What Arjuna and Krishna on the chariot symbolize
by Atman Nityananda
The charioteer (Arjuna) symbolizes the sattvic intellect or Buddhi (not the impure one which is the condition of the majority of humans) that has control over the body (chariot), the manas – external mind (reins)and the senses (horses) and fights to kill the egoic tendencies.
Sri krishna symbolizes the Pure Consciousness which empowers and illuminates the intellect and remains as the witness of this inner battle between the higher Self (the sattvic Buddhi endowed with the reflection of Consciousness) against the lower impure self (the rajasotamasic mind and ego).
The external field of the battle in which happens the fight between Arjuna (sattvic Buddhi) and his relatives (the various egos), symbolizes the inner field of battle which is the fight between the higher Self against the lower self which is an aggregation of a variety of egoistic tendencies, (lust, lasciviousness, gluttony, anger, fear, greed, impatience, arrogance, pride, envy, jealousy, depression, likes, dislikes, attraction-repulsion o aversion).
The ego with its innumerable expressions is symbolized in the Greek mythology as Medusa, described as a winged human female with a hideous face and living venomous snakes in place of hair. Perseus (higher Self, the sattvic buddhi) is the Greek hero who killed the medusa (the ego) and Goddess Athena symbolizes the Divine Shakti, the intelligent Consciousness which helps Perseus to kill the ego.
The ‘secret’ to a plentiful life, a life of harmony, happiness and contentment is to have a sattvic mind free from desires and ego and to live in every moment in conscious contact with our true Self (Consciousness).
🌺 Peace, Love, Harmony
atmannityanada 