The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important accord from Guru Dhronachaarya, given the context of the war that is about to begin at Kurukshetra. As Yudishtra asks him for an “Upaayam” (Methodology) to defeat him, Guru Dhronachaarya explains the strategy that he needs to follow – On any given day, Guru Dhronachaarya is virtually impossible to be defeated by any talented warrior in this world, including the Devas, however, only if there’s a situation wherein he hears the collapse or a demise of somebody very close to his heart, and that too, when this news comes through someone who is very favourite to him, Guru Dhronachaarya will put down his weapons and this is the time when anybody can even think of defeating / killing him! Hence, Guru Dhronachaarya gives this important hint to Yudishtra, but he refrained from saying who is that favourite person of his, whose “sad news” will make him put his weapons down! However, Bhagawan Krishna is standing by the side of Yudishtra and He makes note of this clue! Doesn’t Bhagawan know who this favourite person of Guru Dhronachaarya is? 

In due course of the war, we are going to see that this favourite person is none other than Ashwatthaama, Guru Dhronachaarya’s son. The news that Ashwatthaama has passed away during the war is going to rattle Guru Dhronachaarya and this news is going to be conveyed to him by none other than Yudishtra himself! But actually, Ashwatthaama is not going to die in the war, however, it is going to be an elephant by name “Ashwatthaama” that is going to die! However, with Bhagawan Krishna’s astute smartness, He is going to make Yudishtra convey this to Guru Dhronachaarya, in a way that he has to believe that his son Ashwatthaama is no more! This is going to rattle him and with this, he is going to put down his weapons. At this crucial juncture, Drishtadhyumna is going to pounce upon him and chop off his head! We’re going to witness this in great detail when we’re into the discussion of the war proceedings at Kurukshetra! 

Coming back to this context now, Yudishtra takes leave from Guru Dhronachaarya and he goes to Sage Kripachaarya to seek his divine “Anugraha”. 

“Yetahchruthvaa maharaja bhaaradwaajascha dheemataha!

Anumaanyatam aachaaryam praayaadchaaradvatam prathi!!”

Yudishtra talks to Sage Kripachaarya thus, “Oh Great Sage! I seek your divine “Anugraha” to win this war, in a bid to protect the “Dharma” in this world!” As Yudishtra seeks his “Anugraha” thus, Sage Kripachaarya replies back – “Oh Yudishtra! My “Anugraha” for you is always there at all times! You are somebody who takes all efforts to walk the path of “Dharma” and may your pursuit bear fruit! However, please note – I’m not going to fight for the cause of “Dharma” and I cannot come to your side to fight this war. Also, please note that I’m not going to be killed in this war! I’ll be a witness to all that is happening for the next few days! However, having said this, you are the one who is going to win this war at any cost!” 

We’ve already seen this earlier – At the end of this war, only ten people are going to be alive on either sides – three on the Kaurava side and seven on the Paandava side. One among the three people who will be alive at the end of the war in the Kaurava side is Sage Kripachaarya! Since he is a great sage with enormous spiritual powers, nobody will be able to touch him with any weapon. Thus, Sage Kripachaarya, even though he will fight the war, he would not be defeated or killed by anyone! 

Taking cue from Sage Kripachaarya thus, Yudishtra now walks towards King Shalya. We’ve already seen earlier that King Shalya is from the Madra Desha and initially he was supposed to fight on the Paandava side. However, since Shalya had to consume food and water from Duryodhana by mistake during a travel journey, he becomes indebted to fight on the Kaurava side. In fact, King Shalya was tricked by Duryodhana to consume food and water that he offered through his servants in a bid to draw him from the Paandava side to the Kaurava side. Now as Yudishtra is approaching King Shalya for his blessings, what does King Shalya have to say to Yudishtra at this moment? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhishmachaarya literally breaking down in front of Yudishtra wherein he openly declares that he is hanging his head in shame because he is unable to stand on the side of “Dharma” alongside Bhagawan Krishna! Of course there were so many opportunities for Bhishmachaarya to course correct himself and come to the other side, but for some reason he never wanted to avail any of them. Hence, when Yudishtra comes to him and seeks his “Anugraha” and approval for commencing the war, the guilty consciousness in Bhishmachaarya pricks him and this makes him hang his head in shame! 

Moving on further thus, Yudishtra now goes to Guru Dhronachaarya to seek his “Anugraha” and approval. Similar to Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya too, who knows the difference between “Dharma” and “Adharma” clearly, is also feeling guilty that he is standing on a side which he shouldn’t be standing on! Guru Dhronachaarya replies to Yudishtra thus, “Oh my dear Yudishtra! You are my most honest and sincere student and I’m yet to have such a student in my life with such a calibre! