Krishna’s first instance of educating by contrasting  – Choices that seem small and inconsequential to an uninformed person are seen as sizable and consequential by a well-informed person. For example, if a plane deviates even fractionally from its path, it may in a few hours end up hundreds of miles off-course. If we want someone to choose wisely, we need to highlight the contrast between the eventual results of their options. 

Krishna uses this strategy repeatedly in the Bhagavad-gita (03.31-32, 4.39-40, 7.14, 8.15-16, 9..11-14, 9.25, 14.18, 16.05, 16.23-24,18.58). Let’s consider the first such explicit usage: Those who faithfully abide by Krishna’s instructions will be liberated (03.31), whereas those who enviously flout those instructions will be ruined (03.32). 

Significantly, in this instance, Krishna juxtaposes not just the eventual consequences but also the motivating attributes: faith and envy. Here, envy refers to the reluctance or refusal to acknowledge we can benefit from the guidance of our greatest well-wisher: our indwelling divine guide, Krishna. Such envy leaves us blinded and disempowered — and we court self-destruction. In contrast, faith in Krishna’s benevolent guidance opens us to receive empowering gifts: composure, clarity and commitment for progressing toward our ultimate interests. 

Is faith a matter of choice? Where we place our faith and how we act are matters of choice, as when we adopt a difficult treatment for curing a dangerous disease. Suppose thereafter our health improves. If we note that improvement of health and attribute it to that treatment, we choose to strengthen our faith in that treatment. 

By emphasizing that his choices will lead to radically opposing results, Krishna equips Arjuna to choose carefully, not relegating faith to a trivial or subjective level, but recognizing its substantial and objective ramifications. 

One-sentence summary:

To inspire within others the necessary thoughtfulness and firmness for choosing wisely, highlight the contrast between the results of their choices.

Think it over:

  • How is contrasting helpful in educating?
  • Is faith a matter of choice?
  • How are faith and envy opposite to each other? 

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03.31: Those persons who execute their duties according to My injunctions and who follow this teaching faithfully, without envy, become free from the bondage of fruitive actions.

Krishna’s first instance of educating by contrasting