In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Arjuna’s accord on explaining his stance on the “Raaja-Dharma” discussion. Arjuna explains the significance of possessing wealth by a king and how it is important that the king uses it for the welfare of the people. Moreover, Arjuna talks about patience and perseverance in the context of “Raaja Dharma” and how important it is for a righteous king to be an epitome of these characteristics. Arjuna explains that Yudishtra has really come a long way in his life and tries to motivate him by saying that patience, persistence and effort are paramount of a leader’s success. This is the first aspect of “Raaja Dharma” and this is applicable directly to our modern-day life as well. We’ve seen several examples of how patience and perseverance is important for success in any walk of professional and personal life.
Moving forward thus, it is now time for Yudishtra to reply. Arjuna completes a long accord, which we’ve witnessed for the past three episodes. Now after Arjuna’s accord, is Yudishtra convinced? The answer is “No”! Yudishtra’s mind is still reluctant to accept the fact that he has to rule the Hastinapura kingdom after all these debacles that have happened. Yudishtra replies thus, “Oh Arjuna! Whatever you’re saying is correct. But I have a point here – You’ve said that kings do not go to the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”, however, there are several kings who have done this. Several kings in the past have descended to the forest in pursuit of “Moksha”! In fact, our own father, King Paandu did the same as well. He descended to the forest along with our mothers, Kunthi Devi and Maadri Devi and gave the throne to his brother, King Dhritarashtra! In similar lines, there were many other able kings who have done this. So what is wrong in me doing this now, after all that I’ve gone through in my life?”
As Yudishtra asks thus, Arjuna gives a sharp reply – “Oh Yudishtra! What you’re talking about is quite absurd! You’re talking about our father – Don’t you know under what circumstances our father had to descend to the forest? He had imbibed a heavy curse that the next generation could not be born. Unable to bare the impact of that curse, King Paandu had to go to the forest. Moreover, he was not keeping well physically and with that ill-health, he wouldn’t have been able to discharge his duties as a king properly. Moreover, when you talk about several other kings who took to the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”, you cannot see this blindly. You’ve to understand when they’ve done it. They had ruled the kingdom for several years during their prime time of their lives, discharged all their duties, filled up the coffers of the kingdom, raised their successors to the extent that they were ready to take over the reins from them, and only then they descended to the forest. Ir is not without discharging their duties, have kings descended to the forest. Moreover, when the king descends to the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”, he has to get due approval from all his people before he does so. Have you done it? In which category will you fit into? You’ve neither reached the age of going for the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”, nor you’ve filled up the coffers of the kingdom. You’ve nobody as yet to take over the reins of the kingdom. Given this huge glaring gap, how can you even think of descending to the forest and undertake the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam?”
Asking several questions thus, Arjuna continues further – “Oh Yudishtra! I reiterate my points once again – You are trying to change the “Dharma” of the “Varanashramam”. You are trying to perform the duty of a “Brahmana Rishi”. A “Brahmana Rishi” is supposed to be performing Tapas in the forest. A “Kshatrya” is supposed to discharge his duties towards his kingdom as an able administrator. By descending to the forest now, you are trying to change the order of the “Varnaashrama Dharma” itself. This is completely unheard of. Hence, you’ve to seriously reconsider your decision of going to the forest right now!”
Saying thus, Arjuna once again reiterates the point that Yudisthra should lead the kingdom once again, by following this aspect of the “Raaja-Dharma”! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 