Existential Crisis!

This week we dynamically ventured into the second chapter of the Gita.  The students faced the horror of (almost) having to throw sharp darts at pictures of their most loved ones.  They stepped into Arjuna's shoes and experienced some of the real-life emotions that Arjuna might have actually felt on the battlefield of Kuruksetra.  

I was enthralled by our class discussion and students courage to share their experience as they faced the prospect of throwing darts at pictures of their loved ones. Students experienced a variety of emotions, fear, anxiety, confusion, shock and disbelief being just a few. We then dove into modern day cinema to examine Spiderman’s existential crisis as he struggled to balance his personal vs. superhero personas. Class concluded with a personal values inventory, in hopes that if we all reflect on our own values, and hold them close to our heart, we will be able to face an existential crisis, no matter when it comes our way.

Students ended the day by sharing a take away realization. Some shared they learned about the precarious nature of existential crisis.  Others mentioned the importance of holding onto personal values. I was very impressed and inspired by the engagement and profundity demonstrated by our class.

Even though I have been given the service of facilitating Sunday School, I also learned something important that day and reflected on the importance of depending on Krishna. That day, we chanted the following verse in class:

"Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness.  In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me.  Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You.  Please instruct me."  - Bhagavad Gita 2.7

At some point Krishna is going to test us.  He wants to see what we will do when we find ourselves under pressure to make choices about who we are and what we live for.  Sometimes He will make it easy for us to choose Him, and other times He might make it very difficult.  In those difficult moments, we will be forced to let go of who we thought we were in order to become who Krishna wants us to be.  In life, when we are really faced with fear, anxiety, confusion, shock and disbelief, I pray that we can all choose Krishna and put our faith in Him to guide us through.

I would like to thank our Sunday school class for sharing their personal, thoughtful insights and bringing enthusiasm and energy to class! Can’t wait for next week!

(Reflections written by Gopi Kumari devi dasi)