In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna narrating His accord to Yudishtra and Co. on what happened and conspired at Hastinapura during His visit. He explains to Yudishtra as to how He was insulted in public by Duryodhana by digging a hole beneath His “Aasana” and by making Him fall into it. However, Bhagawan Krishna explains that these ploys do not affect Him in any way, as His purpose of visit is very clear – To try and establish “Dharma” through peace talks. However, since Duryodhana and his father King Dhritarashtra aren’t really prepared to change their course of actions any time soon, Bhagawan Krishna concludes that there’s no point in talking with them anymore, unless they themselves realize the gravity of danger that they’re heading into!
As Bhagawan Krishna narrates His accord thus, Yudishtra and Co. are stunned! In fact, Yudishtra had anticipated this earlier that Bhagawan would be insulted by Duryodhana in some way or the other and this anticipation has come true! Because of this, Yudishtra and the Paandava brothers feel ashamed on one hand, and tears flow through their eyes on the other hand, out of frustration and grief that Bhagawan had to bear the insult on behalf of them! With a trembling voice, Yudishtra replies back to Bhagawan Krishna thus, “Oh Bhagawan! I do not know how to respond to this. It is extremely unfortunate that you had to bear the insult on behalf of me and my brothers. As I had said earlier, I cannot see you getting insulted by someone and this is why I was sceptical about you visiting Hastinapura. I knew this would happen. But tell me one thing – Did you speak whatever we discussed here before you started, or, did you speak something else whatever came to your mind? I’m asking this because the past history suggests that no matter whatever you discuss with someone to talk, you would never do that! You will only do or talk about whatever you feel like! Hence, I wanted to have a clarification from you on this!”
As Yudishtra asks thus, Bhagawan Krishna bursts out laughing! Till that moment, the mood was extremely sober, but now when Yudishtra asks whether Bhagawan spoke as discussed or did He speak something on His own, not only Yudishtra, but the entire set of the Paandava brothers started laughing! They know how Bhagawan Krishna is an expert in lying to people and in playing tricks! Bhagawan Krishna on His part, replies to Yudishtra thus, “Oh my dear Yudishtra! Of course, I played tricks and pranks on people during my young and tender age. But currently I’m almost 70 years old. Do you think I’ll be praying the same kind of pranks on people today also? Of course, I spoke only whatever we discussed here before I left for Hastinapura! I spoke to Vidura. I spoke to Sanjaya. I spoke to your mother, Kunthi Devi. All were of the opinion that King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana are incorrigible and my visit is only a mere waste of time. However, I had to do my duty, as promised to all of you. I’ve to stand by “Dharma”, isn’t it? Moreover, it is my duty to represent those people who stand for “Dharma” at all times! Hence, I just did my duty. Of course, I know that Duryodhana would insult me. What do you expect from a wicked person like Duryodhana to do when you talk about something that he doesn’t like? Do you expect him to favour you in any way? Or, do you expect him to give you the best of the best hospitality? Why do you even have an iota of doubt in your mind that Duryodhana will treat me nicely? In fact, Duryodhana wanted me to switch over to his side and he even tried his best to do that. The main purpose of laying the trap beneath my chair was to arrest me then and there and force me to come to his side. However, little did he know that he cannot do anything to me! I’m beyond all these stupid things and Duryodhana will never realize this in his lifetime! Hence, Oh Yudishtra! Please do not worry that I was insulted by Duryodhana, as it was clearly on expected lines. My opinion after the visit to Hastinapura is that all of us should start getting ready to face a war, which is increasingly becoming inevitable by the day! We should not waste any more time in doing these peace talks with Duryodhana, as there is little effect in doing so!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna leaves it to Yudishtra to plan the next course of action from here on. As Bhagawan Krishna finishes His accord, the others in the courtroom start to give their opinions and for today, let us understand Bhagawan Krishna’s accord fully. We shall wait till the next episode to continue with this discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 