254. Consequences of Ahankaar
T here are adverse consequences when we don’t follow natural laws. For example, if someone jumps from a height ignoring gravity, the consequences are inevitable. Similarly, Krishna cautions about the consequences of violating the principles of existence or natural laws as explained by Him in the Bhagavad Gita. He says, “Fixing your mind on Me you shall overcome all obstacles and difficulties by My grace. You will perish if you do not listen to My advice due to ahankaar ” (18.58). Perishing is inevitable like falling from a height when we are driven by ahankaar ( aham-karta ). Krishna says, “Because of ahankaar if you think ‘I will not fight’, your resolution will be in vain. Your nature will compel you to fight” (18.59). Firstly, even if Arjuna had left the battlefield, the war would not have ended. Secondly, Arjuna wouldn’t have sat passive when the battle was going on where his immediate family is facing danger. This verse indicates that governed by his swa-dharma (own natur...