In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important point of discussion wherein, Yudishtra is bearing the brunt of all the people around, including Draupati and Sage Maarkandeya. Is this the heavy price that Yudishtra has to pay for meticulously following the path of “Dharma”? All of us would have this burning question within ourselves – Should we still pursue the path of “Dharma” with all these problems and sufferings that come by? Duryodhana, even though he was on the path of “Adharma”, enjoyed all his life and it is only during the Kurukshetra war, he had to die, isn’t it? Till that time, Duryodhana was extremely happy with all the facilities and luxuries of the Hastinapura kingdom. Whereas, Yudishtra and Co., just because they wanted to uphold the path of “Dharma”, had to undergo enormous sufferings! Why is this happening? This is exactly what Draupati is also asking Yudishtra – Why should we suffer like this in the forest for thirteen years for following the path of “Dharma”? Why don’t you take action against Duryodhana immediately and finish him off for all what he did? For how long are we going to suffer like this?
These were extremely valid questions from Draupati, if we look at it from a commoner’s point of view. However, Yudishtra had a different thought process. What is Yudishtra’s reply going to be? Let us witness now. Yudishtra replies to Draupati thus, “Oh Draupati! What did you ask me? When am I going to exhibit my anger and frustration on Duryodhana to avenge the insult that he did to you, isn’t it? Let me tell you one thing – Anger (Krodham) is the biggest enemy for life and human existence. Anger will destroy relationships. Anger will cause undue disaster within the family. Hence, I’m not at all for exhibiting anger. I might be branded as a king below par, but I do not care about all that. I’ll exhibit the highest level of patience, even against my bitter enemy. Time will give the best reply to Duryodhana and Co. Bhagawan will take care of Duryodhana in the right way at the right time. Who are we to interfere in Bhagawan’s process of cleansing the world? Hence, Draupati! Please exhibit some amount of patience. I understand that you’ve gone through tough times. I understand that all of us are suffering for no fault of ours. But this is the time wherein we’ve to be patient. If anger comes in the middle, then all whatever we’re trying to accomplish today would go into the drain. If we are patient in life, we can achieve enormous amounts of glory! More than the “glory” part, patience (“Kshama”) will resolve a lot of disputes in life with the passage of time. Hence, let us wait till the apt time comes! Of course, I’m not saying that I won’t react to Duryodhana’s atrocities. All I’m saying is that this is not the time to do so. We’ve to wait for the right time to do anything. This is the hallmark characteristic of a great king!”
Saying thus, Yudishtra continues further, “Oh Draupati! We should know when to react to certain things, and when to keep silent. Just because one keeps silent, it is wrong to brand him as a cowardly king, unfit for anything. If we pour out our anger and frustration immediately, it might lead to various other consequences. Oh Draupati! Please think of this – Bhagawan Krishna visited us a few days back. Did He at any point in time, ask us to get ready for a battle with Duryodhana? He just came and advised us and went back, didn’t He? If the time would have been right, Bhagawan Krishna would have motivated to go on an all-out war on Duryodhana, isn’t it? If Bhagawan Himself is silent on this at the moment, why should we make a hue and cry out of this now? Hence, let us wait for the right time for taking the right action!” Saying thus, Yudishtra tries to console Draupati who is brimming with frustration at the moment! So for today, let us understand this important answer from Yudishtra, and in the next episode we shall witness whether Draupati obtained her answer, or if she is going to fume further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 