Arjun, the third brother of the five Pandavas was a skilled archer and great warrior. Sri Krishna was his cousin and they were of the same age. The relationship between them was that of best friends. Arjun has the Sakhya Bhakti towards God. God was his best friend. To Arjun, Sri Krishna was not just his best friend but also guide, philosopher, saviour and God. Sri Krishna played a major role in the life of Arjuna guiding him and teaching him. The relationship between them was that of the Soul – Jivatma with the Supersoul – the Paramatma. The relationship between the Soul and God are as old as time. After the initial separation, the soul has to merge with the Supersoul. The relationship between Arjun and Sri Krishna shows the process.
Arjun had to face innumerable problems throughout his life due to the rivalry and enmity with his cousins, the Kauravas. Sri Krishna was his best friend and rescuer and they were inseparable. On every occasion when Arjun needed help, Sri Krishna came to his rescue. He guided Arjun in his education, supported his play & contests, protected him when he was in exile and whenever he was in danger. He got his sister Subhadra married to Arjun. When the great war broke out between the Pandavas and Kauravas, he was their mediator for peace and when negotiations did not work out, he was Arjun’s charioteer. When Arjun developed cold feet and did not want to fight, he taught him the immortal Bhagvad Geeta in the midst of the battle field. The Bhagwad Geeta is the supreme teachings of the Lord which were given through Arjun to all of mankind for ages to come. The soul passes through countless births and deaths and is caught in illusion. Only when the Supreme Power decides to put an end to the pain and misery of soul, the Lord reveals the light of Truth and Arjun could see the Supreme Power and reality of Truth of Life.
Why did Sri Krishna choose Arjun as receiver of the Supreme Truth of Bhagwad Geeta? Pandavas were five brothers and besides Arjun, the Lord could have selected any other brother. If waging the war was the main goal, Bhima would be an excellent choice as he was thirsting for vengeance. If the goal of the great war was destruction of adharma and reestablishment of dharma, Yudhisthtra would be an excellent choice. But the Lord deliberately selected Arjun for the purpose. Bhima lacked the qualities for learning yoga or self enquiry as he lacked control and had animal rashness in him. Such a person was not fit to receive or understand the Holy Song. Yudhishtra was already far too well established in yoga and giving him any more would be an overflow. Arjun’s levels were in between Bhima and Yudhishtra. He had overcome his lower instincts but had not reached the refined levels of a Yogi. He had necessary qualifications to overcome his shortcomings and rise in virtues into the realm of Divinity which is the purpose of Life.
Arjun was a Maharati – a great warrior. He won over external foes and also fought with and overcame his inner foes. Courage and ability to face self and overcome the shortcoming are essential qualities for grasping Bhagwad Geeta and putting it into practice. Hence the Lord selected Arjun as effective instrument for receiving and transmitting the sublime teachings of Bhagwad Geeta. Sri Krishna told Arjun: Arjuna, you are my closest Bhakta and you are my dearest friend. That is the reason why I taught you this Supreme and Secret Teaching. The Lord appreciated and rewarded Arjun for his Sakhya Bhakti. Arjun was a supreme Bhakta. He had implicit obedience and was pure hearted. But being a devotee was not enough to receive the highest teachings. Sri Krishna uses the word ‘mitra’ for friend. The friend has no fear. So it makes him a perfect recipient of the Supreme Knowledge.
