Episode # 1264 – Difference in approach between Kshatryas & Brahmana Rishis – An illustration from Ramayana!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of an interesting and an important conversation going on between Arjuna and Yudishtra. While the latter is steadfast upon going into the “Vaanaprastha-Ashramam”, the former is trying to convince him by explaining that this is not his cup of tea! While Yudishtra is explaining here as to how beautiful the forest is, with all the birds chirping, fresh waters, clean air, etc., he is trying to emphasize the point that being in the forest and performing penance there gives enormous peace of mind, which is important for attaining “Moksha”. However, Arjuna counters Yudishtra by saying that in the same forest, wild animals like lions, tigers, etc. will also come and attack. If they do so, how will Yudishtra defend himself? Can he tame the animals with the power of “Tapas” like how Maharishis do? The moment a “Kshatrya” sees an enemy, the first thought that comes to his mind is to destroy it. Hence, Yudishtra will be tempted to take the bow and arrow in hand and kill the animals. Isn’t it adding to the “Karma Phalam” once again? So what is the use of going to the forest now, if we’re going to be trapped into the “Karma-Phalam” again? 

This same concept is beautifully illustrated in the Ramayana as well. The context comes when Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Mother Sita are in the forest, during the fourteen-year exile period. Bhagawan Rama wants to meet Sage Sutheekshana in the forest. As the three of them make their way near Sage Sutheekshana’s Ashramam, Bhagawan Rama tells Lakshmana thus, “Oh Lakshmana! We are going to enter a Brahmana Rishi’s Ashramam. We should behave accordingly. Hence, keep your bow and arrow outside as we enter!” Upon hearing this from Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana did not understand anything. He asks back, “Oh Rama! We are amidst a dense forest area, which is prone for attacks from wild animals. If we leave our weapons here, how will we defend ourselves if a lion or tiger attacks us?” As Lakshmana asks thus, Bhagawan Rama gives a very important reply here. He says – “Oh Lakshmana! We are entering into a Brahmana Rishi’s Ashramam. Maharishis are “Saathvik” people. They will not like it if we enter inside with our weapons. We are “Kshatrya” warriors and our weapons have seen blood all the time. It will not be a good practice to take these weapons inside. Hence, let us keep them aside before entering!” 

We can see from this context as to how Bhagawan Rama clearly understands the difference between the Kshatryas and the Brahmana Rishis. Moving forward, Bhagawan Rama asks Sage Sutheekshana during his conversation thus, “Oh Sage Sutheekshana! Please suggest a good place for us to reside in this vicinity. This place looks awesome!” As Bhagawan Rama asks thus, Sage Sutheekshana replies – “Oh Rama! This place is beautiful. But there is a hitch here – This entire area is full of wild animals. You will find it difficult to live here, as your life will be under constant threat!” As Sage Sutheekshana says thus, Lakshmana once again asks Bhagawan Rama thus, “Oh Rama! Why is Sage Sutheekshana saying this? Aren’t we “Kshatrya” warriors? Doesn’t he know that we have weapons in hand and we can fight the animals down?” As Lakshmana asks thus, Bhagawan Rama once again gives an important reply here. He says thus, “Oh Lakshmana! You’ve to understand one thing clearly – Sage Sutheekshana is a great “Maharishi”! He has extreme “Tapo-Balam” (Power of penance). If wild animals come here, he knows how to tame them with it and send them back. Or in the worst case scenario, he can kill the animal with his “Tapo Balam” itself. However, we cannot do all this. If we’ve to tame the animals, we’ve to take the bow and arrow and kill them. This will cause a lot of blood stains here and there, and with it, a lot of negative vibrations will arise. Maharishis will not like to be in places where negative vibrations are there! This is the in-depth reason behind Sage Sutheekshana not wanting us to stay in this vicinity! Hence, we should understand the significance of Brahmana Rishis and their sanctity before making a decision!” 

So here we can clearly see how Bhagawan Rama makes the differentiation and for today, let us understand this anecdote from the Ramayana. We shall ponder over more on this in our upcoming episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1263 – “You will accumulate more ‘Karma’ even in the forest!” – Arjuna remarks to Yudishtra!!!

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! 🙂 

Episode # 1262 – “Isn’t it a usual practice for kings to undertake ‘Vaanaprastha-Ashrama’?” – Yudishtra justifies!!!

