Is it time to Surrender and Hide? by Bill Wofford
Nope. Not yet. Events of this life will push and humble us. Without a doubt, we will take our lumps, both large and small. Events beyond our control will challenge us, test us, hurt us. A once-promising relationship ends all too soon. A nagging pain becomes a frightening diagnosis. A vision of a more hopeful future crashes upon the rocks of a decisive electoral defeat. When you’re feeling fragile, a few red lights in a row can feel like a defeat. What to do then when adversity comes a-calling as surely it will? Declare “Que sera, sera” and practice radical acceptance? Well, that’s an option. But not right away, not just yet, the ancient yogis would counsel. First, hold your ground, stand and fight.
The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian epic poem, tells of the pivotal encounter of Prince Arjuna with divine consciousness in the earthly form of his confidant and charioteer, Lord Krishna. On the cusp of battle, Arjuna surveys his army and that of the enemy, the ranks of each filled with his relatives, friends and countless innocents. As a skilled archer and battle-hardened warrior, Arjuna fully understands the havoc and mayhem to be unleashed once the horns sound and arrows start flying. In doubt and despair, he pauses and prepares to stand down to avoid staining his hands and conscience with yet more blood. Even knowing that inaction means abandoning his brothers and his cause and allowing his enemies to prevail, Arjuna stands paralyzed, frozen by uncertainty. Time stands still as Lord Krishna guides Arjuna through this dilemma, steering him to use the tools of yoga to find clarity, pushing him to remember what he stands for and challenging him to use his talents and strength in service. Don’t spectate, Arjuna. Act in service to the best of your ability. If you find yourself in a war, you must fight.
Krishna first teaches that Arjuna must act. Choosing inaction is an option, but sends one down the wrong path. Arjuna mustn’t recoil from the challenges of life. He must strive to see clearly what life is asking of him, summon his strength and courage and engage fully, to the best of his ability.
But not just any action will do. Krishna directs Arjuna that his actions should serve not only his own interests, but those of the broader society. “The wise should work … for the welfare of the society….Let your aim be the good of all. Then carry out your task in life with an unswerving devotion to truth, refusing to yield to selfish desires or to the errors of human nature.” Sounds like a pretty tall order to me. But what else would you expect when communing with the divine?
Finally, Krisha counsels Arjuna to release attachment to the outcome. “Do your duty, but do not concern yourself with the results.” Krisha teaches Arjuna that purpose lies in doing one's unique duty diligently, while not being overly concerned with the expected rewards or consequences. This approach teaches a balanced mindset, inviting us to learn to accept both success and failure with equanimity.
Happily, none of us are being called to the field of battle to shed the blood of our friends and relatives. But life is, indeed, calling each of us to do our best to fulfill our unique set of duties. What can we do to make sure we are ready to meet the need of the hour? One of my favorite ways to prepare myself is to get on my yoga mat to cultivate presence, awareness, strength, flexibility and balance. Acting to the best of our ability, bringing an intention to be of service and relinquishing attachment to any particular outcome.
This is not the time to hide, retreat or surrender. The time to show up and be fully present is…Now.
