In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bheemasena giving a very different perspective to the entire argument of Yudishtra that he wants to renounce the kingdom and go to the forest to undertake the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”. Bheemasena argues that Duryodhana and Co. have sacrificed their lives for Yudishtra to become the king of Hastinapura. Moreover, Bheemasena recollects several past incidents as to how Yudishtra was repeatedly insulted and anguished by Duryodhana and Co. and how it was important for Yudishtra to win over the evil power in Duryodhana by killing him in the war. Even though killing might be wrong as per the “Dharma”, killing those who are following the path of “Adharma” and protecting people who follow “Dharma” is the in-depth meaning associated with it. To highlight this point, we’ve also seen an example wherein a doctor is bound to perform a surgery on a patient with critical illness. Even though the doctor might have to cut open the patient’s body to perform the surgery, it would not be considered as “Adharma” (Harming others), because in this context, the doctor would be committing the greatest “Adharma” if he doesn’t harm the patient with his surgical instruments. Even though the harm might be caused on a short-term basis, the patient’s life is out of threat for a longer term. Hence, Bheemasena’s point here is that Yudishtra should not look at “Dharma” on an outward sense merely and he should understand the in-depth meaning behind it.
Moving forward thus, the “Rishi Kumaras” who are standing nearby, also opine on this context. They tell Yudishtra thus, “oh Yudishtra! You’ve to understand one important thing here. As Bheemasena said just now – You’ve to look at “Dharma” in-depth and not in an outwardly fashion. You are saying that you will attain “Moksha” without doing anything in the kingdom and by undertaking “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”. This is a wrong attitude. Who on earth has told you that you can attain “Moksha” without doing anything?” As the “Rishi Kumaras” ask thus, Yudishtra explains back – “Oh Great Rishi Kumaras! I’ve read in several “Dharma-Shaastras” that if you strive for “Moksha”, you’ve to abandon everything that you possess and whatever actions that you’re performing. If you’re exhibiting “Sharanagati” (Complete surrender) towards Bhagawan, then everything of yours is Bhagawan’s responsibility and you do not need to do anything henceforth! Bhagawan will take care of everything for a devotee who exhibits “Sharanagati” towards Him! I’m only trying to do this!”
As Yudishtra says thus, the “Rishi Kumaras” reply back to him – “Oh Yudishtra! You are completely mistaken here! If you exhibit “Sharanagati” towards Bhagawan, where is it written that you can shun everything and go to the forest and sit? This is incorrect! The “Shaastras” may say that Bhagawan will take care of everything for a Bhakta who exhibits “Sharanagati”. But there is a catch here – The “Shaastras” never say that you should not do anything at all and renounce your life after exhibiting “Sharanagati”. Rather, your attitude towards performing your duty should change after exhibiting “Sharanagati”. For instance, you are going to a temple, offering prayers to Bhagawan, etc. It should not be in a manner that you offer all these things to Bhagawan, just for attaining “Moksha”. This will be like a business deal that you’re making with Bhagawan! Instead, your attitude should be “I’m loving this act of going to the temple and offering my heart-felt prayers to Bhagawan every day! I do not expect anything from Him in return! I’m afterall His child and He knows what best to give me at what time!” If this is our attitude towards our duty, it is completely selfless in nature, and this is what Bhagawan expects us to do after exhibiting “Sharanagati”. In other words, Bhagawan keeps on saying that we’ve to perform our duty, but with selflessness and detachment. This will automatically take us towards the path of “Moksha”!”
We’ve also witnessed this as part of our Bhagawad Gita discussion as well. When Bhagawan Krishna talks about “Karma Yoga” to Arjuna, He emphasizes the same point repeatedly. He urges Arjuna to fight the war, not with the selfish attitude of winning it and enjoying all the luxuries of the kingdom thereafter. Bhagawan is wanting Arjuna to fight the war with a selfless attitude that he is performing his duty assigned to him by Bhagawan, thereby playing a small role in establishing “Dharma” in this world! If we perform our duties with this selfless attitude, automatically this paves the way for attaining “Moksha”! So for today, let us understand this important point very clearly and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 