The Macro-Vision of the Gita:

The mental and physical debility of the modern man, though called today’s problem is not new to the history of mankind. The same problem has already been discussed in the Gita and the solution is also given.

Let us take the case of today’s industrialist. He can be equated to the troubled, confused Arjuna when he first faced the opposing forces. The difficulties one encounters are defined differently, but facing the challenge is the same . Arjuna almost thought of retiring from the war. If today’s industrialist, under great pressure from the bank for loans and the government for permits, withdraws from his project, his vision to produce wealth for the society or nation is wasted !

When Arjuna confronted the same situation, Krishna admonished him saying that he should not run away, but boldly face the challenges.
In order to face challenges, a lot of courage is necessary. For this, the mind must be strong and poised enough to discover its own efficiency, ability and above all, how beautifully, it can perform even under stress. This ultimately ensures success in life – not running away from problems !

This equipoise comes about only when the mind acquires a macro-vision. The man understands his importance in life and the contribution, he owes to the world. He recognizes his own importance and learns that his duty is to do that particular job.

Micro-vision is often shallow and the views are self-centred. When the expansion leads to macro-vision, man understands, he is not a solitary individual, but one with the whole Universe and one with the Lord. He understands, the whole universe arises in Him, exists in Him and disappears in Him, just as the waves rise in the ocean, play and disappear again in the ocean. In macro-vision, we realise that all individuals are inter-related, each one of us has individual responsibilities besides duty towards society. It is as though the whole world is a harmonious tapestry !

Let us take the example of our body. The body has different parts and each part has a function. But still they are a part of you. Harm befalls even if one part is injured ! We live in our body which houses different parts with different functions. The same way, Life should be seen as One, expressing through diverse forms.

This is the necessary philosophy for today. We are no more in a safe world. An isolated incident happening in one pat of the world has repercussions all over. The tragedy in the U S on Sep 11<SUP>th</SUP>, has proved this to us in no uncertain terms ! All nations seem to be woven in one fabric !

The macro-vision does not come automatically to an individual, but has to be cultivated.
Krishna had to teach the Gita to Arjuna to help him throw off his indecision and mental confusion. Arjuna rediscovered his efficiency and potency when his mind became calm and serene. We must note that Krishna did not alter the situation nor help Arjuna with new forces or allies. He talked to Arjuna to lift him out of mental confusion.

Situations do not ever change. The change has to be brought about in us by us ! The problem no more exists, it becomes a sport or a challenge. The attitude of mental equanimity is necessary if one wants to become an industrial visionary or a developer of macro-economy. The micro-age is gone and now we talk of macro-economics. It is in us to make this change in our minds, in our view point and in our vision. For this we seek the help of the Gita!

Love,
Chithra.

 

Dear Kamla,
Thanks for leading the F B posts !
I am surprised that you find it macro to understand !
Let me tell you, how the idea came about to write on this. When we went without I L for a day, it struck me, how much Malathy must have struggled initially to think , create & give shape to an Indusladies website !
With all the initial teething trouble she must have gone through, just imagine what would have happened, if she had thought " OK, enough is enough !".
Would we all have been so well connected globally ? Now, we call this a healthy addiction which has literally seeped into our daily life.
It required a great conviction on Malathy's part to develop this website more for the benefit of all of us, inspite of a new life in the US, newly married etc. Now, do you not agree that she did have a macro-vision ? Inspite of the recent, minor brickbats, she does go ahead more vigorously with a New HomePage etc ! This is the point I want to drive across - the Gita teaches us that we must contribute our share to the Universe, like a drop in the ocean.
I do hope, you agree with me.
Love,
Chithra.

 

Dear Vidhi,
Thanks for the beautiful feedback.
That you read a lot of books, particularly of Vivekananda is very good. Once before also, you quoted very aptly, I remember.
It is not easy to develop a macro vision; but it has to be consciously developed by practice over a period of time as we say
யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளீர்.
The same is conveyed in sanskrit as Vasudeva Kutumbam !
Yes, the lotus is our national flower & aptly stands for Indusladies !
Love,
Chithra.

 

Dear Radha,
Thanks for the cute, sweet F B.
Love,
Chithra.