“O King, as I repeatedly recall this wondrous and holy dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, I take pleasure, being thrilled at every moment.” (Sanjaya, Bhagavad-gita, 18.76)

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राजन् संस्मृत्य संस्मृत्य
संवादम् इमम् अद्भुतम्
केशवार्जुनयोः पुण्यं
हृष्यामि च मुहुर् मुहुः

rājan saṁsmṛtya saṁsmṛtya
saṁvādam imam adbhutam
keśavārjunayoḥ puṇyaṁ
hṛṣyāmi ca muhur muhuḥ

It is inevitable, especially if interacting with the “real world.” It has become a hallmark leisure activity. It is the public meeting place. It is the way to unwind, to relax and to let go of the pressures of daily life. It long ago replaced the church, as evidenced by the common settings depicted in film and television. If you want to keep your job, stay in the good graces of the bosses, or maintain any friendships at all in the local area, you are bound to find yourself in a situation where others are enjoying adult beverages.

Naturally, the question will reach your way. What will you be having to drink? What is your preferred beverage? If you decline, the others will want to know why. Is there some health issue? Is it against your religion? Do you have a long drive ahead? Just why are you choosing to be different? Are you staying sober only today or is this a lifetime vow? In the following analysis, we cover various justifications you can give. The final one happens to be the truth, as it applies to your situation.

1. It once ruined my life

“What can I tell you? If you only went through what I went through, you would never look at that glass the same. The cold liquid flowing from the tap increases your anticipation, while I dread every moment. I am afraid to even be near these things. I once went down the wrong way and I paid dearly for it. I cannot entertain even a drop going forward. I finally cleaned my act up. I cannot risk falling down again.”

2. I cannot control myself

“Listen, you can have one or two and be fine. You can probably even drive home without issue. Not that I am recommending it, but let’s be real. People are driving after a few drinks all the time. No, I have little self-control. After the first drink, you will not be able to stop me. I will keep going. I will not be a pleasant person to be around. Better I stay on the dry side for now.”

3. The dehydration messes with my sleep

“Listen, I am reaching the age where sleep really matters. I have a whole routine established. It takes me at least an hour to fall asleep. There is too much to do the next day to risk any interruptions during the overnight period. If I have even a glass, then I will be up all night visiting the bathroom. I will experience a dehydration that will linger into the morning. I cannot risk that anymore. Sorry.”

4. It is against my religion

“Listen, this is what I inherited. From my parents. From my ancestors. I am following their example. I would rather not risk sin. I do not even want to look at the atonement options. I am not judging you. Feel free to indulge. I am trying my best to be a member in good standing. This is what my religion teaches and I am sticking to it.”

5. I feel a bliss a thousand times greater

“Let me ask you something. Have you ever called someone on the phone after having a few drinks? I am talking about in jubilation, where you are happy. The intoxication makes you lose some of your inhibitions, right? You are not as afraid of telling someone that you like them, that you miss their association, that you want to plan to meet sometime in the future. That is all due to the elation caused by the drinking. Sure, the feeling is temporary, but the change in behavior cannot be denied.

“Well, imagine if you felt that way all the time. Imagine that you had the good of the happiness, without any of the bad, such as the loss of orientation, judgment, and sobriety. You are still fully sober, but feeling a thrill the entire time. Just between you and me, that is how I feel from morning until night. My happiness resembles what Sanjaya once attested to. In the concluding verses of Bhagavad-gita, he reviews what he has just presented to the king named Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya says that he experiences a thrill simply by remembering Krishna, who is the speaker of the Gita, and Arjuna, who is the resplendent warrior receiving the words from Krishna.

“In other words, I am good. I do not need substances to experience a thrill. Thanks to saintly people, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and the disciplic succession, I have access to the most thrilling experience. Whenever I want to tap into it, wherever I am, and whatever is going on in my life. The same is available to you and to everyone else. Trust me on this. Life changes when you are in constant association of the Supreme Personality of Godhead through consciousness.”

यत्र योगेश्वर: कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धर:
तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर्मतिर्मम

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo
yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ
tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir
dhruvā nītir matir mama

“Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.” (Bhagavad-gita, 18.78)

In Closing:

Declining this drink today,
A handicap or permanent way?

Why from enjoyable to abstain,
When potential high to attain?

Truth that from Gita presentation ready,
Experiencing a thrill common and steady.

Just from Krishna and Arjuna to see,
Both peaceful and excited to be.

Categories: the five

Tags: dailyprompt, drinking, hare krishna, intoxication, poem, poems, poetry