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THE FAMILY AND THE NATION
The Mahabharata dwells at length on this aspect. The arguments and logic of Arjuna are the rationalizations, the defence mechanism of the ego. Denial of Dhritarashtra's blindness, literal as well as figurative, is another defence mechanism. Confirmation bias is a tool that props up this mechanism. The mind always finds innumerable references from authorities as well as scriptures that confirm his rationalizations. An uncontrolled mind tends to give collaborative examples to further the dictates of the ego.
This false image or ego that we entertain about ourselves appears integral to both our material existence and our peace of mind. Yet the truth is that we are whatever our destiny commands us to be at that moment. Our false sense of identity and image imprison us and prevent us from responding to the call of God and Providence.
An individual is the smallest unit of society. Society is like the thread of a rosary on which individuals pass through like beads. In Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna says, ‘Mayi sarwa-midam protam sutre mani-gana iva'-Everything rests upon Me, as pearls are strung on a thread.
To understand and evaluate society, we have to consider the individuals. Yat pinde tat brahmande'-What constitutes an individual element (pinda) comprises the cosmos (Brahamanda). This philosophical maxim is the needle of the compass that helps us understand society. Society is reflected in an individual. If the mirror in the form of an individual is clean, we can see in him the reflection of a healthy society.
What is an individual? The reflection on individuality leads to knowledge, sensation, feeling, experience, sensory consciousness, mental consciousness, dispositional consciousness, birth, death, and many similar individual attributes. Similarly, a reflection on society leads to relationship, mutuality, collaboration and dependence. However, the minds of men are confused today, and the
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