War Simulation

Buddhi Yoga is a modified snakes and ladders game? No, I say Buddhi Yoga is a war simulation!

Understanding “war”

What does “war” mean? Well, I am reminded of “anger”, of “hatred”, of “violence”, of “atrocities”, of “excesses”, of “pride”, of “victory”, of “humiliation” and many such other feelings. A conflict which involves all these feelings. A conflict, more, of a people than of the individual.

The Mahabharata is also an account of a war. However, the battlefield, “Kurukshetra” is a sacred place. A scene of “poignant action”. This war has been described as an occasion of incredible beauty, grandeur and purpose. It is also, the scene of the most profound and practical philosophy calling upon Arjuna to fight his battle with peace in his heart and thus realise the meaning and purpose of life! How contradictory, yet meaningful!

The war “within”

The player of this game, is called to experience the conflicts of life. The snakes represent temptations and negative impulses, while the ladders of positive elevating thoughts and efforts. The “player of steady wisdom”, who is “stitapragna” , is one who is ever vigilant. Who rejects the snakes and takes the ladders, “a tortoise amongst temptations”. Snakes and ladders co-exist in our lives. They hide in our minds and express themselves in our actions.

I have always been told to “know what you want in life”. All my decisions and actions should take me towards “what I want in life”, and I must be aware of so. To get “what I want in life”, I must figure out the means of achieving it. The dilemma that I am then faced with is, whether the goal is more important, or the means, or both. But, this cannot be a dilemma. There cannot be a “lenient view” on this. Both the goal and the means are extremely important and equally important.

If the goal is in accordance with cosmic good, and the player is steadfast in wisdom, influences and suggestions start appearing, from the subconscious level and the outer environment. It is as if, to quote Paul Coelho, “the whole universe conspires to make it happen”. Conversely, if your goal is “selfish”, draws away from the general good of the cosmos, the whole cosmos will conspire against you! You might be “successful” in your own special way, however, the actions will not be in accordance with dharma, and you will have to bear the consequences.

See the whole recording here.

The Game and Your Inner Wars

Indian traditions stress such talents as priyam vada (felicitous speech), satyam vada (truthful in speech) and dharmam cara (being good and righteous in action). Truth, in the Indian tradition, is inclusive of considering the common good and welfare of the society (cosmic good). Buddhi Yoga, is a game, steeped in Indian traditions. It is a game that simulates your inner conflicts, simulates a “bloody war” of your emotions. Buddhi Yoga engages the Arjuna in you! Buddhi Yoga is a tool to find the Sri Kṛṣṇa within you!