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! 🙂 

Episode # 1261 – “Patience is the fundamental requirement of ‘Raaja-Dharma’!” – Arjuna explains!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of Arjuna’s accord as a reply to Yudishtra’s proposal of descending to the forest by renouncing the kingdom. Arjuna asserts that there is no point in Yudishtra taking such a hasty decision, because, by doing so, he would only be failing in his duties more than anything else. Moreover, Arjuna talks about the significance of wealth here. To Yudishtra’s point on renouncing all his wealth and his lack of interest in earning further wealth, Arjuna opines that it is the duty of a king to earn as much wealth as possible and keep the “Gajaana” (Treasury) full at all times. This will enable the king to take up righteous welfare activities for the people. Moreover, if the king has to perform important spiritual offerings like the “Raajasuya Yaaga”, “Ishti Yaaga”, “Ashwamedha Yaaga”, etc. he should have the necessary resources to donate to the Brahmana Rishis who will come and perform these offerings. These offerings are very important for the welfare of the country and Arjuna believes that wealth is of paramount importance for all these to be performed correctly as per the principles of “Dharma”. We ourselves are seeing this in today’s life – If we’ve to perform any spiritual offering, we require sufficient financial resources. Also, even for our basic survival, adequate financial resources are a necessity today. Hence, we cannot shun away just like that and say that we will go to the forest to perform “Tapas”. Not everybody can perform “Tapas” and attain “Moksha” through it. Only a very few people like the great “Maharishis” can do all that. As Bhagawan Krishna says in the Bhagawad Gita, one has to perform his / her assigned duty and through it, “Moksha” can be attained (“Karma Yoga”). This is exactly what Arjuna is also explaining here. 

Moving forward thus, Arjuna explains the fundamental concept of “Raaja Dharma” here. With all these points that Arjuna has highlighted, he continues further thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You have won the Kurukshetra war convincingly enough – Thanks to Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Anugraha”. You have been given an opportunity to serve the Hastinapura kingdom as a righteous king. Rather than thinking of running away, you should be patient and perform your duty correctly. Escapism is never a solution for anything in life! Of course there might be hiccups in everything that we do. But we’ve to be patient in our approach towards “Dharma”. Oh Yudishtra! I don’t need to tell you all this as you yourself are an epitome of “Dharma”! You need to exercise patience as a leader, and this is the most fundamental point in “Raaja-Dharma”. You’ve come a long way as a king, and as a person. We’ve seen you from close circles. You’ve endured so much suffering and hiccups in your life. However, you’ve never forsaken “Dharma” for scoring personal brownie points at any time in your life. You should continue being that way. You should not give up, just because things are looking gloomy for you. Your persistence and perseverance are under test now. You should come out strongly with flying colours from this situation, rather than trying to run away by shunning your duty!” 

This is a very important point that Arjuna is talking about here. To attain success in life, we’ve to first perform our duty correctly. This is the first step which we saw yesterday. Now, Arjuna is saying that while performing our duty, we’ve to exhibit patience. For instance, when we are going to a school for a study program, we’ve to endure the difficulty of the course and finish it with complete dedication. If we’re working in a corporate organization, we’ve to endure the people around us and manage our duties successfully. Just because somebody is playing politics and things aren’t going our way, it is not a wise decision to run away from there! We’ve to stand tall and face any situation to succeed. Success always comes with enduring enormous challenges. In the game of cricket, how do we measure the success of a batsman, especially in Test matches? A batsman should be able to stay at the crease and tackle the hostile bowling of the opposition. The more the batsman remains in the crease, trying to defend, runs will automatically come by. Rather, if the batsman goes on the offensive and tries to hit every ball for a boundary, chances are very high that the batsman will get out! 

