In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra taking a firm stance that he would stand for peace, only if the Indraprastha kingdom would be given back to him by Duryodhana. If that doesn’t happen, there is no other option but to go for a war. Even though Sanjaya tries to convince Yudishtra that going for a war might be a gross “Adharma” that would happen to several thousand families and it should be avoided. However, what Sanjaya also said here is very important – War should be avoided “at any cost”! This means that Yudishtra has to keep sacrificing everytime and Duryodhana will rule the roost! This is something that irks Yudishtra and he takes a firm stance that as a “Kshatrya” king, it is his duty to fight a war and win over enemies, in a bid to defend the territorial borders of the kingdom. Hence, Yudishtra explains that war too is part of his “Dharma” and if required, he will not go back from performing his “Dharma”.
As Yudishtra says thus, Sanjaya listens carefully to his words. Sanjaya once again tries to convince Yudishtra thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You are an epitome of “Dharma” and you’ve accumulated so much of “Dharma” behind your name. You’ve learnt all the Vedas thoroughly! You’re a great scholar as well! Just think for a moment – You’re an epitome of sacrifice and you’ve sacrificed a lot in the past too! You’ve taken up “Vana-Vaasam” for thirteen years and have sacrificed your kingdom and your prime life for Duryodhana to be happy. Now also, maybe if you continue sacrificing and thereby if a war can be avoided in that way, it would be a great achievement for you, isn’t it? The entire world would praise you for your immense sacrifice and it would be a testimony for your “Vairagya” and the sense of detachment!”
As Sanjaya says thus, Yudishtra counters him again: “Oh Sanjaya! Whatever you’re saying is right. I’ve performed all my “Dharma” till today. However, if I sacrifice now at this stage, it would be a gross “Adharma” and it would join my book which is full of “Dharma”! Hence, I beg to differ from your thought process that sacrificing and compromising to Duryodhana is “Dharma”. I feel that if I do so, I’ll be doing a gross “Adharma” to my kingdom and to my people. As a “Kshatrya” king, it is my “Dharma” to defend my kingdom. Even if there is a war for that, fighting the war becomes an act of “Dharma” for a king. Even if people die in the war, it would be termed as a “sacrifice towards the safety of the kingdom” and not mere killing. People will attain “Veera-Svarga” through the war, and that is also part of my “Dharma” to help my people attain it! Hence, my stance is firm here – If Duryodhana is willing to sacrifice Indraprastha and give it back to us, we’re ready to broker peace and war shall be avoided! However, if that is not the case, myself along with my brothers are well-prepared and well-equipped to fight a war with Duryodhana and reclaim our lost kingdom!
As all these conversation exchanges are happening, Bhagawan Krishna is listening patiently! As Yudishtra finishes his accord and conveys his decision firmly thus, Bhagawan Krishna stands up and wants to put an end to this conversation. He is now going to tell something very important to Sanjaya, which is to be conveyed to King Dhritarashtra. What is Bhagawan Krishna going to say? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 