In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of a very important conversation that is going on between Arjuna and Yudishtra. While Yudishtra is still contemplating on proceeding with the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam” by descending to the forest and renouncing everything, Arjuna is not in favor of it. Arjuna explains that by going into the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”, Yudishtra is only trying to escape from his duties towards his kingdom. Going to the forest and performing “Tapas” is the duty of a Brahmana Rishi and with Yudishtra contemplating on doing so, Arjuna explains that the “Varnaashrama Dharma” would be compromised. Moreover, if Yudishtra is not here at Hastinapura to lead, who will perform the duties towards the kingdom? This is Arjuna’s burning question, even as Yudishtra tries to convince Arjuna by taking the example of King Paandu and a few other kings who have walked this path. However, Arjuna is quick to respond to this also – He says that King Paandu had to descend to the forest due to a curse that was inflicted upon him. He did not voluntarily go and perform “Tapas” in the forest.
Moving further thus, Yudishtra is still not convinced. He is now going to give a very beautiful accord, wherein, even Bhagawan Krishna is going to give a great deal of appreciation! However, if we look deeply into what Yudishtra is saying, we will understand that whatever he is saying is absurd! 🙂 So let us see what Yudishtra is saying now. As Arjuna gives a lengthy accord thus, Yudishtra replies back – “Oh Arjuna! You’ve also been in the forest along with me for thirteen years. You will appreciate whatever I say now! Oh Arjuna! The forest is very beautiful with tall trees, snow-clad mountains, cold climate, birds chirping here and there and with profound silence which you will never be able to experience while being in the kingdom. If we are in such a wonderful and lovely place, we would automatically be motivated from within to sit and perform “Tapas” intensely. Oh Arjuna! We will get fresh fruits and vegetables in the forest. We will get clean air to breathe! We will get fresh water to drink. We will be able to lead a peaceful life there without any unwanted disturbance, which would enable us to perform penance!”
As Yudishtra starts explaining thus, Bhagawan Krishna starts laughing! He remarks quickly thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve not listened to the Gita, but you are narrating the essence of the Gita with such great expertise! 🙂 I’m really amazed with the way you’re explaining things, however, whatever you’re saying right now, will not suit you! Of course, I’m not saying that whatever you’re explaining is wrong. You’re only talking the right thing. Yes, of course, the forest environment will stimulate you to perform penance. However, is that the right path for you? Is that the path assigned for you to attain “Moksha”? Think about it!”
As Bhagawan Krishna says thus in a very cryptic manner, Arjuna is now going to be more blunt than never before! He answers Yudishtra’s point thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’re right! There will be beautiful birds chirping and peacocks dancing. However, what if a tiger or a lion roars and comes close to you? Will you keep quiet? Whereas, a Brahmana Rishi is trained to tame the tiger or lion with their power of penance. They might be calm and composed when the tiger approaches them. Even if the tiger pounces on them and hurts them, they can be unmoved with all that. Or, the Brahmana Rishis can curse the tiger for causing harm to them. Oh Yudishtra! Can you do any of these things? You are a “Kshatrya”. The moment you see a tiger approaching you and trying to pounce on you, you will be the first one to pounce on it back! 🙂 You will immediately be tempted to take the bow and arrow and shoot it instantly! The moment you shoot the tiger down, your “Karma” will start once again! Hence, even after going into the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”, you are only going to keep accumulating your Karma on and on! This, you can do even while being in the kingdom, isn’t it? So what is the point in going to the forest?”
This seems a very valid point from Arjuna to Yudishtra, isn’t it? So for today, let us ponder over this answer and in the next episode, we shall witness a very important analysis of Arjuna’s and Bhagawan Krishna’s answer to Yudishtra, as we move on further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 