Hence, patience and perseverance are of paramount importance when it comes to every aspect of life. There will definitely be hiccups and success doesn’t come easily to everyone. Only those who are consistent with their effort, with enormous patience will succeed. Even spiritual progress is of the same way. We’ve seen this earlier as well – If we’ve to succeed in meditation, it doesn’t come overnight. We’ve to put meticulous effort to bring the mind under our control. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1260 – “Wealth is important for survival!” – Arjuna asserts to Yudishtra!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of an important conversation that had commenced between Yudishtra and Bhishmachaarya. While Yudishtra is slowly opening up to Bhishmachaarya about his gross guilt feeling, he explains that because of this, he doesn’t have any interest in ruling the Hastinapura kingdom any further. He wants to go to the forest as a “Tapasvi”, perform penance and attain “Moksha”. As Yudishtra opines thus, Arjuna is quick to counter him, even as Bhagawan Krishna, Bhishmachaarya, Sage Naarada and the others look on. Arjuna says that Yudishtra is contemplating upon a hasty decision of renouncing everything and going to the forest, as this is not his “Dharma”. Arjuna replies with stern words that by deciding to go to the forest, Yudishtra is going against the “Raaja Dharma” and is trying to escape responsibility as a righteous king. He also invokes Bhagawan Krishna here, saying that Yudishtra is making Bhagawan’s strenuous effort to go futile. All these eighteen days at Kurukshetra, it was Bhagawan Krishna who had made Yudishtra victorious for the cause of “Dharma”. Bhagawan Krishna wanted Yudishtra to rule the Hastinapura Kingdom according to the path of “Dharma”, and by trying to escape responsibility, Yudishtra is making Bhagawan Krishna look like a joker! 

Saying thus, Arjuna asserts to Yudishtra that he should reconsider his decision of renouncing his “Varnashrama-Dharma”. While performing penance is a good thing, it is not suitable for “Kshatrya” warriors. Being a “Tapasvi” is a characteristic of a Brahmana Rishi, and a Kshatrya can never become a Brahmana Rishi. Hence, Arjuna is particular that Yudishtra continues to rule the Hastinapura kingdom according to the principles of “Raaja Dharma”. Arjuna continues further thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’re saying that you are going to stop earning wealth. Do you think this is really possible? Let me tell you one thing – Imagine that there are two people – One whose character is lost, and the other whose wealth is lost. Who is better here? Will you say that the person who has lost his wealth is better than the other? I would deny that! For me, both are bad! Oh Yudishtra! Earning wealth is not easy. Wealth is required for performing any sort of “Dharma-Kaaryam”. You cannot live life without wealth. Let us take for an argument-sake here – You are ascending to the forest. In the forest also you’ve to survive, shouldn’t you? You cannot commit a suicide! Committing suicide is one of the greatest sin that you can ever do in this world! Hence, for you to survive, you need food. For obtaining food, you’ve to climb up over the trees to obtain it. For climbing up on trees, you need strength. How will you equip your physical strength if you’re not taking care of your health? Moreover, if wild animals come and attack you in the forest, you will have to confront them at some point in time, and you should perhaps kill a few! Isn’t this “Paapa-Karma” as well? You will be walking along the path of several insects and flies and thereby you will be killing several of them in due course! Won’t these account to your “Paapa-Karma” as well? Hence, oh Yudishtra! Please understand that things are not going to change upside down if you ascend to the forest. Dangers are everywhere and if you are afraid of them, you are only trying to escape the danger without confronting them bravely!” 

This is an important point that Arjuna is making here – Even in our present-day life, all of us know that survival is difficult without wealth. Even for our regular food and shelter expenditure, no matter how minimal and simple we maintain ourselves, we cannot manage without a minimum of 700 – 800 rupees (in the Indian context) per day. Given the way in which inflation and currency depreciation is happening in the present day, it is getting more and more difficult for many of us to make all ends meet. Thus, earning wealth is important. Even if we’ve to perform a “Homam” or if we’ve to perform a “Shraadham” or any spiritual offering, we need money. We’ve to give “Dakshina” to the person who is performing the offering on behalf of us. We’ve to get all the materials / ingredients for the offering. All these activities require money. Hence, earning money in today’s context is very critical and is important for our survival and also to conduct any kind of spiritual offerings as well. This is exactly what Arjuna is highlighting here – Given the way wealth is intertwined with our life, Yudishtra cannot escape this and run away, just because he has a guilt feeling. Arjuna questions Yudishtra that if he runs away like this, who will perform the important “Yagnyas” and other spiritual offerings that a king has to perform! Hence, wealth becomes a paramount factor in performing several important duties in this world! 

