How Arjuna learnt the Big Lesson?!?

How Arjuna learnt the Big Lesson?!?

Implicit obedience to The Lord is what is desirable for an ideal devotee. The veil of delusion which covers up the Divinity inherent in man is so thick that it inflates man’s ego, tempting him to forget even God. Arjuna, while being driven by Lord Krishna  in the Kurukshetra battlefield, donning the role of Charioteer, was in this ‘tight-spot’ with his ego pumped up for a moment, only to learn the big lesson finally reposing full faith in Lord Krishna.

Those were the days of Mahabharata war. At the end of the 9th day of the war, Arjuna returned with Krishna from the battlefield filled with excitement of victory. On that day, ego entered his mind and he considered Krishna merely a charioteer of his chariot and himself as the cause of the victory. Krishna stopped the chariot near the camp of Arjuna and asked him, “Brother-in-law, get down from the chariot.” As is the common practice those days that the driver of the car gets down from the car first and opens the door of the car to enable the owner to get down from it, Arjuna wanted Krishna to observe the same decorum and get down first. He asked Him with pride and impertinence, “Brother-in-law, You should get down first.” In reply, Krishna said to him, “Brother-in-law, you get down and go inside.” But Arjuna was stubborn and said to Krishna, “You get down first and I will get down after that only.” Then Krishna sternly commanded Arjuna, “No, no. You have to get down first.” In this way, there were arguments and counter arguments between Arjuna and Krishna for some time. In the end, Arjuna unwillingly got down from the chariot fearing what Krishna might do if he did not obey Him. Krishna then ordered him to go inside. Arjuna was surprised and did not understand why Krishna was ordering him so forcefully like that. As Arjuna went inside, Krishna jumped down from the chariot. As soon as He did so, the chariot was engulfed in flames and reduced to ashes. Then Arjuna asked Krishna, “What is all this?” Krishna said to Arjuna, smilingly, “It is for the same reason that I asked you to get down from the chariot first, though you were not willing to do so. In today’s war, Bhishma attacked you with fierce fiery weapons. In order to protect you, I suppressed them under My Feet. If I had got down from the chariot before you, you would have been burned down along with the chariot.”

Thinking of the dreadful consequence if he had not got down from the chariot first, Arjuna was filled with repentance. Such is the veil of delusion which covers up the divinity inherent in man and inflates his ego. Reposing his full faith in Krishna, Arjuna worshipped Him with great devotion. Lord Krishna, therefore, was always with him and protected him. We can attain the grace of the Lord by following His command.

II Samasta Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II

How Arjuna learnt the Big Lesson from Lord Krishna

The life of Arjuna is filled with inspiring moments that continue to guide spiritual seekers even today. One of the most profound incidents that teaches humility, devotion, and surrender is beautifully reflected in the story of How Arjuna learnt the Big Lesson?!? Though Arjuna was a mighty warrior, a devoted disciple, and a close companion of Lord Krishna, there came a time when he had to learn an important truth about divine grace.

Arjuna was known for his unmatched skill in archery and his courage on the battlefield. He had played a crucial role in the Mahabharata war and had received the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita directly from Lord Krishna. Over time, however, a subtle feeling arose within him that he was the greatest devotee of the Lord. While his devotion was genuine, a trace of pride had unknowingly entered his heart.

Seeing this, Lord Krishna decided to teach His beloved devotee a valuable lesson. One day, He took Arjuna on a journey and introduced him to a simple devotee whose love for God was extraordinary. This devotee lived a humble life and spent every moment remembering the Lord. His devotion was so pure that he saw God in everything and everyone around him.

Arjuna was surprised to witness the depth of this devotee’s faith. The man had no knowledge of scriptures, no royal status, and no great achievements to boast about. Yet his heart was completely surrendered to God. Through this experience, Arjuna realized that true devotion is not measured by power, knowledge, or position. It is measured by the purity of one’s love and surrender.

This incident forms the essence of How Arjuna learnt the Big Lesson?!? The lesson was that ego can quietly enter even the hearts of sincere devotees. Spiritual progress requires constant humility and the understanding that all abilities and accomplishments come from the Divine.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized that humility is the ornament of a true devotee. He taught that God looks not at external achievements but at the sincerity of the heart. Arjuna’s experience perfectly illustrates this eternal truth. The moment he recognized his mistake, he bowed before the Lord with gratitude and renewed his devotion with greater humility.

For devotees today, How Arjuna learnt the Big Lesson?!? serves as a reminder to examine our own hearts. We may perform prayers, participate in service activities, and study spiritual teachings, but these actions become truly meaningful only when accompanied by humility and selfless love. Pride creates distance from God, while surrender brings us closer to Him.

The wisdom shared through this story continues to inspire readers of Devotional India to cultivate genuine devotion and inner purity. As taught by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, every spiritual journey becomes successful when we replace ego with love and remember that God alone is the source of all strength and blessings. This timeless message of How Arjuna learnt the Big Lesson?!? remains relevant for every seeker striving to walk the path of righteousness and divine love.

Through such inspiring narratives shared on Devotional India, devotees can better understand the deeper values of humility, faith, and complete surrender to the Divine.