In the previous episode, we had witnessed the preparations for the war afoot on both sides. Yudishtra and Co. have successfully mobilised their army at Kurukshetra and this literally sends shockwaves and shivers to Duryodhana. Going by the news that Yudishtra is getting ready for the marquee battle, Duryodhana too quickly gets his acts together and commences his preparations. In the meanwhile, we’ve also witnessed Yudishtra having a doubt whether he would be walking the path of “Dharma” or not, if this battle happens. Hence, he requests Bhagawan Krishna to sort out his doubts. We should understand here that Yudishtra is not scared of fighting a war. The fear that Yudishtra has is pertaining to “Dharma”. His question is very simple – Whether he is fighting this war for the cause of “Dharma” or not. This is because, Yudishtra knows that this war is something that is going to cause mass destruction and a major disaster to his entire family! If the Paandavas have to win this war, it would mean that the entire set of Kaurava brothers (100 sons of King Dhritarashtra) would be killed! Hence, Yudishtra’s doubt is whether this would be right on his path to destroy or be a reason to destroy the entire Kaurava clan!
As Yudishtra asks with a lot of concern, Bhagawan Krishna has to reply to Yudishtra now. He replies thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve asked a very important question and I also understand that your concern is very genuine. I’ve tried my best to talk and convince Duryodhana. But that “Dhur-Atma” (Wicked person) is totally unprepared to listen even to a single word of mine. Moreover, Duryodhana is in such a state that if anyone talks against him, he would finish them off. He had the audacity to show his wrath on me also, knowing very well that he would end up in a major blunder if he did so. Moreover, if Duryodhana is like this, Karna is even worse. As a good friend, what should Karna do to Duryodhana? He should correct Duryodhana and mend his ways when he strays from the path of “Dharma”, isn’t it? Karna, as all of us know, is a very scholarly person and he knows all the intricacies of “Dharma”. Inspite of being that way, he hasn’t taken even a single step to educate Duryodhana, and this is quite sad. It is highly unfortunate that Karna is rallying behind Duryodhana in all the “Adharmic” acts that he is performing! I’ve spoken to Karna and tried educating him, but that has also gone in vain!”
Bhagawan Krishna continues thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Even if Karna doesn’t listen to my words, what is wrong with Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya? Why are they rallying behind Duryodhana? Don’t they know the difference between “Dharma” and “Adharma” even after so many years of living in this world? Atleast they should be able to do something in this isn’t it? If they are not able to convince Duryodhana, why are they rallying behind him hopelessly? They should have ideally walked out! Moreover, Oh Yudishtra! Please think of this – When that infamous gambling game was happening, at any stage did either Bhishmachaarya or Guru Dhronachaarya open their mouths and talk a single word against Duryodhana or Ducchaasana? Do you know what kind of a blunder they have done? Is this expected from seniors like them who boast of high reputation?”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna also reminds Yudishtra about his “Raaja Dharma too. He says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Please think in this angle too – Leave alone all the mistakes made by them. How do you think a kingdom will prosper if it is ruled by crooks like Duryodhana and the others? How will “Dharma” prosper in such a kingdom? You may be gracious enough to sacrifice the kingdom, but for whom and for what? If one Draupati was insulted by Duryodhana in the public courtroom on that fateful day, imagine what will happen to all the women in the kingdom if Duryodhana takes over as a king? Do you want this to happen to your kingdom and your people? Your “Raaja-Dharma” should be focused on the welfare of your people isn’t it? Hence, isn’t it your duty to fight for your people and protect them from this impending crisis? So Yudishtra! You’ve to fight for “Dharma” and that should be your sole motto! Do not worry about the impending disaster of killing thousands of people. Think of the disaster if Duryodhana rules the kingdom with “Adharma”! Hence, please do not have any doubts in your mind and let us continue with the preparations!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna consoles Yudishtra and with this, Yudishtra gets the required boost and motivation to go ahead with the war. If Bhagawan Krishna has given the green signal, what more is left? 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 