Different names and One-pointed attention of Arjuna – the Warrior Prince
Wonder what does One-pointed attention means ?. It is giving full concentration to the desired goal, job or an issue.
This is a story from Mahabharata where Dronacharya is teaching the Kauravas and Pandavas archery and warcraft.Once, while all the Princesses are assembled together, Drona asks each of the Prince to come, take their position, Aim to shoot
a stuffed bird placed on a tree at a distance and asks them what they are seeing.
“What can you see Duryodhana”? asked Drona.
I can see the wall, the tree and the stuffed Bird placed on the tree.
Next, “What can you see Yudhistira”? asked Drona.
I can see the tree and the Bird on the tree.
Next” What can you see Arjuna”? asked Drona.
Arjuna took the aim and said “I can see only the eye of the Bird”.
Shoot – commanded Drona.
Arjuna’s arrow pierced the eye of the stuffed bird with exact precision.Drona was happy and with jubilation proclaimed that Arjuna is going to be the greatest archer in the history of Mahabharat.Infact this is the same technique that he used to shoot the target during the Svayamvara of Draupadi.And, Arjuna went on to become a greatest archer by practicing in the night and by blindfolding himself for which, he was called Gudakesh – one who conquered sleep. He is also ambidextrous,being able to shoot the arrows with both hands for which he was called Savyasachi.When I was young and when there was thunder and lightning, my grandmother used to repeat the names of Arjuna like – Arjuna,Phalguna, Kiriti,Savyasachi because, she told me that just by taking out the names of Arjuna – there won’t be a lightning strike i, e even they are afraid of him and they would change the location of their striking. Arjun went to higher realms of the world like Deva Loka and met Indra the king of Demigods and obtained powerful, celestial weapons which he will use in the great Mahabharata war.
Here are some of the other names of this great warrior.
Arjuna – one of the fair complexion of silver, like Arjuna tree
Phalguni – one who is born on the star of Phalguna
Jishnu – conqueror of enemies
Kiriti – one who wears the celestial diadem Crown, presented by Indra
Shwetavahana – one with white horses mounted to his chariot given to him by Agni.
Bhibatsu – one who always fights wars in a fair manner
Vijaya – One who is always Victorious
Paartha – son of Pritha, another name for Kunti.
Savyasachi – skillful in using both arms, ambidextrous
Dhananjaya – one who brings prosperity and wealth in the land he goes to
Gudakesha – One who has conquered sleep (gudaka “sleep”)
Kapi Dhwaja – Having flag of Kapi (monkey – Hanuman) on his chariot.
Parantapa – one who concentrates the most, destroyer of enemies.
Gandivdhanava – one who possesses the mighty bow – Gandiva given by Agni.
How many times we fail to see our main goal of life like the eye of the bird and get carried away by the surrounding things like the treee, branches,bird, clouds in the sky, the sun etc. To achieve anything significant in life, What is required is the concentration,determination, a firm resolution, focus on the desired goal.Otherwise there is no success.These days multi taking is such a common thing that at any point of time, people are doing more than two things. A simple example, watching TV, talking on phone, eating while keeping the feet on foot massage machine.All these things looks trivial and harmless but, when we look from the spiritual and well being perspective, one should honor the food such that, one should not talk while eating. Then ofcourse, everyone knows that eating while watching TV makes one a Couch potato,one tends to eat more and so many health problems.Feet massage ? there is a gulf of difference in consciously feeling the feet getting massaged rather than absent mindedly doing it.I mean, this si a simple example to prove a point but, it doesent mean that when are driving a car, you cant hear to music or play radio but, ofcourse you dont talk on your mobile or send text messages – anything that takes away your attention.
Actually there was a study which concluded that multi tasking actually damages your brain, reduces productivity, increases stress,reduces the joy and satisfaction of doing a job etc.Have a look at the below article,
One more practical thing is that rather than trying to do multiple things at one time,divide the work into small chunks and do things one by one.