So for today, let us ponder over this important point and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1259 – “Being a ‘Tapasvi’ is NOT your ‘Dharma’!” – Arjuna explains to Yudishtra!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the conversation between Yudishtra and Sage Naarada, and now Arjuna also chips in to make his points. The conversation slowly drifts towards the direction wherein Yudishtra is wanting to renounce everything and go to the forest as a “Tapasvi” to perform penance. As Yudishtra finds it difficult to get over the guilt of being responsible for the entire Kurukshetra debacle, especially the killing of his elder brother Karna, he feels that there is no point in continuing as a king any further and experiencing the luxuries of being in this position. Yudishtra feels that there is no use of earning more and more wealth in this way, which is only going to give a lot of misery and sorrow. Instead, Yudishtra feels that going to the forest by denouncing all wealth, family, etc. and performing intense penance is the only way for him to wash away this guilt feeling and thereby attain “Moksha” from there. As Yudishtra explains his stance, Arjuna quickly intervenes and replies that his stance is wrong here. As a “Kshatrya”, victory and defeat in a war are inevitable. There is no point in feeling guilty over what had happened at Kurukshetra. Arjuna’s point here is that if Yudishtra knew earlier that a war can lead to such a disaster, why did he even fight it? Why didn’t he raise this guilt feeling then, and why now after everything is over? 

Saying thus, Arjuna continues further. He replies to Yudishtra – “Oh Yudishtra! Whatever you are saying is correct only. A person should go to the forest, perform penance, eat minimally and survive. But is it applicable for you? You are a “Kshatrya”. Whatever you are saying currently is for great Maharishis, and not for you. They will be able to perform “Tapas” unendingly for a long period of time. They will be able to focus continuously on Bhagawan without having food and water. But will you be able to do it? A “Tapasvi”’s “Dharma” is to perform penance. You cannot equate it to the “Dharma” of a king. Similarly, will a “Tapasvi” come to a battlefield and fight a war against the enemy? Will they be able to do it? The answer is a “No”! Hence, you’ve to perform the “Dharma” that is assigned to you, and not switch over to another person’s “Dharma”. Oh Yudishtra! If you renounce everything at this point, do you know what the world will say? What will Bhagawan feel? The world will not appreciate you for this act of yours. Rather, people will brand you as a coward! People will say that you are running away from your duty as a coward, because you are not in a position to face anyone! Bhagawan will also think that you’ve wasted an opportunity to establish “Dharma” in this world when you run away! What did Bhagawan Krishna make you win this war for? He slogged along with you for eighteen long days – For you to run away at the end of it? Bhagawan Krishna made you win this war to enable you to rule the kingdom as per the principles of “Raaja-Dharma”. Your duty in this world as an administrator is to protect your people, make them walk the path of “Dharma” with your able administration and ensure that your people are happy! Rather than doing this, if you are adorning the role of a “Tapasvi” and running away to the forest, whom are you trying to satisfy? What will happen to the people of Hastinapura if you are not there? Hence, Oh Yudishtra! You should reconsider this decision of yours!” 

As Arjuna uses the term “Raaja-Dharma”, the entire discussion is now going to drift towards it. So whatever Arjuna says here is correct – For instance, in today’s context if we’ve to apply Arjuna’s words – When we are having an examination to face tomorrow, or within the next one week, what should we do ideally? We should sit and prepare for it with complete focus on the examination, shouldn’t we? Rather, if we start roaming around with friends, go for a movie, play some outdoor games, etc., what will people say? Our “Dharma” at this point is to prepare for the examination with full focus, and by playing games and roaming around, we are deviating from our “Dharma”. However, playing games, meeting people, etc. are not wrong. These things also form part of our everyday “Dharma”. Playing outdoor games is of course important for our physical and mental health. But, the point here is the timing. Similarly here also, Arjuna is not saying that being a “Tapasvi” is wrong. But who can become a “Tapasvi” and who cannot? There are guidelines for it, aren’t they? Not everybody can do everything in this world, isn’t it? For instance, will I be able to go and take part in a wrestling competition just like that? If I’ve to go for such events, I’ve to train myself accordingly. Can everyone do it? The answer is “No”! Hence, whatever is our “Dharma”, we’ve to follow that and thereby attain “Moksha”. 

So for today, let us ponder over what Arjuna is saying here, and we shall continue this important discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1258 – “If you’re so regressive, you shouldn’t have fought the war!” – Arjuna’s sharp reply to Yudishtra!!!

