In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna giving some decisive messages on behalf of Yudishtra to Sanjaya. The message is loud and clear here to Duryodhana – Compromise and give Indraprastha to Yudishtra or face a disastrous war which would have severe consequences! Bhagawan Krishna in due course of the conversation with Sanjaya also recalls how Duryodhana and Karna had earlier committed serious crimes upon Draupati by insulting her in public during the infamous gambling game episode! Bhagawan Krishna angrily asks Sanjaya in what way it is “Dharma” for Yudishtra to compromise at this stage, even after so many things have happened! Hence, the decision is clear – Even now it is not too late for Duryodhana. If he is ready to apologize and come for a compromise, Yudishtra will still accept him as per the “Raaja-Dharma”. If he doesn’t, Yudishtra will be ready to fight a war, and this too is as per the “Raaja-Dharma” only!
Hearing patiently thus, Sanjaya decides that it is time to go back to Hastinapura. As Sanjaya is about to leave, Yudishtra, Bheemasena, Arjuna and even Bhagawan Krishna stand up in respect to the great man! In return, Sanjaya falls on Bhagawan Krishna’s divine lotus feet, seeking His divine “Anugraha”. Bhagawan Krishna too provides Sanjaya the same and as he is about to leave, Yudishtra comes forward with folded hands and says thus, “Oh my dear Sanjaya! I appreciate your effort to come all the way to us and talk on behalf of Duryodhana and King Dhritarashtra. Even though we had differences in opinions with you on certain things, please do not mistake my words if they were harsh or hurting you in any way. You’ve done your job perfectly as a messenger to King Dhritarashtra. Even though some of your words might not have been acceptable to me or to Bhagawan Krishna, please understand that our love and affection for you is the same. I respect you a lot for all the “Dharma” you are scholarly in. I would want to sit with you and learn a lot from your experiences and learning. Hence, please do not mistake me for my “Prathi-Vaadam” that I’ve done with you. Please go back safely and convey my regards to King Dhritarashtra and the others at Hastinapura! Oh Sanjaya! You should never forget us when you go back to Hastinapura! Whenever you get time, please come and visit us, and we would be glad to host you and learn a lot of aspects of “Dharma” from you!”
This is a very important learning for all of us here – Even though Yudishtra might not be in agreeable terms with whatever Sanjaya says, we’ve to understand how Yudishtra treats Sanjaya with a lot of respect and dignity. This is very important. We might have so many communication gaps or differences of opinions with people, but our basic respect and care for them should never take a hit. Many a time, we get into this mistake – The moment we have a war of words with someone, we would immediately shut all doors with them in terms of the basic aspects of a relationship as well. We wouldn’t even turn our heads and walk away from them, just because they did not concur with whatever we tell them. Is this a right practice to do? We’ve to think about this! Hence for today, let us understand this point very clearly and let us ponder upon how we can take Yudishtra’s example into our lives as well! Stay tuned for more updates in the next episode! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 