Arjuna – A Hero, A Master of Karma

Discover the Arjuna Within — Inspired by Dr. Debashis Chatterjee, this reflection by Dr. Manmohan Vyas explores how Arjuna symbolises human excellence, reminding us that with talent, attitude, and disciplined practice, each of us can become the hero of our own journey.

Dr. Manmohan Vyas

Arjuna is as old as the mountain and as fresh as morning dew. Like grass on earth, like hair on skin, Arjuna arose from Indra’s own self. Arjuna is the star student and the master archer; he is the lover and the warrior. Arjuna is timeless and yet he belongs to all times. Even our times! When I read these lines, I actually started thinking about Arjuna – The warrior. But gradually I realised that Arjuna in not only a warrior but it is a symbol of supreme human talent (Shreshta) and we can relate him to our daily life. We have to work tirelessly to become ‘Shreshta’. Every human being is born with some capabilities, but it is only when we discover our inner self, our talent, that we are born again - born as a ‘Hero’. As Dr. Chatterjee says - The hero, who recognises those powers as his own, he is able to craft a new identity for himself. Whichever powers the hero identifies with, becomes his identity.

Talent + Temperament + Attitude - But that does not mean it is only talent which sets a

Hero apart. Renowned commentator Hrsha Bhogle once said that excellence is not only about Talent but it’s the way you nurture your talent with your attitude that makes a difference. He gives example of Vinod Kambli being equally talented as Sachin Tendulkar. But we all know how they progressed in their life and sporting career. It is a hero’s temperament that defines how he react to a particular situation. Our Upanishads have also Taught us: “You are what your deepest nature is; As your nature, so is your will; As your will is, so is your deed; As your deed is, so is your destiny.” Clarity and Concentration – A hero has to travel the path of success twice: first in his mental world (inside) and then in the real world (outside). Before we aspire to conquer the world, it is important to shape our own thoughts, our mind. It’s only then a Hero can ignore the leaves, the tree, the sky, the river and even the bird and can see only the bird’s eye. A Hero has to learn the art of concentration – ekagrata. When your mind is possessed with anxiety and anger, can you concentrate anything worthwhile?

In the middle of the battleground, Arjuna asks Krishna, चञ्चलं हि मनः कृ ष्ण प्रमाहि बलवद्द ृढमद। तस्यािं हनग्रिं मन्ये वायोरिव सुद्ुष्किमद।।6.34।। “The mind is restless, O Krishna, turbulent, strong and unyielding. It is as difficult to control the mind as it is to control the wind.” Krishna says, असंशयं मिाबािो मनो द्ुहनिग्रिं चलं। अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैिाग्येण च गृह्यते ।। 6.35 “Without doubt, Arjuna, the mind is unsteady and hard to hold. But practise and dispassion can restrain the mind.” Practice and Mastery – A Picasso did not become Picasso by chance. Tendulkar had to spend thousands of hours to get a perfect cover drive and be called a Master Blaster. To run 100 metres in 9.58 seconds, Usain Bolt had to sweat it out for years. It is said that you need to spend about ten thousand hours to create a habit, good or bad. But as perfectly stated by Dr Chatterjee, the difference between forming a habit and practising is this: a habit is unconscious, while practise is a conscious process. For a hero to become a master, he has to overcome demons of anger, ego and laziness and has to work tirelessly and meticulously because life, as they say, does not provide any opportunity for replays. Introspection – To conclude, this is the time when we can introspect and identify the Arjuna inside our mind, our body, and our soul. Let us be our own hero. Let the talent within our mind be supported by the attitude of our heart. Let’s concentrate and ignite the energy within us and be clear in our vision for a sustainable future. Let us learn to balance between Abhyasa and Vairagya. Let us practise and become masters of our emotions. Let our destiny be decided by our karma and as

Krishan says, कमिण्येवाहिकािस्ते मा फलेषु कद्ाचन। मा कमिफलिेतुर्भिमाि ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकमिहण॥

Inspired by Invisible Arjuna by Dr. Debashis Chatterjee.

Dr. Manmohan Vyas