Last week Easwaran discussed the war within, including commentary on the name Skanda, Lord of War. This week that discussion continues as we read pages 165–175 in The Constant Companion.* “‘Make me your commander,’ the Lord tells us, ‘and I will give you all the weapons you need.’”

Easwaran comments on the Lord as Sharnga-Dhanva, wielder of “a mighty bow called Sharnga, a symbol of one of the most powerful weapons we can have in the war within: the mantram.”

Of course, our own human will is “one of the most crucial of weapons in the war within,” Easwaran reminds us:

“Everything in life, everything in spiritual growth, comes ultimately to strengthening the will until no setback can stop you, no trial or temptation deflect your course.”

Please use the comments below to share how you take inspiration from this week’s reading to join the battle within.

  • Which lines particularly strike you, and how can you apply them to your life this week?

  • Spiritual Reading has been our focus for practice extension throughout this book study. What have you found most helpful or nourishing about your spiritual reading throughout this time?

* For those using electronic versions of The Constant Companion with different page numbering: this week’s reading is Easwaran’s commentary on the names To Whom Are Offered Seven Kinds of Fuel through Will. (Please note that the latest edition of our ebook is titled Names of the Lord.)

9 Comments