In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the conversation between Sanjaya and King Dhritarashtra in the divine presence of Sage Vyaasa and Gaandhaari. After a long conversation between the duo, Sage Vyaasa finally breaks his silence and replies that things are going to get tougher every moment from here on, primarily due to Duryodhana’s ego. This is where Bhagawan Krishna is extremely hell-bent upon! Perhaps the decision from Bhagawan Krishna on the certainty of the war stems from the incorrigible character of Duryodhana and his stubbornness to “go for the kill” against Yudishtra. After all that had happened during the infamous gambling episode in the Hastinapura courtroom, it was just a matter of time that such a situation fuelled! Hence, Sage Vyaasa too in a way washes off his hands!
As Sage Vyaasa says thus, we shall move ahead with the conversation further. Now a rattled King Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya and Sage Vyaasa thus, “Oh Sanjaya! It is quite evident from the words of both of you that Duryodhana’s attitude is not changeable in any way. However, is there another way through which we can find a solution for this problem? Hastinapura should be protected at any cost. Atleast, if not for Duryodhana, shall we approach Bhagawan Krishna directly and ask Him for some guidance? Maybe He can shower His divine “Anugraha” upon us isn’t it? Oh Sanjaya! Tell me if this is possible and suggest ways to execute this!”
As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Sanjaya replies back, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! What you’re asking is very important. However, let me tell you one thing very clearly – Only a person who has complete control on his senses and desires will be able to understand and attain Bhagawan Krishna! In your case, what I see here is that you’ve engrossed yourself into a pool of desires and you’re somehow refusing to come out of it! You are desiring not only for your property but also for the property of others! How fair would this be? If you’re going with such an intention, how do you think Bhagawan Krishna will favour you? If at all you want to approach Him, go with a pure heart and innocent “Bhakti”. Only then He would turn His face towards you. You are wanting to strike a “business deal” with Bhagawan and please remember – Bhagawan Krishna is not a businessman to strike deals! You’ve to go with “Nirmala-Bhakti” and surrender to His divine lotus feet, which Arjuna and Yudishtra had already done. This is the reason why Bhagawan Krishna is on the side of the Paandava brothers! You are trying to approach Bhagawan for fulfilling all your selfish needs and this will only turn to be futile!”
Saying thus, Sanjaya now continues to explain a few of Bhagawan Krishna’s divine names. We shall see some of them. One of Bhagawan Krishna’s divine names and commonly known one is “Vaasudeva”. Sanjaya explains the meaning of this divine name here. He says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! This divine name “Vaasudeva” is a testament to the fact that Bhagawan Krishna is omni-present (“Vaasu”). He resides anywhere and everywhere in this world and also in the seven outer worlds as well! So how does He reside? He resides playfully everywhere! His divine “Leelas” are a testament to His playful characteristic (“Deva”). Hence, the term “Vaasudeva” means, Bhagawan is “playfully omni-present” throughout the entire creation! Next important divine name of Bhagawan Krishna is “Maadhava”. It means, Bhagawan Krishna is an embodiment of three important characteristics – “Mounam” (Silence), “Dhyaanam” (Tapas & Penance) and “Yogam” (The state in which Bhagawan is)! Thus, the combination of these three characteristics – “Mounam”, “Dhyaanam” and “Yogam” is what we understand as the divine name “Maadhava”! Another interpretation to this – “Maa” means Goddess Mahalakshmi and “Dhava” means Bhagawan Krishna! Thus, the divine name “Maadhava” signifies the fact that Goddess Mahalakshmi is always in Bhagawan Krishna’s heart! Thirdly, Bhagawan has the most-used divine name – Krishna. The term “Krishna” means someone who gives extreme happiness to this entire world!”
Saying thus, Sanjaya explains the meanings of each of Bhagawan’s divine names! For today, we’ve seen three of them and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further to witness more such divine names and their meanings! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 