As is understood from the preceding chapters of the Mahabharata, Krishna had no personal gain in engaging Arjuna in the battle. He himself vowed not to take to weapons although approached by Arjuna to support their side. Indeed, He even volunteered to meet the opposite side for a truce to avoid the family feud. But the opponents, who were illegally occupying the kingdom of Arjuna’s brother, refused to part with even an inch of land, and challenged Arjuna and his party that if they had the power and grit, they could snatch away their share of the kingdom by force.
Arjuna and his brothers were ksatriyas, royal soldiers, and had no choice but to take up the challenge and save their kingdom or country from the clutches of the opponents.
Arjuna came well prepared to Kurukshetra, where the battle was about to take place, and was full of enthusiasm. He was the greatest war hero of his time, acknowledged even by his enemies. But after seeing his relatives face to face his material attachment surfaced and subdued his sense of duty. He became confused about the righteousness of war against his own irreligious and immoral cousins. Krishna was his chariot driver. He followed Arjuna’s instructions to move the chariot. But when confused, Arjuna requested Krishna to clear his doubt regarding his duty in this complex situation. Krishna advised in the best interest of Arjuna.
Bhakti is like asking you to burn your house, but who would like to do that? Bhakti is difficult to follow because you have to change. Krishna says nobody really knows me. I know everybody, and nobody knows me. To know him you have to destroy your palace. And what opens to you is a new world that is most amazing, most wonderful and you wonder why didn’t I do this before? Why didn’t I get rid of this nonsense?
