Jai Shri Krishna.
Are You Doing Justice to Your Role? Lessons from the Gita on Parenting and Purpose
In the journey of life, responsibilities often surround us from all sides. We remain busy fulfilling duties as parents, professionals, and caregivers. Yet, we rarely pause to reflect on a deeper question: Are we truly doing justice to our role? The Bhagavad Gita presents a powerful moment of reflection when Arjuna, overwhelmed by Karpanya Dosha—a weakness of heart—admits his confusion. Unable to decide his duty, he shifts from being Krishna’s friend to becoming His disciple. With folded hands, Arjuna seeks clear guidance on what is truly best for him. This moment transforms the Gita into a sacred master–disciple dialogue and offers timeless lessons on purpose and responsibility.
The Scholar vs. The Fool
When Krishna begins His teachings in the second chapter, He speaks firmly. Arjuna sounds like a learned scholar, quoting scriptures and moral logic. Yet, Krishna points out that Arjuna grieves for what is not worthy of grief. Though intelligent and well-read, Arjuna remains trapped in bodily thinking. Krishna’s words are not meant to insult but to awaken humility. True wisdom begins when one realises the soul is eternal, while the body is temporary. Without this understanding, even a learned person remains spiritually ignorant.
The Story of the Scientist and the Boatman
A simple story explains this truth clearly. A proud scientist once mocked a boatman for lacking education, claiming his life was mostly wasted. However, when the boat began to sink, the boatman asked a single question: “Do you know how to swim?” The scientist did not. Calmly, the boatman replied that the scientist’s life was now fully wasted. In the ocean of material existence, knowing the soul is like knowing how to swim. Without it, all other achievements lose meaning.
The “One” and the “Zeros”
Srila Prabhupada beautifully explained that material success—wealth, degrees, status—is like a row of zeros. Even many zeros together remain zero. Spiritual realisation is the number “one.” When Krishna, or Atma Tattva, stands before the zeros, their value increases instantly. Without that “one,” life’s achievements remain empty, no matter how impressive they appear.
The True Responsibility of a Parent
Many parents feel successful when their children earn well or settle abroad. While material care is necessary, it is not complete. Scriptures remind us that a parent, teacher, or leader fails if they do not guide those under their care toward liberation. Feeding and protecting children is not enough; animals do that, too. Real parenting involves helping children understand that they are eternal souls, not just bodies meant to earn and consume.
Life as a Rented House
The body is compared to a rented house. The soul lives within it temporarily. Some receive warnings through old age, while others must leave suddenly. Spending all our energy decorating this rented house while ignoring our eternal home is unwise. Still, many say they have no time for the Gita because they remain busy serving the body day and night.
Conclusion
Krishna’s correction of Arjuna is a lesson for all humanity. Out of compassion, He removes illusion and reveals truth. Let life not become a series of zeros. Seek the “one” by understanding the soul. As parents, mentors, and seekers, let us offer not only material comfort but also the path to eternal wisdom and lasting peace.
Jai Shri Krishna.
Jai Shri Krishna….Watch the complete video “Geeta Jeevana Vidhanam” Bhagavad Gita playlist on YK TV Devotional here.
