In the previous episode, we had witnessed some important lessons that we can learn from the Yudishtra – Sanjaya conversation, wherein Bhagawan Krishna too is part of. Ultimately, the decision is very clear – Yudishtra is all for peace if Duryodhana wishes to compromise. However, if that doesn’t happen, Yudishtra is ready for an all-out assault as well, as he feels that protecting the territory is the “Dharma” of a righteous king. Hence, the argument of Sanjaya that fighting a war which leads to loss of thousands of lives on the battlefield being gross “Adharma” doesn’t stand to be relevant. Even if thousands of people die on the battlefield, they are attaining the ‘Veera-Svarga” (Sacrificing their lives for the sake of the country), and that is also perfectly their “Dharma” only! Hence, in either ways, whatever Yudishtra says seems to be perfectly the path towards “Dharma” and after this, Sanjaya couldn’t talk much. Bhagawan Krishna too gives His verdict that Yudishtra’s stance is right and there can never be any dispute to it. Bhagawan recalls the infamous gambling game and how Draupati was insulted during that fateful day and for these acts of “Adharma” committed by Duryodhana, how can these go unanswered? Hence, the game plan is now very clear from the Paandavas’ side.
Moving on further thus, as Sanjaya leaves for Hastinapura, Yudishtra is still not letting him go. He once again wants to convey something to Sanjaya and calls him back. Yudishtra is now going to give messages to all people at Hastinapura, including his own mother, Kunthi Devi, Bhishmacharya, Guru Dhronachaarya, etc. Yudishtra’s first message is for King Dhritarashtra. He says thus, “Oh Sanjaya! Please convey to King Dhritarashtra this message from my end – Oh King! It is upon your discretion that Duryodhana has got the kingdom of Hastinapura which he is enjoying right now. However, I’m also part of the same clan as him. Myself and my four brothers (Paandavas) are also part of the Kuru-Vamsa (Kauravas). Hence, as a king, you should be responsible enough to broker peace and unity between all of us, rather than fuelling one camp against the other. If you continue doing so, please understand that your entire next generation would be wiped out of this world and there will be nobody to rule Hastinapura henceforth! The entire kingdom would go into shambles and post that, it would be very difficult to retrieve its glory. Oh Sanjaya! Please convey this message to King Dhritarashtra!”
Next, Yudishtra conveys a message to Bhishmachaarya. He says thus, “Oh Sanjaya! Why is Bhishmachaarya having the boon that he can decide the time of his death? It is only to ensure that all the family members including King Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, Yudishtra (Myself), etc. are content and happy, isn’t it? Isn’t it Bhishmachaarya’s responsibility to ensure that all the people in the kingdom are acting as per the “Dharma” and guiding the kingdom properly? Hence, Bhishmachaarya should be reminded of this. If he continues to be inactive and if he is turning deaf ears to what King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana are saying, the kingdom will go to ruins! Hence, as a senior pro in the family, he should step up and rise to the occasion, isn’t it? Oh Sanjaya! Please convey this clearly to Bhishmachaarya!”
Next in the list is Vidura! Yudishtra tells Sanjaya thus, “Oh Sanjaya! All of us know that Vidura is an epitome of “Dharma”, don’t we? Hence, Vidura should live up to that expectation and should always keep teaching and preaching the “Dharma” to King Dhritarashtra. Even if the king deviates from the path of “Dharma”, Vidura should lead from the front in bringing him back to the path. Hence, Oh Sanjaya! Please convey my regards to Vidura and tell him on behalf of me that no matter whoever tells what, he should always stick to the path of “Dharma” and advise King Dhritarashtra in this way!”
So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 