In the previous episode, we continued with our important discussion on the conversation between Yudishtra and Bhishmachaarya, along with Bhagawan Krishna and the others. While Bhagawan Krishna is a silent spectator till this point, the conversation is steered by Sage Naarada, who had just completed a very important accord on why Karna had to meet an unfortunate end to his life. Subsequently, Yudishtra wasn’t really convinced that it was destiny which pulled Karna down. He pinned the blame squarely on Mother Kunthi Devi for disregarding Karna right from Day One of his birth and cursed her. As Yudishtra does so, he vents more in frustration that he wants to go to the forest by renouncing everything. He doesn’t want to continue as the king of Hastinapura for obvious reasons. He is feeling the guilt of killing everybody and ascending to the throne thereby at the cost of others’ miseries. He has also heard the loud heart-breaking cries of all the relatives who had lost their near and dear ones in the battle, and this has impacted Yudishtra big time! 

As Yudishtra says during his accord that only those people who reside in the forest with complete detachment from what is happening in the kingdom will be eligible to attain “Moksha”, this triggers the conversation further. Sage Naarada quickly intervenes and cuts Yudishtra’s accord in the middle. Upping the ante, Sage Naarada asks a series of counter questions thus, “Oh Yudishtra! What are you saying? Do you mean that those who are in the kingdom will never attain “Moksha”? What an absurd argument is this? If you’re saying that only those in the forest do not accumulate sins, does it mean all people residing in the kingdom are sinful in nature?” As Sage Naarada asks thus, Yudishtra is very quick to respond. He replies back thus, “Oh Great Sage Naarada! I did not mean that! I’m only talking about myself in this context. I’ve been responsible for the demise of thousands and lakhs of people for no fault of theirs. This is the greatest sin that I’ve ever committed in my life. As a person who follows the path of “Dharma”, if I’ve to come out of this, I should keep thinking about the heinous crime that I have committed again and again. I should repent for what I did, constantly every minute of my life. Because of this, I should feel the guilt in me. As I feel the guilt, I should not rule this kingdom any further. I should ascend to the forest. I will henceforth not desire for other people’s wealth or property. I will not search for my own food. All I will do in the forest is survive with bare minimal requirements of fruits that are hanging from the trees and water from the river to drink. I shall perform “Tapas”, sitting in the forest, without causing any further harm to any living being around. Eventually I will meet my demise when the time comes. Perhaps, this is the best way to wash away all my “Paapa Karma” that I’ve accumulated over the past eighteen days. 

Saying thus, Yudishtra continues further. He now opens this up to his brothers as well and says thus, “Oh Arjuna! Oh Bheemasena! If you are interested in coming along with me, please do so! Else, if you feel that you should still remain in the kingdom, you may do so as well! I’m not compelling any of you to follow my path. It is your prerogative to make your own decision!” As Yudishtra says thus, Arjuna replies with his points of view. Arjuna says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I feel that whatever you’re saying is quite absurd! Who told you that possessing wealth is wrong and is part of “Adharma”? As a king, you have every right to possess wealth! Moreover, only if a king possesses wealth, will he be able to garner respect from everyone. If the king becomes a popper, what will happen to the state of the kingdom? How will you protect people? As per “Raaja-Dharma”, a king should have the interest in earning wealth, and spending it for the welfare of his people. Of course, I’m not saying that you should accumulate all the wealth for yourself. But at the same time, earning wealth and possessing it is important. Moreover, please think in this way too – You were the one who accepted to fight the war. You were the one who stood in the front and led the entire group. You were the one who was conferred victorious. After doing everything, if you leave everything and go, what is the purpose of doing all your previous actions that I had mentioned? Hence I feel that you should have a revisit of your thought process. You should continue as a king and serve the people of Hastinapura, rather than talking negatively like this!” 

Saying thus, Arjuna is now going to talk for this entire “Adhyaayam”! He is going to emphasize a lot of important points pertaining to “Raaja Dharma”, before Bhishmachaarya begins his accord originally! We shall understand up to this point for today, and we shall continue further in the next episode to witness what Arjuna has got to say! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1257 – “I’m going to renounce everything & descend to the forest!” – Yudishtra laments!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the conversation between Sage Naarada and Yudishtra, with Bhishmachaarya, Bhagawan Krishna, Sage Vyaasa and several important Maharishis in attendance. The conversation is originally between Yudishtra and Bhishmachaarya, however, as Yudishtra asked more about Karna’s unfortunate destiny, Sage Naarada intervenes and explains the facts of the past and how Karna was trapped into many misfortunes, knowingly and unknowingly. Listening to all this, Yudishtra is getting frustrated more and more. He trains his guns towards his mother, Kunthi Devi and scolds her for the gross blunder of sabotaging Karna’s life completely. Had she disclosed about Karna’s background at an earlier time, Yudishtra feels that this great disaster could have been averted and his elder brother Karna would have been alive today to rule Hastinapura kingdom rightfully. Lamenting thus, Yudishtra inflicts a curse on Kunthi Devi and on all womanhood that secrecy will never be possible for women in this world! In other words, women cannot hold back any important confidential or secret information with them. This means, nobody will have trust over women, if there is something confidential. 

