Before the onset of Mahabharata war, Krishna gave opportunity to both Arjuna and Duryodhana to exercise their free will. Both had to choose either Krishna or Krishna’s Narayani sena (army). Not just this, Krishna had declared that he would not fight but his powerful army would fight during the war. Arjuna made up his mind and Duryodhana was also not confused. At the end both were happy. Arjuna without any hesitation choose Krishna and Duryodhana was jubilant because he got the mighty Narayani Sena.
In our life we also get an opportunity to exercise our free will. Whether we choose Krishna or Krishna’s material energy reflects our true character. Most of us get enamored by the material life, externally we may demonstrate our longing for Krishna but within our heart what we long for is more important.
During the war Duryodhana was ultimately defeated and whoever was on his side also met the same destiny. In fact in this world everyone is always defeated. Only Lord is always victorious. Arjuna was on the side of Krishna so he too tasted victory. Material life seems to be too enticing initially and spiritual life appears to be too difficult. But those who tread the path of spirituality always achieve success. It is verily said that material life appears to be nectar in the beginning but becomes poisonous in the end whereas spiritual life may appear poisonous in the beginning but is nectar at the end.
In our life while exercising our free will we need to ask ourselves whether we are following the footsteps of Arjuna or of Duryodhana.
