In the previous episode, we had witnessed Duryodhana marching forward along with Karna and the others to have a final assault on the Paandava brothers. This is precisely the same time when Sage Vyaasa enters into the Hastinapura palace! As Sage Vyaasa enters in, he enquires with Duryodhana about his “urgent pursuit”, upon which, Duryodhana reveals his plan. As he does so, Sage Vyaasa counters him smartly. He says to Duryodhana that he would not even be able to go near the place where Yudishtra and Co. are residing amidst the forest, because the “Dharma” that Yudishtra exhibits is extremely powerful that it would protect him and his brothers from any catastrophic happening. Moreover, Sage Vyaasa also warns Duryodhana that he is walking a very dangerous path, which might lead to a mass destruction, sooner or later. Moreover, Sage Vyaasa warns him that Bhagawan Krishna is having a close tab on whatever is happening to the Paandavas. Bhagawan Krishna would always take the side of “Dharma” and it is obvious that He has a close corner towards Yudishtra and Co. Hence, he warns Duryodhana that he might still escape from the wrath of the Paandava brothers, but he might bot be able to escape the wrath of Bhagawan and “Dharma”!
As Sage Vyaasa says thus, Duryodhana gets extremely irritated with his words of warning. Ignoring Duryodhana, Sage Vyaasa angrily walks into the chamber of King Dhridiraashtra! As Sage Vyaasa storms in, King Dhridiraashtra is stunned and doesn’t know how to react to it. Sage Vyaasa explains thus, “Oh King Dhridiraashtra! Don’t you understand as a king or as a father that your son is walking a dangerous path of “Adharma”? What kind of a leader are you? “Adharma” is happening right in front of your eyes and you are so aloof and not reacting to any of what is happening! Many people including Vidura have given enough and more advice. Perhaps, take my words as the past piece of advice you would get – Reverse your decision of sending the Paandava brothers to the forest. Ask Yudishtra to come back and give him his Indraprastha kingdom that rightfully belongs to him. Duryodhana has illegally occupied it without even an iota of ethics in him. Do you think you and your sons would escape the wrath of disaster for what he has done? So my request to you is to hand over the kingdom to Yudishtra and ask him to rightfully come and receive it from you! As a king, if you’re not taking a neutral stance, things would go disastrously!”
Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa is about to go back, and at this point in time, Duryodhana fumes with anger! He goes to the extent of even insulting and abusing Sage Vyaasa in front of everyone! As Duryodhana does this, Sage Vyaasa is about to angrily react, but is stopped by King Dhridiraashtra at the right moment. Had Sage Vyaasa reacted, he would have definitely cursed Duryodhana for his angry fuming. But thankfully for Duryodhana’s luck, that did not happen. King Dhridiraashtra replies thus, “Oh Great Sage! Please forgive Duryodhana on behalf of me. I’ve tried to educate Duryodhana in all ways. Vidura and many others have tried their level best, but in vain. Can you please render me a favour? Can you talk to Duryodhana once and slowly make him understand the situation and the danger he is walking upon? Maybe you are the right person to talk and convince Duryodhana to relent from his stance. I’m ready to call back Yudishtra and give the Indraprastha kingdom to him. I’m only fearing Duryodhana’s backlash after that!”
As King Dhridiraashtra explains thus, Sage Vyaasa replies back: “Oh King Dhridiraashtra! I understand your situation very well. However, I might not be able to do the task that you want me to do. Rather, I shall send Sage Maithreya, who might be able to do this. He will arrive at Hastinapura palace some time after I leave! You can ask Sage Maithreya and request him to approach Duryodhana. Please try this option!” Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa hurries out of the palace and this leaves King Dhridiraashtra more thoughtful than ever! Many people have warned him now, including Sage Vyaasa himself! Now what does he do? How does he mend Duryodhana’s ways? So for today, let us understand up to this point and let us wait till the next episode to continue this further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 