麻豆社

Good morning. There has been dismay and alarm at President Putin鈥檚 action to recognise the independence of the breakaway regions of Eastern Ukraine. His televised speech explaining his reasons has been described as rambling and bizarre. And on this programme yesterday, we heard commentators question if Putin has become isolated and is no longer acting rationally.

Although dating back several thousand years, the context in which Hinduism鈥檚 Bhagavad-gita was first spoken is strikingly similar. Set on a battlefield, there we find the military leader, Arjuna, distraught seeing the opposition so determined for war with no regard for the inevitable loss of life and destruction of society. Arjuna鈥檚 heart is shattered for he can discern no clear way forward. He turns to his friend and mentor, Krishna, who explains this is not the state of mind in which to make decisions or respond to such crisis.

Krishna offers an analysis of a dictator鈥檚 mind-set. Arising from their pride and ego - dictators embark on projects to be lauded today and through history. They think: 鈥淚 am rich, perfect and powerful. I鈥檝e defeated so many enemies and will defeat all others who oppose me.鈥� Thus, says Krishna, their desires and anxieties are immeasurable. They are lost to themselves, insulated from good advice for they have surrounded themselves within a network of illusions.

But Krishna encourages Arjuna, as the army commander: 鈥測ou are not like that.鈥� This is both assurance and a warning. Just as his opponent may be irrationally driven by fears and ambitions, so Arjuna鈥檚 preoccupation with his own emotions might also cause him to respond feebly or with even worse consequences.

Krishna coaches Arjuna not just to return to his previous mental fortitude, but to adopt higher characteristics of wisdom. He should analyse the challenges and make decisions without ego or self-interest. And, with clear resolution, he should act for the greatest welfare of all those in need. Only when Krishna senses Arjuna has come to this realisation does he ask: 鈥渟o, what are you going to do?鈥�

The ramifications of President Putin鈥檚 action will ripple throughout Europe. We may feel rather helpless as we watch events unfold and we sympathise with the people of Ukraine caught between the superpowers of Russia and the West. The leadership of the various NATO countries face enormous challenges in responding to this crisis 鈥� I pray that their decisions may not compound the irrationality.

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