India has recently witnessed a tragic train accident near Balasore, Orissa, leaving several hundred dead and many more maimed. In the face of such a devastating event, we offer our heartfelt prayers for those who have lost their loved ones and friends, as well as for the welfare of the departed souls. During times of tragedy, we may seek solace and guidance from the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. From the Gita’s perspective, let us explore three essential points: seriousness, strength, and service attitude.

Seriousness

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of taking our roles and responsibilities in society seriously. Each individual has a unique part to play in maintaining the world, and we are urged to approach our work with seriousness. While the specific cause of this tragic accident is yet to be determined, we must recognize that in our interconnected world, even a small negligence or mistake can lead to catastrophic consequences for numerous people. Sometimes, when we consider the vastness of the world, we may perceive our own contributions as insignificant. Occupations such as train drivers or signal personnel may be undervalued or regarded as less glamorous. However, in moments like these, where the consequences of a single mistake become evident, instead of solely blaming the individual, we should collectively reevaluate the seriousness with which we approach our own work.

Strength

Amid times of tragedy, we contemplate where to find our strength. Often, we derive strength from external factors such as wealth, power, social position, or physical fitness. However, the Bhagavad Gita reminds us that beyond these temporary and fallible sources of strength, our core essence is that of a spiritual being, an atma. The atma, or soul, is invincible and indestructible, having an inherent relationship with the Paramatma, the Supreme Soul or Krishna. By finding shelter in our spiritual core and establishing a connection with the divine, we can face difficulties, adversities, and tragedies with greater steadiness and grace [[2]]. Despite the horrifying nature of witnessing the loss of loved ones and encountering mangled bodies, knowing that these individuals are souls on their onward spiritual journey, accompanied by the Paramatma, can provide us with the strength to navigate such challenging situations.

Service Attitude 

The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of a service attitude in times of tragedy. When faced with such events, we may swing between extremes—feeling that life is meaningless and bitter, or attempting to attribute blame through misinterpretations of philosophical concepts such as karma. However, the Bhagavatam, a text related to the Bhagavad Gita, provides a different perspective. In a similar scenario where a calamity threatened mass starvation and death, King Pruthu, the leader at that time, did not simply attribute it to collective karma and ask the people to suffer. Instead, he immediately took action to rectify the situation. Similarly, we should avoid bitterness, judgment, and misapplication of philosophical points. Instead, we should embrace a service attitude, understanding that the same Krishna who imparts the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita also provides solace and support in times of distress. Adversities befall everyone in this world, regardless of their wisdom or lack thereof, and it is through a compassionate and service-oriented approach that we can truly make a positive difference.

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the difference between the wise and the unwise lies in their actions. The unwise act in ways that make things worse, while the wise act in ways that make things better. When bad things happen to good people, instead of getting entangled in the philosophical dilemma of life’s meaninglessness or becoming judgmental by attributing everything to karma, the Bhagavad Gita encourages us to focus on our dharma, our duty or righteous action. Rather than seeking answers to why bad things happen, it reframes the question by asking, “When bad things happen to good people, what do good people do?”

 The purpose of karma, as explained in the Bhagavad Gita, is not to blame or shame the victims but to emphasize that our actions matter. Even when it may seem that our actions have no visible impact, we have a choice. We can choose to believe that our actions don’t matter and the world is arbitrary and cruel, or we can choose to believe that our actions do matter. By embracing the latter belief, we can make a difference, no matter how small.

In a situation where a tragic event has occurred, the Bhagavad Gita guides us to act in ways that make things better. We can provide practical assistance to those affected, offer emotional support, and share philosophical wisdom to help others find meaning in their suffering. The Bhagavad Gita stands ready to provide such wisdom. Importantly, our actions should be driven by a service attitude, recognizing our connection with the divine Krishna and all living beings. When we act in service, we align ourselves with a greater power that can work through us to bring about positive change, even if it is in a small yet significant way.

The world can indeed be a dark and dangerous place, and incidents like these serve as sobering reminders. However, the Bhagavad Gita encourages us to take our responsibility seriously, seek strength in our spirituality, and approach life with a mood of service. By doing so, we can collectively contribute to making our corner of the world brighter and more compassionate.

In summary, the Bhagavad Gita provides insights on how to respond when bad things happen to good people. It encourages us to focus on our actions, understanding that they matter, and to act in ways that make things better. By embracing a service attitude and recognizing our connection with the divine, we can play our part in bringing light to our corner of the world brighter instead of darker.

For the video version of this reflection, visit Chaitanya Charan’s YouTube Channel, like, and subscribe. Don’t miss his new podcast The Seeker’s Quest

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