Arjuna’s dejection was a case of finely disguised egoism. He was a hero until he came to the battlefield and became a coward. It was all about ‘I and Mine’; “I will go to hell, I would rather beg, I will not fight my uncle, my Guru, my cousin, etc.” ‘I and mine’ are two poison fangs; they have to be removed to make you harmless. Krishna counselled Arjuna: “You are not killing, so don’t be conceited, they are deathless; the death sentence on their bodies has already been pronounced and you are merely executing God’s will!” Krishna made Arjuna aware of himself and removed his delusions. Arjuna realized that he was but an instrument in the hands of the Lord. You too must learn from that lesson, for otherwise, there will be no end to your misery. Always pray Thamaso maa jyothirgamaya - Lead me from darkness to light. Egoism is darkness (thamas); Surrender (Sharanagathi) is light.

- Divine Discourse, Aug 17, 1964.