In the previous episode, we had witnessed Saatyaki’s extensive accord to justify that Yudishtra is not at fault at all. This comes as Balarama tries to fix Yudishtra for all the mess that had happened in the courtroom at Hastinapura pertaining to the infamous gambling game. Saatyaki is now all over Balarama for his remarks that Yudishtra is at fault for accepting King Dhritarashtra’s invite for playing the game. How can Yudishtra be at fault if Duryodhana is playing the game with a proxy and not by himself, when Yudishtra has to fend for himself alone? Moreover, accepting the invite for playing the gambling game is as per the “Raaja Dharma” and Yudishtra had followed it. The invite came from a king and Yudishtra had no other option but to go for it. Also, at that point in time, Yudishtra was completely unaware that there was a planned and a concerted agenda behind the gambling game and it was not on a “friendly” basis as proposed by the king. The agenda was clear – Yudishtra being robbed off his kingdom through this illegal method! Now, Saatyaki’s question is very clear – Given all these incidents, should Yudishtra be held guilty or should the perpetrators of this crime be held responsible and accountable?
We can also analyze this entire conversation by comparing the two Yugas – Dvaapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. Whatever Saatyaki and the others are talking about right now, is in the Dvaapara Yuga, wherein thought processes, intents and actions are taken into account while deciding which is “Dharma” and which is not! However, nowadays in the Kali Yuga, we go by “fact-finding” and “evidence”! In those days during the Dvaapara Yuga, intent, attitude, thought process were more important while delivering justice. However, today, none of us have the capability to understand what the other person is thinking and his / her attitude, intent, etc. Only if there is prima-facie evidence, we can conclude that something has happened. For instance, if we go to courts today, what happens? If a murder has happened and if someone is being fixed for it, how does it happen? Only if there is credible evidence that this person has committed the crime, will he / she be convicted by the court. Else, even if the person has really committed the crime, and if there is no prima-facie evidence against him / her, this person can easily be acquitted by the court of law! But, during the Dvaapara Yuga, what are we seeing here? The person’s nature, intent, attitude and thought process are prima-facie for concluding whether he / she acts according to “Dharma” or not. Here, as Saatyaki explains his stance, he doesn’t look at the actions that happened on the ground (gambling game). Instead, he looks at Yudishtra’s intent, which is completely focused towards every aspect of “Dharma”. This is the key difference that we’re seeing, isn’t it?
As Saatyaki finishes his accord, it is now King Drupada’s turn to talk. King Drupada, as we might remember, is Draupati’s father. He says thus, “Oh people! I too feel that Bhagawan Krishna and Saatyaki are reasonable in what they are saying. Somehow, I do not know why Balarama is talking in favour of Duryodhana who is an epitome of “Adharma”. However, in front of the “Chakra-Aayudha” of Bhagawan Krishna and the “Gaandeepa” of Arjuna, who in this world can even stand before them? Hence, Balarama’s argument of siding towards Duryodhana is not acceptable at all! I guess, we shall go with what Bhagawan Krishna said earlier – Let us send an experienced “Purohita” (Brahmana Rishi) to the Hastinapura palace and let him explain our stance to them very clearly. We shall see what their reaction is, and then plan the further course of action. I’m all for peace and amicable settlement. However, if Duryodhana is not prepared to co-operate, I’m also ready to wage a battle against him along with Yudishtra and Co.!”
So the plan is made – A “Purohita” is going to be sent as a messenger from Yudishtra’s side to Duryodhana to convey the message. So now we’ve to wait for Duryodhana’s response and we shall understand till this point for today. We shall witness the continuation of this important discussion in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 