In the previous episode, we had witnessed an interesting dialogue that happens between Sanjaya and Saatyaki on what is “Dharma” according to the current situation in hand and who should compromise. Sanjaya’s version is very simple here – Let Yudishtra make the compromise since he is the one who understands “Dharma”. The “Dharma” here is to somehow avoid a war, which can have disastrous consequences on the entire country. Thousands of people will die and all their families will plunge into an irrecoverable crisis. Thus, to avoid the war from taking place, according to Sanjaya, there is no use talking to Duryodhana to make a compromise, because he doesn’t understand even a speck of what is “Dharma”! Given this reality, even though it is hard to digest, Sanjaya says that Yudishtra can opt for the compromise option by letting Duryodhana rule the kingdom. Now, we’ve to see how this answer goes down amidst the Paandava camp. Is this going to create a backlash or is it going to solve the issue once and for all?
Moving on thus, it is now the turn of Bhagawan Krishna to get up and give His opinion. He addresses Sanjaya thus, “Oh great Sanjaya! You are a learned scholar and today you’ve proved your mettle! You’ve made a correct assessment of the entire situation and have played your cards to perfection! I congratulate you for this! Yes! You’re right! “Dharma” is always on the side of Yudishtra and you’ve made it extremely clear here. This itself is a great acceptance and whatever you’ve said with regards to the war being avoided is extremely correct! War should be avoided at any cost, as this would create untold miseries to thousands of people! Hence, we should not go for it! Hence, someone should make a compromise! Till this you’re extremely right!”
As Bhagawan Krishna talks this way, people around Him are getting confused! Arjuna couldn’t stand it anymore and asks Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Till now you were saying that if we’re asked to compromise, war is the only option that is left, aren’t you? Now, why is your stance contradicting? Why are you sounding as if we’ve to make the compromise for the war not to take place? I’m not able to understand and comprehend your words!” As Arjuna explains thus, Bhagawan Krishna replies back: “Oh Arjuna! Whatever Sanjaya says is right! There is no second thought on that! If you’re ready to compromise, say that you’re ready for it. If you’re not ready for it, you may feel free to express your decision accordingly! Hence, why should we hold Sanjaya ransom for this? He is doing his job to perfection. He is explaining that going for a war will be a gross “Adharma”, and what is wrong in it? If you’re wanting the kingdom, then go for it! Why are you blaming Sanjaya for it?”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna turns towards Yudishtra, who was sitting silently all this while! Yudishtra is patiently listening to all that is being said by everyone and has reserved his opinion till now. Bhagawan Krishna asks Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Now that we’ve discussed a lot on what is “Dharma” and “Adharma” in this context, your opinion is important here, as you are the person in the dock! Hence, it is now time that you make a decision and convey it to Sanjaya accordingly in front of all of us!” Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna smartly turns the tables on Yudishtra! Now the onus is on Yudishtra to take the final call in this matter!
Now Yudishtra gets up and starts giving his accord. He says thus, “Oh great uncle Sanjaya! As Bhagawan Krishna just mentioned, whatever you are saying is extremely pure and is according to the “Dharma”, for which I agree. I totally agree on the fact that war is a disastrous decision and going for it is a gross “Adharma” on thousands of people! However, I’m not in sync with what you said next – Me making the compromise!” So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue with what Yudishtra has to say and why he is not in sync with Sanjaya’s opinion! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 