Moving on from here thus, Yudishtra is now starting to talk that he is more interested in going to the forest, rather than ruling the kingdom as a king. Yudishtra says thus, “Oh Bhishmachaarya! Oh Sage Naarada! Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Looking at this disastrous consequence of the Kurukshetra war, I have a feeling that I’ve been doing gross “Adharma” to myself and to my people. As a “Kshatrya” warrior, it is my duty to protect my people. However, what have I done? I’ve killed my own brother, and not only that – I’ve killed several other people who had no fault or connection with Duryodhana in any way! I’ve killed my own Guru (Guru Dhronachaarya)! I’ve been responsible for that entire fiasco which unfolded! Guru Dhronachaarya came to me with a pained heart on that fateful day during the battle! I had to lie to him that Ashwatthama is no more! Isn’t this a gross “Adharma” – Lying to a person at a crucial person, and that too to your own Guru? Moreover, as per the generic “Dharma” that we should not hurt any living being in this world, have I lived up to it? Instead, I’ve ended up not only hurting, but also killing several thousands of people in the Kurukshetra battlefield! How am I going to live with peace and harmony after doing all these? Firstly, I’ve disobeyed the “Dharma” of a “Kshatrya” of protecting my people. Secondly, I’ve disobeyed the “Dharma” of being truthful to others, by grossly lying to my own Guru. Thirdly, I’ve disobeyed the “Dharma” of not causing hurt to other living beings. After disobeying several aspects of “Dharma” like this, how can I live peacefully? How will I be able to administer the kingdom properly? Am I really qualified to be a righteous king? If I stay in the Hastinapura palace and enjoy all the luxuries of the kingdom, won’t it be grossly unfair? Won’t people say that I’m enjoying everything after killing everyone? Won’t it be like abducting the wealth of someone else for my own enjoyment and satisfaction? Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Oh Bhishmachaarya! I know that I’m going to get the most painful “Naraka Lokha” ever at the end of my life! This is grossly inevitable! Hence, I feel that I’ve become a traitor to my own people, to my own family members, friends, etc. Having become a traitor to all my near and dear ones, how on earth can I be an able administrator? Hence, I feel that the time has come for me to renounce my life and descend to the forest!” 

As Yudishtra says thus, he breaks down and falls on the floor, even as all the important people around him are looking on. Saying thus, Yudishtra continues further – “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Oh Bhishmachaarya and the others! By descending to the forest, atleast I shall have an opportunity to purify myself from all this dirt that I’ve accumulated by being in this country. Atleast, I shall have an opportunity to interact with people in the forest who are epitomes of “Dharma” in several aspects such as talking the truth, not hurting anyone unnecessarily, not killing / harming any living being unnecessarily, not having jealousy on others, etc. Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Perhaps, only those who reside in the forest can practice “Detachment” completely and attain “Moksha”. Hence, I think I should give up all my identities as a ruler and move to the forest quietly!” 

This one sentence of Yudishtra triggers a huge conversation from here on. Yudishtra, out of frustration utters this sentence wrongly – Perhaps only those who reside in the forest can attain “Moksha” or “Sadhgathi”! Of course, it is understandable that Yudishtra is talking out of frustration, but this sentence that he spoke is grossly wrong! As Yudishtra utters thus, all the people assembled there, including Sage Naarada, Bhishmachaarya, etc. are going to pounce on him with a lot of counter questions. Now, Yudishtra is going to have a lot of answering to do from all these important personalities assembled there! So what are the counter questions that Sage Naarada and Co. are going to ask Yudishtra? Let us wait and discuss them in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

Episode # 1256 – Yudishtra curses Kunthi Devi for concealing Karna’s facts from the world!!!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Naarada’s important accord to Yudishtra on Karna’s unfortunate destiny. He highlights the two important curses that Karna had in his life, which took shape into reality during the Kurukshetra war. Apart from these two curses, Karna was facing constant humiliation from Bhishmachaarya, King Shalya, etc. at key moments, which deterred and shattered his self-confidence completely. Even after all these, if Karna had fought valiantly during the war, it speaks volumes about his unending dedication, focus and nobility in him. This is why, Bhagawan Krishna Himself felt sorry for Karna and before the war commenced, He tries His best to bring Karna on to Yudishtra’s side. However, that did not materialize, as fate would have it. When Karna was about to breathe his last on the battlefield, Bhagawan Krishna was so impressed with him and thus, gave the “Vishwaroopa Darshan” to Karna before he passed away. By narrating all these points, Sage Naarada drives home the fact that Yudishtra was not the one who was responsible for Karna’s demise. There were several factors which led to the unfortunate end to a great warrior! 

