In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura and Duryodhana having a bitter conversation with each other. As Vidura is highlighting the “Dharma” aspect, Duryodhana highlights his “selfish” aspect and motive behind playing the game of gambling. Duryodhana’s point is very simple – “Dharma” and its allied arguments aren’t going to convince him. He clearly wants short-term goals to be fulfilled. For this, he counters Vidura’s narrative by saying that he’s never interested in Duryodhana’s welfare, and is only interested in Yudishtra’s success. Duryodhana’s jealousy blinds him completely from analyzing the angle from which Vidura is talking. Hence, as Vidura says that Bhagawan Krishna is behind the Paandavas camp and it is He who is aiding them in whatever they do, Duryodhana counters him by saying that, if Bhagawan is responsible for all what is happening in this world, even his actions are the responsibility of Bhagawan Krishna only! Hence, even if he continues playing the gambling game, it is not he who is playing it – It is Bhagawan Krishna who is aiding Duryodhana to play and win it!
This is what happens when we enter into arguments with people who are crooks! They would just try and counter our argument, just with the intention of winning over us. Rather, they would never realize the significance and the meaning that might be behind what we’re trying to explain to them. This is what we call in Tamil popularly as “Vidhandaa-Vaadam”, which means, “Counter-arguments that are totally unproductive). However, what they fail to understand here is that, Bhagawan doesn’t push or pull somebody. He only guides us to walk the safe path. If we go and fall into a pit, Bhagawan will not come and pull us out. Instead, Bhagawan will only guide us the way through which we wouldn’t fall into the pit. It is our prerogative whether to fall into the pit or not. Continuing thus, Vidura counters Duryodhana with a simple question here – “Oh Duryodhana! You are such a fool not to be able to understand even simple aspects of “Dharma” that I’m trying to explain. I do not want to preach “Dharma-Shaastra” to you at this stage. I know that even if I do, you wouldn’t listen to me. Hence, I’m asking you for the last time – Are you going to stop this nonsense or not?” As Vidura angrily asks thus, Duryodhana replied firmly back, “Oh Vidura! Take it from me – This game will proceed, and I would win over Yudishtra and take back my kingdom from him! No matter whatever you say or try to do, I wouldn’t fall for your gimmicks! You can try all these tricks to someone who doesn’t have anything to do in life other than listening to your sermons! Hence, please take your seat and protect your respect in the kingdom!”
As Duryodhana gives a decisive answer thus, Vidura’s pain knew no bounds! The Hastinapura kingdom is moving towards a huge disaster right in front of his eyes! King Dhridiraashtra is silent over this, and so are Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya! Although Sage Kripachaarya is a great sage, he too chose to remain silent! If such is the case, what impact is one person’s argument going to make? Duryodhana instructs Sahuni uncle to continue with the game as Yudishtra doesn’t have a choice but to stake his four brothers and continue the play! The dice were rolled and as usual, it came in favour of Duryodhana, with which Yudishtra lost all his four brothers! From that day onwards, as per the agreement, the Paandavas became the servants of Duryodhana and Co.! As this happens, Yudishtra is stunned beyond words! Vidura couldn’t’ digest what was happening! This is the height of “Adharma”! But is this all? Or, are some more instances going to unfold? Let us find out in tomorrow’s episode! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 