Formula for Success - Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna's Victory
The Battle of Kurukṣetra was a monumental clash of forces, but for those with spiritual vision, the outcome was never in doubt. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that the victory achieved by Arjuna provides a universal formula for success in any endeavor: when a living entity aligns his will with the will of the Supreme Lord, Kṛṣṇa, victory is certain. This article explores the relationship between the Lord and His devotee that makes such success inevitable.
Inevitable Conclusion
The final conclusion of the Bhagavad-gītā is delivered by Sañjaya, who informs King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that victory belongs to the side where Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna are present. This victory is not a result of material calculation or karma-kāṇḍa, but a natural byproduct of the presence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
- Wherever there is Krsna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.
- Victory was certain for the side of Arjuna because Krsna was there. Krsna's acceptance of the post of charioteer for Arjuna was an exhibition of another opulence.
- After describing the scene in the battlefield, Sanjaya told the King (Dhrtarastra), "You are thinking of victory, but my opinion is that where Krsna and Arjuna are present, there will be all good fortune."
Kindness of Kṛṣṇa: Giving Credit to the Devotee
One of the most touching aspects of this victory is that Kṛṣṇa, despite being all-powerful and having already decided the outcome, encouraged Arjuna to fight. Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that Kṛṣṇa does everything Himself, but He is so kind that He gives the credit of the victory to His sincere devotee.
- Arjuna was supposed to take responsibility and the credit of being victorious. Krishna is so kind, He does everything, but He gives the credit to His sincere devotee.
- Everything was arranged by the Lord, but the credit of victory was given to Arjuna.
- The Lord tells Arjuna, O Arjuna, merely be an instrument in the fight. Lord Krsna had the competence to win the Battle of Kuruksetra, but nonetheless He induced His devotee Arjuna to fight and become the cause of victory.
Transcendental Signs and Omens
Throughout the narration of the battle, several signs indicated Arjuna’s forthcoming victory. From the Hanuman emblem on his flag—signifying the support of a previous great devotee—to the transcendental vibration of his conchshell, these elements confirmed that Arjuna was moving under divine protection.
- The emblem of Hanuman on the flag of Arjuna is another sign of victory because Hanuman cooperated with Lord Rama in the battle between Rama and Ravana, and Lord Rama emerged victorious.
- Victory and fortune (in the Battle of Kuruksetra) were awaiting Arjuna, as indicated by the transcendental sound produced by the conchshell of Visnu, or Lord Krsna.
- Arjuna sees that the leaders of the opposite party (Bhisma, Drona, Karna and all the sons of Dhrtarastra) and their soldiers & Arjuna's soldiers are all being annihilated. This is an indication that Arjuna will emerge victorious in battle.
Duty of the Instrument
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that Arjuna did not sit idly by because Kṛṣṇa was on his side. Instead, he worked his hardest and used his skills as an archer to fulfill the Lord’s mission. This teaches that while victory belongs to Kṛṣṇa, the devotee must be a willing and active instrument (nimitta-mātra).
- Although Krsna was doing everything for Arjuna, Arjuna never sat down idly as a nonviolent gentleman. Rather, he tried his best to fight the battle and be victorious.
- Because He Himself is telling Arjuna to fight, Arjuna has nothing to do with the results of the fight. Gain or victory are Krsna's concern; Arjuna is simply advised to act according to the dictation of Krsna..
- The Lord tells Arjuna, O Arjuna, merely be an instrument in the fight.
Conclusion
The victory of Arjuna is a perpetual source of encouragement for all who seek to serve the Supreme Lord. It proves that there is no power in the universe that can defeat one who has taken shelter of Kṛṣṇa. By becoming a sincere instrument in the hands of the Lord, every devotee can achieve the highest success and help establish the kingdom of God on earth. By understanding and addressing these concerns, his followers can ensure that the sacred mission he established continues to stand strong for generations to come.
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Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Arjuna's Victory. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.