As Sage Naarada concludes his accord thus, all the other Maharishis explain in one voice – “Oh Yudishtra! Whatever has happened was as per destiny. None in this world can have control over it. You have done your duty as a king to fight your enemies and protect your territory and your people. You’ve to leave it at that. You’ve to now further focus on how you should protect your existing people in your kingdom. This is more important now, rather than brooding over the past happenings!” 

Even as the Maharishis explain and try to convince Yudishtra thus, his mindset doesn’t change. He is not getting convinced. Yudishtra is still brooding over the past, as to what led to the disaster of losing his elder brother, Karna! From where did all this start? Who is that one person who can be held responsible for all these mishaps that happened with Karna? Yudishtra’s thoughts go in favour of Karna for the simple reason that right from Day One, Karna had faced unending abuses and insults for no fault of his! Yudishtra could not digest the fact that a great warrior had to undergo such an ordeal throughout his life and finally got trapped under wrong companionship, which led to his downfall! Yudishtra, even though being a calm and composed leader at all times, starts simmering with anger and frustration now. He now trains his guns towards his mother, Kunthi Devi. Yudishtra’s logic is very simple – The entire disaster in Karna’s life commenced on the very first day when Kunthi Devi deserted him, isn’t it? Had she not done that, Karna, for his immense calibre and noble heart, would have been a great and a righteous king! Yudishtra becomes angry at Kunthi Devi and speaks to her angrily thus, “Oh Mother! Till now I have had enormous respect for you! However, you’ve committed a great blunder of not revealing Karna’s identity to the world, just because of your selfishness! You’ve not spoken a single word about Karna all these years to me, nor to Arjuna, nor to Bheemasena or any one of us! Had you informed us of Karna during our childhood and early days, I would have ensured that Karna never slept for even a single day at Duryodhana’s! Had you atleast informed us of Karna before the commencement of the war, I would have gone and personally convinced Karna to come to my side – Or, even if that would not have been possible, I would have ensured that Karna was alive today! Ultimately, Karna had to meet his end because of Arjuna and myself and I’ve to take the blame for the entire fiasco!  Had you disclosed about Karna at an appropriate time, the entire disaster could have been averted! Karna could have led a dignified life!”

Lamenting thus, Yudishtra bursts out crying! He could not control himself upon knowing the fact that Karna was afterall his elder brother. This is a very emotional moment, and even Sage Naarada, Maharishis who have gathered there, Bhagawan Krishna and Bhishmachaarya are all speechless! They are unable to utter a single word against what Yudishtra is saying now! Moving on further thus, Yudishtra goes on to inflict a curse on his own mother, and also on all of womanhood! He cannot resist himself from doing this. Yudishtra goes on with his accord thus, “Oh Kunthi Devi! Unable to bear the loss and separation of my elder brother Karna, I’m hereby inflicting a curse upon you, knowing the fact that you are my own mother! However, the blunder that you’ve committed all through your life should not go unpardoned! I’m hereby cursing all of womanhood including you, that secrecy will never stay in you forever! You will not be able to maintain any secrecy in any aspect of your life! Just because you had concealed Karna’s story within you and made Karna a victim to the outside world for no fault of his, you will henceforth never be able to maintain any form of secrecy in your life!” 

Saying thus, Yudishtra not only curses Kunthi Devi, but also the entire womanhood in this world! This is why even today we say that we should never utter anything confidential or secret to women, as they might blurt it out to someone and the information might get leaked! Of course, I’m not trying to demean women by saying this, but this is just in the context of what Yudisthra has said here! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode! Stay tuned! 

Episode # 1255 – “Karna’s demise was because of his destiny!” – Sage Narada explains!!!

