When You’re Ready to Run Away—Pause Like Arjuna Did
In the heat of life's battles, when every fiber of your being screams to escape, there's profound wisdom in the ancient story of Arjuna from the Bhagavad Gita. His moment of hesitation on the battlefield of Kurukshetra offers timeless lessons about the power of pausing before making life-altering decisions.
The Moment of Crisis
As the great Mahabharata war was about to begin, the mighty warrior Arjuna found himself paralyzed with doubt. Standing between two armies, he saw beloved teachers, family members, and friends arrayed on both sides. His bow slipped from his hands, his legs trembled, and his mind reeled with confusion.
"My limbs fail and my mouth is parched, my body quivers and my hair stands on end. The bow Gandiva slips from my hand, and my skin burns all over. I am unable to stand steady; my mind is reeling."
— Bhagavad Gita 1.28-30
The Wisdom of the Pause
Arjuna's pause wasn't weakness—it was the birthplace of profound wisdom. In that moment of hesitation:
- He acknowledged his emotional turmoil instead of suppressing it
- He sought counsel from Krishna rather than acting impulsively
- He allowed space for deeper understanding to emerge
- He transformed confusion into clarity through dialogue
Modern Applications of Arjuna's Pause
When we face our own "battlefields"—whether career changes, relationship challenges, or personal crises—we can apply Arjuna's approach:
- Recognize the impulse to flee: Notice when you're reacting from fear rather than wisdom
- Create space before deciding: Take literal pauses—a walk, meditation, or journaling
- Seek wise counsel: Find your "Krishna"—a mentor, therapist, or inner wisdom
- Examine your dharma: Consider your deeper purpose and responsibilities
- Then act with clarity: Move forward from centered understanding
The Transformative Power of Reflection
Arjuna's pause led to one of the most profound philosophical dialogues in history—the 700 verses of the Bhagavad Gita. What might emerge from your moments of hesitation?
Next time you're tempted to run from your challenges, remember Arjuna. His moment of doubt became the gateway to enlightenment. Your pause might not produce scripture, but it could reveal the wisdom needed for your next right step.