In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna giving a chance to Duryodhana and Arjuna to ask help from Him in terms of the war preparations. Prior to this, Duryodhana blurts out blatantly that he had come to Dwaraka for the same reason, whereas Arjuna preferred to remain silent. As Duryodhana says thus, Bhagawan Krishna gives an equal chance to both of them to ask for whatever they need. Even here, Duryodhana shows his aggression and arrogance by saying that since he was the first to arrive at Dwaraka, he must be given the chance to put forth his need first. However, Bhagawan Krishna replies with a logic to Duryodhana by saying that even though he might have come first,Arjuna was the one whom He saw first after waking up! However, Bhagawan Krishna asks Duryodhana to proceed first with his wishlist!
Moving on thus, Bhagawan Krishna once again refines His answer to both of them. He says thus, “Oh Duryodhana and Arjuna! I now give you two options – You may choose between them. Option 1: My extensive army that contains thousands of soldiers, chariots, weapons, etc. Option 2: Myself – I will come with you for the war, however, I will not take any weapon in my hand and fight. Also, I will be alone as well! I will not be with anybody else! Hence, you may choose between the two options! Oh Arjuna! It’s your turn first! Please go ahead and choose whichever option you want!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Duryodhana once again objects – “Oh Keshava (Bhagawan Krishna)! Now that you’ve given us two options, you should give me the upper hand to make my choice first! As I’m the eldest and also the one who came first here, I should be given the first option!”
As Duryodhana repeatedly keeps saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna becomes slightly irritated. He once again reiterates His stance thus, “Oh Duryodhana! You know that I always take a neutral stance and I would always stand by “Dharma”! As per the “Dharma”, the younger brother should always be given the first chance to have a go at things! Hence, I stick to it and I give the first chance to Arjuna as he is the youngest of the two! I’m firm in what I convey!” As Bhagawan Krishna strictly says thus, Duryodhana doesn’t have an option but to pray all his “Ishta-Deivatas” that Arjuna doesn’t choose what he wants!
Now it is time for Arjuna to make his choice. Arjuna folds his hands and replies to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! What more is precious for me than your divine presence near me? Hence, if you ask me, your army with thousands and thousands of soldiers, weapons, etc. doesn’t matter to me! Your mere presence near me is all that I want! If we have a balance instrument and place all these thousands of army men on one plate and you on the other, obviously you’re going to weigh heavier than the other! Hence, oh Bhagawan Krishan! I just want you to be with me at all times, guiding me and supporting me towards the path of “Dharma”!”
As Arjuna asks thus, Duryodhana heaves a huge sigh of relief! Till this point, Duryodhana had an eye on Bhagawan Krishna’s extensive army and perhaps, all his prayers have been answered! 🙂 Arjuna opted for Option 2 and now, Duryodhana can easily opt for Option 1, isn’t it? So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode we shall witness Duryodhana’s official request to Bhagawan Krishna! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 