In the previous episode, we had witnessed King Drupada’s accord on Yudishtra’s future course of action. We’ve already witnessed Bhagawan Krishna commencing the proceedings of the discussion, along with Balarama and Saatyaki expressing their opinions as well. Now, the decision is clear – To first start with peace talks, and if it doesn’t work, maybe war should be the only other option to counter Duryodhana’s arrogance. Hence, it is decided that a “Purohita” (Brahmana Rishi) is to be sent to Duryodhana’s Hastinapura to initiate the peace talks and to sense what is Duryodhana’s mindset. The Viraata King also accepts the decision and he selects the right “Purohita” for the job. Bhagawan Krishna is now going to give some important advice to the “Purohita” who is going to go to Hastinapura.
Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Great Rishi! I hereby entrust you with this important job of brokering peace with Duryodhana. While talking to Duryodhana, talk in a sweet manner with all the possible kind-hearted words that you can muster at that point. Please make sure that Duryodhana is comforted with your kind words of wisdom and advice. However, at the same time, it doesn’t mean that you’re too kind to Duryodhana that you would end up accepting whatever he says! Yudishtra should never be a loser here. This is something that you need to balance! You’ve to be kind, but at the same time, you’ve to be firm enough with your demands that you’re making on behalf of Yudishtra. Duryodhana should not feel that you’re demanding something too big, however, he should also not feel that he can take you for a ride! You’ve to convey the clear message to Duryodhana that we are not interested in a disastrous war, but at the same time, we want Yudishtra’s due share of his Indraprastha kingdom. However, if Yudishtra is not getting what he is due to get, we wouldn’t be shy of opting for the option of war as well!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna concludes His important accord and prepares to leave back to Dwaraka. The plan is very clear – To wait till the “Purohita” conveys the message to Duryodhana and comes back with Duryodhana’s message. In the meanwhile, Bhagawan Krishna decides that it is a long time since he visited His Dwaraka kingdom and hence, as the Purohita gets into the chariot to go towards Indraprastha, Bhagawan Krishna too prepares Himself to leave for Dwaraka. As the “Purohita” reaches Indraprastha, he frames the entire conversation in his mind before he commences his accord with Duryodhana. He wants to meet King Dhritarashtra first and then go to Duryodhana, with the intention that atleast now King Dhritarashtra should come out of his “Putra-Vatsalya” and support the cause of “Dharma”. Let us see what happens there in a while.
Meanwhile, on the other side, as the “Purohita” leaves for Indraprastha, Yudishtra and the others start conversing with each other. King Drupada, the Viraata King, Utthara Kumara and the others are also part of this discussion. Arjuna gets up and talks thus, “Oh kings! I have full confidence on our “Purohita” to deliver upon what Bhagawan Krishna has advised. However, I’m not very sure if Duryodhana would budge to his request. All of us know what kind of a person Duryodhana is! Hence, even if we’re going on the route of peace-talks, I’m thinking that we should be prepared to face a war anytime from now. Even though there will be several rounds of peace attempts being made in the future, it is also important that we commence our preparations for a full-fledged war with Duryodhana. I do not know how much would King Dhritarashtra support our cause, as he is only interested in his son’s growth and development. Hence, I feel that we should once again approach Bhagawan Krishna to seek His divine intervention and help in this regard. Maybe we can go to Dwaraka and ask Him the way forward, if we’ve to get ready for a war! Of course, Bhagawan Krishna has just now left for Dwaraka. However, I feel that it would be due respect only if we go to Him and seek help!”
As Arjuna expresses his opinion thus, Yudishtra too agrees for the same, and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall wait till the next episode to witness what happened next! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 