Krishna Did not Stop nor Remove the Battle — He Removed the Stress

Life will not Change. Your View of it Can.

Today, the word “stress” is used too casually. We hear students say, “I’m stressed about my homework,” or parents say, “I’m stressed about managing my home and my work.” Even at our recent school fete, some said, “It was stressful!” But was it really stress — or just a lot of joyful activities?

There’s a difference. Workload is external — it is when we are busy, perhaps tired, but still engaged and fulfilled. Remember how energetic we all felt during the fete, despite the rush? That was not stress. That was a positive effort.

Real stress is internal. It is when we feel confused, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed — not because of how much we do, but because of how we feel inside.

Let us understand this through a powerful moment from Indian mythology.

Arjuna’s Inner Conflict

On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the warrior Arjuna suddenly dropped his bow. He said to his Sanatana Sarathi charioteer Krishna, “I cannot fight. My heart is heavy. My mind is unclear.”

This was not physical exhaustion. Arjuna had fought many battles. What he faced was inner stress — emotional conflict and mental confusion.

Krishna did not stop nor  remove the war. He removed the stress.

He did not say, “Let us erase the battle.” Instead, he gave Arjuna clarity, perspective, and purpose through the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Once Arjuna’s mind was clear, he stood strong — ready for action.

The techniques shared in the articles of this newspaper are designed to help you channel your energy positively — turning confusion into clarity, and effort into joy. These practical insights can be applied by students, teachers, and parents alike.

Lessons for Students, Teachers & Parents

Students: Exams, homework, and competitions are not stressful — confusion, fear, or pressure to “prove” yourself is. Focus on effort, not fear.

Teachers: Teaching many classes is not stressful. But burnout comes when we forget the joy of guiding young minds. Keep your purpose alive.

Parents: Managing home, work, and children is a challenge, but not stressful, unless we carry emotional overload. Balance comes from inner calm.

Let us all remember: Being busy is not about being stressed. And being tired is not about being broken.

Like Arjuna, when we reconnect with purpose, even the hardest days become meaningful.