At the end of the first chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, the Pandavs and Kauravs prepare for battle in Kurukshetra. As Arjun surveys the battlefield, he sees his own family on the opposing side and falls into deep despair, unable to fathom fighting them. Shri Krishna Bhagwan, his charioteer, listens patiently as Arjun expresses his turmoil. In Sanskrit, this state of emotional conflict and depression is called viṣāda.
Many of us may not face Arjun’s exact predicament, but we all experience viṣāda—moments of despair, stress, and helplessness. The question is not whether we will face such struggles, but how we will respond. Who will we turn to for strength? Where will we find guidance?
From the Gita, we learn that Arjun did not remain in despair or try to solve it alone. Instead, he turned to Shri Krishna Bhagwan, who helped him see beyond his emotions and reconnect with his dharma (duty). This teaches us that, in our own struggles, divine wisdom can help us regain clarity and purpose.
A similar lesson comes from the Bhāgavata Purāṇa in the story of Gajendra Moksha. The elephant king Gajendra, caught by a crocodile, initially relies on his own strength and later calls for help from friends and family. When all efforts fail, he surrenders completely to God, crying for refuge. Lord Vishnu immediately arrives and frees him.
Often, like Gajendra, we first rely on ourselves and others, only to realize that true relief comes through surrendering to the Divine. Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan affirms this idea, saying, “Everything happens by the will of God. So, just as a dry leaf is blown in the air according to the direction of the wind, we should also remain dependent on Him and joyfully worship God, not allowing any frustration to enter our minds.”
This wisdom reminds us that life’s hardships are beyond our control, but through surrender and devotion, we can find peace. Instead of carrying burdens alone, we can transform viṣāda into viṣāda-yog—a connection with God that allows us to rise above suffering.
The stories of Arjun and Gajendra highlight a profound truth: divine guidance is always available to those who seek it with sincerity and faith. By turning to the Divine in our darkest moments, we find the strength to overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
(Text courtesy: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha)
