ELIGIBILITY TO HEAR GITA – STORY
Arjuna thought:
“Krishna has blessed the great philosophical ocean of Gita for all mankind.
Krishna preached Gita to Me. Why not to others?
Pitamakar Bhishma may be qualified for philosophical studies. Since he is in the opposite camp, it may be justified to avoid him.
But brother Yuthishtra is there. Who could be better suited to listen to the Gita than him? The elder, the one who knows the virtues.
Why Krishna ignored him?
Brother Bhima was not only strong; Even the best in devotion who is doing Pujas regularly.
How could Krishna have chosen me leaving all the best people?”
This was the doubt that arose in Arjuna’s mind.
He asked his doubt to Krishna himself.
Krishna began to answer:
“Arjuna, you are close friend of me. I do not preach the Gita to you because you are my friend.
(i) I cannot consider Pitamakar Bhishma like you as a Mahatma who realized all the virtues. A man does not become special just because he knows the Scriptures: Only if he follows them, the person becomes special and qualified. Bhishma is by their side even though he knows that the kauravas are adharmic. Meanwhile, when he sees the Pandavas privately, he blesses them to win in the war.
This shows his double face.
Only those who have similarities in their thoughts, speeches and actions are righteous persons.
Yuthishtra is good, but lacks in forethought. His nature is to feel after committing a mistake. No doubt he is a person of justice and righteousness but he is not aware of his right duty at the right time.
Bhima is extremely wise, physically strong and even pious, but he has no mental strength, no intellectual strength. He creates destruction through his anger.
You are not like them. Even though you had thought of making up for old enmities, when you stood on the field, you have the heart to forgive the enemies and say ‘don’t fight’.
You always think What is justice? What is injustice? Though they are your enemies you hesitated to kill them considering their status as great persons and relatives. You evaluated whether this war and losses are necessary. You didn’t like to get the ruling position by losing all these people. You were ready to even beg to live. So, you are not attached to the Position and fame.
Only one who realizes the truth is qualified to listen to the Gita. This is the reason why I preached Gita to you.”
Krishna finished His reply.
Even then, Arjuna was humble and bowed to Lord Krishna.
(POWER OF ILLUSION – STORY! READ HERE!)