'Greed is good' was the topic for a group discussion I had taken part in. I had actually supported it talking about man's thirst for knowledge and had linked the greed to thirst. But did I actually believe in my points? Honestly, no. A recent disappointment I had reminded me of Krishna's words from the Gita (it is funny that you think of God only when you are down and out, probably people are right in saying that He gives us problems so that we do not actually forget Him). Courtesy of bhagavad-gita.org I found the verse I was looking for -
dhyaayato vishayaan pumsah sangasteshoopajaayate
sangaat sanjaayate kaamah kaamaat krodhobhijaayate (2.62)
(While concentrating on objects of the senses a person develops attachment to the sense objects. From attachment desires are born, from desire anger arises.)
So the next time we feel angry towards someone, we should ask ourselves - is the anger justified? The problem is that such compartmentalization is not very simple. Emotion and rational thinking are not exactly the best of friends. Enter emotion, reason exits.
Arjuna asks Krishna how to control the mind. Krishna concedes the difficulty involved but also says it can be done by practice and detachment from sensory enjoyment. We should also remember that this does not mean withdrawal from the world, but rather maintaining a balance. We are advised to be like the lotus leaf which while standing in water is not made wet by it.
The relevance of the sloka I mentioned in the beginning is apparent in our daily lives also. For example, let us say A loves B. Whether or not there is reciprocity, expectations set in. The attachment of A manifests itself as desire (in any sense of the word). If the desire is not fulfilled, anger sets in. If this is the case when there is reciprocity, we can expect some choppy waters ahead in the relationship. Another example. I attach a lot of importance to a particular task of mine and expect others to finish it on time and properly. If that does not happen, once again I feel angry.
From a simple discussion itself, the Gita seems to be the answer to our daily problems. Is it time people, you and me, paid more attention to its timeless message?
