communion with the divine.
Each unbidden negative thought or emotion presents an opportunity for growth and conquest. Every triumph over sensory impulses represents a stride towards spiritual evolution. But how does one engage in battle against internal adversaries? The answer lies in harnessing the power of will. Willpower serves as the potent weapon, capable of guiding thoughts and emotions towards desired ends. It is not a frantic impulse, but a serene determination that gradually cultivates aversion to negativity. At its source lies Chaitanya, or Divine Consciousness—the wellspring of positive willpower. Human willpower possesses the remarkable capacity to mobilize bodily functions and concentrate energies towards a singular objective. Through persistent application, willpower shapes the environment, fostering conducive conditions for spiritual growth and realization.