In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Vyaasa narrating an interesting story of Mother Surabhi and how she shed tears for all her children in the world who were being beaten up by human beings for their own usage. She also felt bad particularly about those cows that were not adequately fed, yet being used in a very harsh manner. As Mother Surabhi narrated these ordeals to Indra, he immediately summoned Varuna Bhagawan to pour copious amounts of rainfall onto the earth, through which, all the farming activities would come to a halt. Accordingly as Varuna Bhagawan released enormous rainfall, the cows had a break from their hectic schedule of harsh work and treatment. Sage Vyaasa narrates this to drive home the important point to King Dhridiraashtra that how “Putra Vatsalya” would end up creating a huge imbalance in the world! He explains through this story to King Dhridiraashtra that he should have a control over his affection towards Duryodhana and he should mend Duryodhana’s ways as quickly as possible, so as to avoid a huge disaster from happening. As Sage Vyaasa explains his part and leaves, he paves the way for Sage Maithreya to come over and do his part. We’ve witnessed the discussion till this point, and in today’s episode, we shall continue this further.
Moving on thus, just as Sage Vyaasa had informed, Sage Maithreya makes his way into the Hastinapura palace. As Sage Maithreya arrives, King Dhridiraashtra performs all the important respects towards him and makes him comfortable. As Sage Maithreya gets composed, he starts talking to King Dhridiraashtra, which is precisely the same as what Sage Vyaasa had spoken earlier. I’m not going into that part of the discussion because we’ve already witnessed it in the past couple of episodes. As Sage Maithreya narrates his accord, King Dhridiraashtra clearly explains to him thus, “Oh Sage Maithreya! I understand all what you’ve said till now! I’m ready to obey all your words. However, it is Duryodhana who has to pay heed and listen. I’ve told all this to him “n” number of times, yet, he is not prepared to listen to my words. Maybe you can do one thing – Please try and talk to Duryodhana and see if he gets convinced by your words. You can meet him in his chamber immediately!”
As King Dhridiraashtra said thus, Sage Maithreya immediately goes into Duryodhana’s chamber to meet him. As Sage Maithreya arrives, Duryodhana too pays all his respects and makes him comfortable. As Sage Maithreya sits down, he talks to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! You’ve undergone tremendous amounts of education under the able guidance of Guru Dhronachaarya. You would be knowing various aspects of “Raaja Dharma” and I do not need to take a special session for you to teach all that. However, please understand one thing very clearly – It is not possible to win over anyone in this world with enmity! If you create a divide between two groups of people, it would only lead to destruction, and not anything constructive. Moreover, please understand one thing – As I was on my way as part of my “Theertha-Yatra” (Spiritual tour), I met Yudishtra and Co. who are residing at the Kaamyaka-Vanam forest. They are doing fine and are executing all their “Dharma” to perfection!”
As Sage Maithreya explains thus, Duryodhana suddenly seems like losing interest in what he is explaining to him. Sage Maithreya continues thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Haven’t you heard of Bheemasena killing Hidimba, Bhakaasura, etc. who were extremely powerful Raakshasas in this world. You must know about Bhakaasura! It is very difficult to kill him, and Bheemasena achieved the feat singlehandedly. So why do you think all this happened? How did this happen? It is because of the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Vaasudeva! Even now Bhagawan Krishna is with them. Hence, please do not commit the mistake that you’re about to commit now. Past is past. Whatever has happened, cannot be changed. However, the future is still in your hands. If you can mend your ways even now, it is not too late. You can resurrect a lot of things. Please call back Yudishtra and give away the Indraprastha kingdom that duly belongs to him. If you do so, you can escape a huge disaster that is awaiting your doorstep. If you fail to do it, nobody can save you!”
As Sage Maithreya explains to Duryodhana thus, Duryodhana has to react and say something isn’t it? So what is he going to say? Is Duryodhana going to realize at this point atleast after hearing from Sage Maithreya? Or, is he still going to continue his arrogance towards everyone? Let us wait and witness in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 