We’re in the midst of an important juncture, wherein things are starting to take a turn for the worst at Hastinapura palace. Duryodhana has insulted and fumed at Sage Maithreya, who in turn gets pissed off with his stupidity. Sage Maithreya curses Duryodhana that he would meet a ghastly end to his life by none other than Bheemasena himself, who would tear open his thighs during a fight. As King Dhridiraashtra watches these proceedings all along, he immediately tries to pacify Sage Maithreya and requests him to take back his curse. As King Dhridiraashtra starts to talk with Sage Maithreya, Duryodhana leaves the scene and walks away with anger and disgust. Sage Maithreya is also angry and is about to leave. It is at this time, King Dhridiraashtra requests Sage Maithreya and apologizes on Duryodhana’s behalf. Now it is up to Sage Maithreya to decide whether the curse would come true or not. Sage Maithreya is now going to talk to King Dhridiraashtra before he leaves.
Replying to King Dhridiraashtra’s request, Sage Maithreya says thus, “Oh King! Normally once any sage renders a curse, it is irreversible and it comes true at some point of time, if not immediately. However, in this case, I’m ready to take back my curse – Provided, Duryodhana mends his ways. This drama cannot continue any further since this is deadly against the path of “Dharma”. As a Sage, I cannot tolerate this from happening. If Duryodhana doesn’t mend his ways anytime soon, my curse will definitely come true. I’ve tried my best to convince Duryodhana, but if he goes on to the extent of abusing a Sage, I do not know to which level Duryodhana can stoop in the near future. All the omens show that Duryodhana’s end is nearing. His sheer arrogance and jealousy is going to bring his curtains down. Thus, unless and until he changes his ways, things are looking extremely bleak, not only for him, but also for your kingdom as a whole. Hence, as a responsible father and as a king, it is your duty to try and mend his ways. If you’re not willing to do it, you’ll have to forget your son’s future completely!”
Saying thus, Sage Maithreya leaves Hastinapura in a jiffy! Again, King Dhridiraashtra is all in tears and confusion. How does he make Duryodhana understand things? How does he make Duryodhana mend his ways? Or, is it possible at all? Will Duryodhana even pay heed to what he says? These questions constantly keep playing in King Dhridiraashtra’s mind. He of course tried his best to convince Sage Maithreya to reverse the curse, but that hasn’t happened. Now this adds to King Dhridiraashtra’s fear too! This is exactly the problem with all of us as well. If we’ve to do something as per “Dharma” straightaway, we wouldn’t do. Instead, we would turn towards looking for some short-cuts to do some other things as a “Praayachittha”! For instance, if there is a 7.5-year-period wherein one has to undergo a tough time in life, will we just accept it straightaway? What would we do instead? We would immediately run towards an astrologer to search for some “Praayachittha”, so as to “escape” from the potential tough time. This astrologer too, would try and use our mental weakness and unwillingness to face life as it is, and make money by suggesting some stupid “remedial measures”! This is how many astrologers cheat people today, and we’re seeing this right in front of our eyes! If we have the guts and will power to face any difficulty in life, why should we even go to see an astrologer for such nonsensical things? This is exactly where King Dhridiraashtra is stuck up too – Instead of facing the reality of life (Making Duryodhana mend his ways), he is simply looking to pass the buck on to somebody else to do his job! We should remember one thing very clearly – There is no short-cut for success! If we’ve to succeed in life, we’ve to slog our way through, and there’s no short-cut option available for us.
So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and let us wait for the next episode, to witness the next “Adhyaaya” under this “Parva”. Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 