In the previous episode, we witnessed Sanjaya and King Dhritarashtra having a conversation with each other towards the end of the Day Sixteen narration. We’ve seen that Day Sixteen virtually ends in a draw with no significant damages on both sides, even though there were several intense one-on-one battles. At this juncture, King Dhritarashtra is all praise for Karna’s valour and wonders why Bhagawan Krishna is not siding with Karna and instead, siding with Arjuna. King Dhritarashtra also praises Karna for his noble heart and for his unending and stubborn friendship with Duryodhana. Given Karna’s noble qualities like these, King Dhritarashtra feels that it would be apt for Bhagawan Krishna to protect Karna, rather than protecting Arjuna. For this, Sanjaya gives a befitting reply with anger. He says that King Dhritarashtra is the greatest opportunist in this world. He would praise only those who are by his son’s side and not those who actually make an effort to follow the path of “Dharma”. Bhagwan Krishna took the side of the Paandava brothers because they stood for “Dharma”. However, did Karna take the side of “Dharma”? The answer is “No”! If such is the case, how can King Dhritarashtra even think of Bhagawan Krishna coming to Karna’s side? Moreover, Sanjaya recalls all the past happenings – There were so many opportunities for King Dhritarashtra to mend Duryodhana’s ways. Bhagawan Krishna Himself came down to broker peace with advice. King Dhritarashtra ignored Him at that point and now when his son’s life is at stake, he wants Bhagawan Krishna to support him! Saying all this, Sanjaya slams King Dhritarashtra’s attitude left, right and centre!
Moving on further, Sanjaya explains a beautiful characteristic of a leader. He says to King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! There were so many signs and signals from so many Maharishis and great people. However, you chose to ignore all of them just because you did not like what they were trying to tell you. Moreover, please understand – There will be no “Aaakaasha-Vaani” (Divine voice) at all times to keep warning you. You’ve to pick up clues which come from eminent people who are “Dhaarmikas”. Oh King Dhritarashtra! Whenever you’re intending to take a decision, you should think whether this decision would yield good results in the short-term or in the long-term. As a king, you should be able to think long-term and make decisions accordingly. Long-term decisions might give you some unhappiness in the short-term, but if you’re persistent with it, the long-term will be good and safe for you and for your subjects! In the case of Duryodhana, you were more interested in the short-term happiness and in due course, the long-term sustainability of your Kaurava clan has gone for a toss! If you had taken a decision to be strict with Duryodhana and mended his ways earlier, we would have been war-free by today! But, you missed several opportunities, and now there is no point in blaming Bhagawan Krishna or Yudishtra or any “Aakaasha-Vaani”!”
Saying thus, Sanjaya fumes further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Because of you, the entire country has lost several good and able kings and warriors on the battlefield! If you would have taken a long-term view of the problem, such a disaster wouldn’t have happened in the first place! Now that the war is almost coming to an end, there is no point in lamenting why Bhagawan Krishna is not coming towards Karna’s side and protecting him. Why should Bhagawan Krishna even think of doing such a thing? Do Duryodhana and Karna follow even a single iota of “Dharma”? I’ve repeatedly told you – This war is between the sides of “Dharma” and “Adharma”, and hence, Bhagawan Krishna will ensure that the side of “Dharma” will always win, no matter how much Duryodhana tries! Hence, I do not want to waste any further time in lamenting about what had happened in the past. Now let me continue with the narrative of Day Seventeen. Listen to me and understand what conspired at Kurukshetra! My Aachaarya, Sage Vyaasa had given me the divine pair of eyes to explain the proceedings of the war only, and not to answer your questions. If you ask me something at this point, I’m forced to explain several aspects of “Dharma”, which is too late for you to understand and implement right now!”
Moving on further thus, Sanjaya continues his narrative on what happens next at Kurukshetra. Karna says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! I have a bow that equals Arjuna’s “Gaandeepa”. In today’s battle, I’m somehow going to meet Arjuna face to face. I’m not going to allow him to escape from my vicinity! However, I only have one small request for you. If I’ve to win over Arjuna, I need this from you!” As Karna says thus, Duryodhana is happy and is ready to give anything that Karna wants. So what does Karna require at this point? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 