The Kabaddi Mat, War, and Life

As in a game of Kabaddi or the war of Kurukshetra, life too, at times places us in scenarios where we are up against challenges and oppositions that are narrower than the horizon. For instance, while observing a Pro Kabaddi League match, one can easily be struck by the intensity of a single raider's task. There is a raider, on his own, trying to penetrate into the adversary's half and there are defenders straining their every nerve and muscle to keep him out. It is possible that one of them is his former teammate and a comrade from his national team. But in this battle, any old loyalty has no substance. In such a case, the raider has to remain concentrated not allowing the defenders to get their hands on him while he scores a few touches and makes it back to safety for the benefit of his side. Does this not resonate with the age-old conflict of Kurukshetra? The best warrior archer of his time, Arjun, faced the most crucial dilemma of fighting out a war where he had his duty on one hand and the relationships on the other hand. And across him were not mere opponents but his own cousins, their sacred teacher, and the grandfather he adored. But who can dare defend themselves against those who are the very foundation of their existence? He felt ashamed, his limbs started shaking and his bow fell to the ground. Like every one of us, at times of crisis and distress, Arjuna was crippled with emotions. When confronted with problems, we feel the same anxiety, frustration and are filled with doubt as well..And yet, it is on the Kabaddi mat and in Kurukshetra that the resolution lies in jostling for peace. For the raider, it is the plan, the training and the target which drives the raider forwards. As for Arjun, it was the wisdom of Krishna, a reminder of the core reason and the need to be devoted to duty. Krishna’s words resonate true even today—Do what has to be done without losing yourself in the fruits of the effort; the effort is what matters most. In life, everyone experiences moments when the battle seems to be never ending. The pressures may come from the environment or may be self-inflicted—from self-doubts, fear or even insecurity. Be it a raider or Arjun, we need to stop, take a breath, and look again. And it is in these moments of reflection and resolve that our real strength lies. Life after all is a war, a scenario where strategies must be tied to endurance, aim to passion and commitment to action. Be it a life of a mat, a soldier, or through the daily life in the matrix, it is our vision and our quest for righteousness that will win us the battle.

The Kabaddi Mat, War, and Life

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