The battle is set, the warriors take their positions, and the tension fills the air. Suddenly, the grand chariot of Arjuna, drawn by five majestic white horses, bursts into the scene. On that chariot, we see Madhava (Krishna), the Supreme Being, serving as the charioteer for Pandava (Arjuna), the seeker of truth. The stage is ready for the great teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, set in the heart of the battlefield, where the forces of light and darkness prepare to clash.
This iconic image of Krishna driving Arjuna’s chariot holds immense symbolism, not just for the events of the Mahabharata, but for each of our lives. As we ready ourselves for the battles we face, whether external or internal, there’s a lesson in the chariot, the horses, and the figures within.
Just One Verse from the Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita 1.14
ततः श्वेतैर्हयैर्युक्ते महति स्यन्दने स्थितौ |
माधवः पाण्डवश्चैव दिव्यौ शङ्खौ प्रदध्मतुः ||
Translation
"Then, stationed in their great chariot, yoked to white horses, Madhava (Krishna) and Pandava (Arjuna) blew their divine conchs."
This verse describes the moment when Krishna and Arjuna, seated in their grand chariot, sound their divine conchs, signaling the beginning of the great battle. The white horses symbolize purity and control, and the chariot represents the body, a vessel through which we navigate life’s challenges. Krishna, as the charioteer, represents wisdom and guidance, while Arjuna represents the seeker, struggling to find the right path amidst the chaos of life.
Listen to 1.14 in the melodious voice of Supriya Basani
If you are interested in learning to chant the verse, let us know. We learned it at SatSang with Swamiji.
How It Applies to Our Lives: The Body as the Chariot
Let us extend this metaphor to our own lives. The Kaṭhopaniṣhad offers a beautiful comparison of the human body as a chariot:
Kaṭhopaniṣhad 1.3.3-4
ātmānagvaṁ rathinaṁ viddhi śharīraṁ rathameva tu
buddhiṁ tu sārathiṁ viddhi manaḥ pragrahameva cha
indriyāṇi hayānāhurviṣhayānsteṣhu gocharān
ātmendriyamanoyuktaṁ bhoktetyāhurmanīṣhiṇaḥ
Translation
"Know the Self as the rider in the chariot, and the body as the chariot itself. Know the intellect as the charioteer, and the mind as the reins. The senses are the horses, and the sense objects are the paths they travel."
This metaphor teaches us that our body is like Arjuna’s chariot, a vessel through which we experience the world. The horses are our senses, constantly being drawn toward the material world, while the mind acts as the reins, controlling the direction of these senses. The intellect, represented by the charioteer, is our guide, helping us navigate our journey. The rider, or atman (Self), is the true essence of who we are—an observer and participant in the grand play of life.
When we apply this metaphor to our daily battles—whether they are mental struggles, life’s challenges, or decisions—we must remember that we are the rider. But just as Arjuna relies on Krishna’s wisdom to guide him, we too must rely on our intellect and deeper wisdom to steer the chariot of our lives in the right direction.
Personal Story: The Modern Horse is the Car
Today, our modern "horses" are the vehicles we drive. One of my greatest privileges has been to serve as a charioteer, or Partha Sarathy, for Swami Bodhananda when the hosts had other commitment. As I drove Swamiji to the SatSang gathering, I realized how much this experience reflected the chariot metaphor from the Gita. The vehicle, just like the chariot, was the vessel, but the true wisdom was in the passenger—Swamiji’s guidance, words, and teachings.
Driving Swamiji was not just a physical task but a reminder that we all serve as charioteers in life. Whether we’re guiding ourselves or someone else, it’s important to be mindful of the direction in which we’re steering and to listen to the wisdom that surrounds us.
One Action to Take
Reflect on your own chariot. How are you managing the horses of your senses? Are the reins of your mind steady and guided by intellect? Take a moment today to meditate on the balance between your mind, body, and spirit. Identify one area where you can better control the reins, allowing wisdom to guide your actions.
Conclusion
The majestic chariot of Arjuna, guided by Krishna, is not just an ancient symbol but a living metaphor for our own lives. The body is the chariot, the mind is the reins, the senses are the horses, and the intellect is the charioteer. It is up to us to steer our lives with wisdom and clarity, ensuring that our actions align with our higher self. As we ready ourselves for the battles of life, let us remember the lessons from the Gita, knowing that with the right guidance, we can navigate any challenge.
Thank you 🙏