In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Vyaasa jumping into the discussion after Sage Devasthaanam, to try and convince Yudishtra for assuming the responsibility of the king of Hastinapura. Sage Vyaasa clearly outlines that the primary quality / characteristic of a successful king is to mete out punishments to those who deviate from the path of “Dharma”. Yudishtra has done this successfully, and there is no point brooding over it. Rather, he should be proud of his accomplishments. Moreover, Sage Vyaasa lists out four important characteristics of a successful leader, which are directly applicable to today’s context as well. As a leader, richness (wealth) is important. Secondly, a leader should be having the enthusiasm to both earn wealth and distribute it for people’s welfare. Thirdly, a leader should be an embodiment of “Dhairyam” (Courage) to undertake challenges and come out with flying colours. Fourthly, a leader should be strong in “Keerti” (Name and Fame). Of course, this might be a little tricky, but if a leader earns the name, fame and brand image, he / she gains a lot of respect and trust amidst people. Moreover, Sage Vyaasa indirectly mocks Yudishtra about the term “Vairaagya” that Yudishtra was using till now to justify his stance. Sage Vyaasa explains that “Vairaagya” is a very subjective term and its meaning varies for different contexts and people.
Sage Vyaasa continues in this manner thus, “Oh Yudishtra! “Vairaagya” is important, both for you as well as for me – However, the “Vairaagya” that you are talking about, should be spoken by me, and not by you! For an able administrator, “Vairaagya” means, being in the kingdom, overcoming challenges and emerging victorious from them. However, if it is for me, “Vairaagya” is going to the forest, performing deep penance without getting disturbed by any external elements in the environment, sacrificing food and water and thus, striving to attain “Moksha” through this path. However, both of us are striving to attain “Moksha” only – But the paths that we’ve to take for it are different. While I am a “Brahmana Rishi”, going to the forest makes sense. However, for you, being a “Kshatrya” ruler, your job is not to replicate me. You should be in the kingdom, discharge your duties correctly and thereby attain “Moksha” through that!”
Saying thus, Sage Vyaasa continues further – “Oh Yudishtra! Till now, all of us have said what we’ve to say. I’ve also said a lot from my end. Now it is your turn to respond and do the needful. Before concluding, let me tell you one final point here – Oh Yudishtra! You are the king. You are in-charge of the law and order of the kingdom. You are the one who has to enact the laws and implement them, so that people are happy and safe in your kingdom. If you (the enactor of the laws) yourself are going to act against the law by running away from the kingdom, imagine the plight of the others! You’ve to set an example for everyone to follow. Rather, you should not end up compromising your duty for the sake of “Praayaschittham” and “Vairaagyam”. Please understand this clearly!”
As Sage Vyaasa decisively says thus, Yudishtra finally gets convinced. If Sage Vyaasa himself has said that he has to go back to the kingdom, supported by Bhagawan Krishna’s words, Yudishtra has no alternative but to go back! Hence, Yudishtra gets convinced and upon seeing this, Bheemasena, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva are happy as well. It is to be remembered that all of them have spoken to Yudishtra and tried convincing him to go back to Hastinapura and assume the responsibility of King Dhritarashtra’s successor. But now, Sage Vyaasa and Bhagawan Krishna have decisively voiced their opinions and with this, Yudishtra invites all the chariots, elephants, soldiers, etc. to surround him. Thus, Yudishtra leaves from Kurukshetra battlefield and the entire caravan, including the likes of Sage Vyaasa and Bhagawan Kishna marches towards the Hastinapura territory.
So for today, let us also heave a sigh of relief, along with the others, that Yudishtra has finally accepted to rule the Hastinapura kingdom. We shall wait till the next episode to continue further with this discussion to see what happened next! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 