What does it mean to be a coward? Is Arjuna being a Coward? Is there a better way to deal with such situations? Lastly, is what Arjuna is doing "right" or "wrong" or should it not even be seen as this. Explain.
According to the Bhagavad Gita, someone who fears and lacks the courage to approach any unpleasant situation is referred to as a coward. Cowards often give excuses regarding situations they do not want to approach 1 . However, the Bhagavad Gita does not portray Arjuna as a coward rather he is described as one of the bravest warriors alive. On the eve of the Great War, Arjuna explains to his best friend his visceral physical response in regards to the war. This response does not occur because he is afraid to be hurt or killed on the battlefield rather it is due to his doubts regarding the Great War. He does not wish to fight his relations, moreover, Arjuna believes having material wealth and power should be for the benefit of his community and relations whom have turned and ready to fight him.
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Arjuna and his brothers are forced into war with his greedy Kauravas have rebuffed their efforts towards attaining their material inheritance 2 . When such situations arise, it is best to seek alternative ways of handling the quarrel. However, in this situation, there is no other way but war considering that Arjuna’s Kauravas are greedy and have no desire to see Arjuna attain justice. Therefore, war is the only left solution to the crisis. What Arjuna is doing is right. I believe he is right considering that he has no desire to engage in war but his relatives have left him no alternative. Attaining his material inheritance through war is the only solution 3 . Arjuna is fighting for what is rightfully his; therefore, there is nothing wrong with his actions.
Bibliography
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Dana Sawyer. 2017. "Huston Smith: A Look Back At The Man Who Wrote The Book On World Religions". Religious Studies Review 43 (2): 141-143. doi:10.1111/rsr.12902.
