Self-discipline, Actions and Knowledge

While reading these teachings, I realized how much I agreed with Krishna’s definition of ignorance. One of the things he says that really stood out was “An ignorant man is lost, faithless, and filled with self-doubt; a soul that harbors doubt has no joy, not in this world or the next.” (56) I consider this a very true statement since even today, ignorance is a very big deal in society and it defines the way that people perceive each other. Everyone has a level of ignorance and another one of knowledge. When an ignorant man is “lost” it’s basically saying that the lack of knowledge has caused this person to lose an identity, without and identity, everything becomes doubtful and there is a constant necessity for justification. I suppose that Krishna saw ignorance as man’s ruin. Ignorance being the complete opposite of knowledge, “Faithful, intent, his senses subdued, he gains knowledge; gaining knowledge, he soon finds perfect peace.”(56) Knowledge can also be associated not only with an identity, but also with self-discipline. Krishna discusses self-discipline and explains how this allows anyone to perform their actions with understanding and order, therefore, performing them wisely. “No wise man disturbs the understanding of ignorant men attached to action: he should inspire them, performing all actions with discipline.” (46) This also gives grounds for the fact that those more knowledgeable are more prone to inspiring those with less knowledge, and set an example or at least conduct some kind of leadership.

During Krishna’s explanation of the difference between discipline and the renunciation of actions, he often refers to joy as an attribute to knowledgeable men. Krishna is explaining to some degree, the ways of the world to Arjuna who questions him about values and that having knowledge implies. It seems that Krishna is giving instructions to Arjuna on how to make the most of his life and how to help others make the most out of theirs’. Krishna constantly coaxes Arjuna indirectly to follow his advice by telling him the great joy he will achieve by doing so, “A man able to endure the force of desire and anger before giving up his body is disciplined and joyful.”(62)