“We are kept from our goal, not by obstacles, but by a clear path to a lesser goal.” – The Bhagavad Gita
We all know what transpired at the battleground of Kurukshetra – engaging narrative has been encapsulated in epic Mahabharata and philosophical treatise Bhagavad Gita. In the opening scene of Gita two armies were arrayed in a battlefield, waiting for a signal to begin the war. On realisation of the futility of war and sheer folly of the act, Arjuna was immobilized by doubts and apprehensions. In other words, Arjuna’s mind had been so eclipsed by his attachments and his illusions, he’s not able to see things in the right perspective as he was in the throes of moral quandary. What really changed the tone and tenor of the whole narrative was “Pep Talk” – the most sterling, crisp and concise message that Lord Krishna gave to Arjuna when he was disheartened and dejected. Out of despondency, Arjuna cast aside his bow and arrow and affirmed that “I shall not fight”. He argued that it was wrong on his part to partake in such an unethical and fratricidal act where he had to fight and destroy his own kinsmen and elders who were worthy of his worship. Arjuna said – “Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. I can find no means to drive away this grief which is drying up my senses. How can I fight?”
On hearing his melancholic and despairing words, Lord Krishna “the charioteer ” gave the most historic and powerful “Pep Talk” which not only revitalized and reinvigorated the disillusioned mind of Arjuna but also exhorted Arjuna to take duty bound action as a warrior. The purpose of Krishna’s speech was to resolve Arjuna’s moral dilemma and spur him into action without consideration of the consequences. Krishna said –
“O chastiser of enemy, you have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of action. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities and never be attached to not doing your duty. As a warrior, it’s your prescribed duty to fight irrespective of whom you are fighting against and without deliberating on the outcome of the battle. Sever the ignorant doubt in your heart with the sword of self-knowledge. Observe your discipline. Give up all petty weaknesses of heart, and Arise.”
The “Pep Talk” was morale-boosting, well-reasoned and purposeful. The significance of Pep Talk can hardly be overemphasized as it can pull anybody out of predicament or dire situation. The greatest “Inspirational Talk” has all the elements of Aristotelian persuasive speech– ethos (creditability of Lord Krishna is beyond reproach), pathos (emotionally charged content) and logos (logically consistent and illuminating arguments). The philosophical discourse that ensued in the form of Bhagavad Gita was the outcome of this historic “Pep Talk”. The Gita is more a speech than a dialogue, for Arjuna’s interjections punctuate Krishna’s orations sporadically. It’s needless to mention that without this “Inspiring Talk” the great battle of Mahabharata would not have taken place and the world would have remained oblivious to the philosophical principles enshrined in Bhagavad Gita.
Even great warrior like Arjuna needed a Pep Talk from the enlightened one to remove cobwebs of confusion in his mind and embark on the righteous path. Both the sides in the battle had a host of great warriors who had really powerful and magnificent weapons but it was Krishna who used the most potent and concealed weapon of all Pep Talk to sway Arjuna’s deluded mind. It goes without saying that after this “Pep Talk” Arjuna was enthused to fight the glorious battle. What world witnessed was unprecedented and unparalleled both in scale and scope. Even though the whole narrative is part of the mythological realm nonetheless one thing is real and tangible – Lord Krishna’s immortal words in the form of a Pep Talk.
In this modern dynamic world, we face a plethora of complexities and impediments and where deviations from true goals are commonplace. That’s why we need Pep Talk every now and then from an inspirational source. And sometimes this inspiration emanates from within oneself. Pep Talk can infuse and instill enthusiasm and confidence in the listener and shatter all doubts within a short span of time. Pep talk has become new style of public speaking – Precise, Enthusiastic, and Penetrating Talk that can allay your fears, alleviate your pain and elevate your spirits to whole new level. Arjuna’s moral dilemma is symbolic of mental conflict that everybody faces and Lord Krishna’s inspiring talk is exemplification of one noble truth – Pep Talk has potential to bring change in your attitude, alter your emotional state and most importantly it compels you to make concerted efforts that would eventually yield concrete results.
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