In the previous episode, we witnessed the commencement of the most important conversation between Yudishtra and Bhishmachaarya. The first question here is about Karna’s demise and what were the circumstances that led to the debacle. Yudishtra asked this question first-up because he is still unable to come over the fact that he was behind killing his own brother after all! The guilt is poking Yudishtra big time. However, Sage Naarada tries to dose it down. He narrates the several circumstances that led to Karna’s death, of which we’ve witnessed two of them in the previous episode. We’ve seen how Karna got entangled into two curses – One from his Guru Parasurama, and the other from a Brahmana Rishi. Parasurama cursed Karna because he had lied about his background. Karna had faked himself to be a Brahmana, given the fact that he is a “Kshatrya”. Secondly, Karna accidentally hit a cow of a Brahmana Rishi, which led to the latter cursing him. Apart from these two, there are several other circumstances which led to Karna’s demise, as Sage Naarada continues further. 

Moving on further, Sage Naarada says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! These were two direct circumstances which led to Karna’s demise. However, there are other reasons as well. One primary reason was Bhishmachaarya’s constant demotivation. Right from Day One, when Karna wanted to exhibit his talent, Bhishmachaarya, for some reason, described him as “Ardha-Rathi”, and never accepted Karna as a “Maha-Rathi” till the end. This served as a huge demotivation for Karna. Especially that “Ranga-Bhoomi” event instigated Karna a lot, which led to Duryodhana cashing in on an opportunity to reward Karna’s talent, at a time when everyone rejected him. Duryodhana went on to make Karna the king of “Anga Desha”, and from there, all of us know what happened! This resulted in Karna getting more and more resilient for all the wrong reasons. Secondly, at the beginning of the war, your mother Kunthi Devi met Karna secretly and pleaded with him to switch over to the Pandava side. However, Karna refused bluntly, but gave Kunthi Devi a boon – At the end of the war, five of your sons would be alive – The fifth one would be either Karna himself or Arjuna! Thus, as Arjuna won the battle against Karna, he survived, and Karna had to make the sacrifice!” 

Saying thus, Sage Naarada continues further – “Oh Yudishtra! During the war, even though Karna had several excellent “Asthrams” with him, Bhagawan Krishna ensured that he uses them against warriors other than Arjuna and the Pandava brothers. For example, Karna’s powerful “Paasupatha Asthram” was employed against Ghatodgaja. This was originally kept by Karna to have a go at Arjuna, but Bhagawan Krishna ensured that the circumstances led him to employ it on Ghatodgaja. This is one reason why Bhagawan Krishna purposefully never let Arjuna go near Karna for a long time in the war, even as nobody understood the reason for the same. It was only when Karna exhausted his powerful “Asthrams”, Bhagawan Krishna brought Arjuna in front of him. Moreover, as the Karna-Arjuna battle was going on, and as Karna fell down from his chariot, Bhagawan Krishna created and crafted a new rule of battle – If a “Maharathi” is not possessing a chariot at that moment of the war, he can always take over from another chariot from someone who is near him. He cannot give an excuse to stop fighting just because he doesn’t have a chariot. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna wanted Arjuna to have a go at Karna, even at a time when Karna was chariot-less and weapon-less. The same logic applies for the weapons as well – If a warrior doesn’t have a weapon with him in a battlefield, it cannot be an excuse to stop the battle. The warrior should quickly borrow weapons from someone and continue the battle. Karna did his best, but at the end of it, Arjuna had the last laugh!” 

Sage Naarada continues further thus, “Oh Yudishtra! More than anything else, during a critical battle, you need your charioteer to be able and efficient, isn’t it? But Karna did not have that opportunity towards the end – Especially during the crucial Arjuna encounter. King Shalya ditched Karna at the last moment! Every time when Karna was raging to have a go at Arjuna, King Shalya constantly unmotivated him with his sharp and piercing words. This created a lapse in Karna’s concentration and also hurt his ego very badly. King Shalya was playing mind-games with Karna constantly. Rather than battling against Arjuna, King Shalya ensured that the battle was against him, and not much against Arjuna! Especially when Karna’s chariot stuck to the ground, King Shalya fled the battlefield at that crucial time, rather than helping Karna to get the chariot back on track! So all these reasons and circumstances constantly pulled Karna down. Hence, Oh Yudishtra! It is not your fault that Karna had to meet such an end. It was his destiny that led to his demise!” 

Saying thus, Sage Naarada tries to convince Yudishtra and makes him feel better! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned!