Go to War

अन्तवन्त इमे देहा नित्यस्योक्ता: शरीरिण: |

अनाशिनोऽप्रमेयस्य तस्माद्युध्यस्व भारत || 2.18||

Meaning of the Shloka: These bodies, which are a material manifestation of the Absolute Self, are temporary, hence expendable for the sake of the eternal truth. Therefore, O descendant of Bharat, you must fight. (Bhagvad Gita 2.18)

Context: The price of war is beyond the loss of life and gold. Participating in war and killing soldiers does have a significant psychological toll, also known as shell shock. Arjuna realized this and was evaluating whether engaging in armed conflict was worth it.

Although the context is related to an immediate battle, the lesson from the aforementioned Shloka can be applied to different aspects of life.

Life is war

Throughout the duration of our existence, we engage in numerous battles. The biggest ones happen right within the mind. We constantly have to fight enemies stemming from our own arrogance such as entitlement, willful ignorance, and greed.

Plenty of people are unwilling to pay the price required to participate in those wars, let alone win them.

Whenever we find ourselves amid such battlefields, just like Arjuna, we begin contemplating whether engaging forward is worth it. Should we delete social media and go full send on the path of content creation? Should we sacrifice momentary comfort and have a critical discussion with a loved one about something they did?

You must have encountered plenty of people who are afraid of the potential repercussions of tackling such conflicting situations head-on. Simultaneously, you must have also met folks who are always ready to pay the price to jump onto the battlefield with complete conviction.

Why do people give up

When I was young, I never realized why capable humans happily killed their dreams for a few hours of partying with people they didn’t even necessarily like. It bewildered me when I saw talented individuals waste hours of their day on television and social media rather than working on something they are passionate about.

Now, I do.

First, there is the uncertainty about whether you will win the war. Then, there is the question of whether the reward is worth it. Combine both ambiguities with the necessity of devotion, sacrifice, and hard work, and you will understand why so many quit so easily.

The best way to navigate this mental block is by focusing on your duties, which is to maximize your days to the best of your circumstances and capabilities.

The true reward of anything, including war, lies in the sincerity of your effort.

If you are truthful and righteous, no path is difficult. Even if it is, just like all the cheap dopamine hits you gave up, the pain you feel is also short-lived. Rather than focusing on whether you will pull it off or whether the prize is worth it, just concentrate on getting the job done.

Conclusion: Quit being a bitch

The doubt and hesitation mentioned above emerge from various sources. The root of them all is a little bitch. That bitch has arrogance which spawns other evils like laziness, attachment, and desire.

Once you realize that bitches aren’t worth listening to, overcoming that mental obstacle becomes easier. Everything in life is 90% psychological and 10% physical. When you visualize yourself putting in the work, it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a reality.

Stop stressing about whether you are ready. The perfect time doesn’t exist.

Stop stressing about whether the prize is worth it. It is about getting better, not collecting a damn trophy.

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Next Chapter: Knowledge (Absolute Self) Is Metaphysical

Previous Chapter: The Material Self Is Expendable

Index (with Prologue): Krishna Said That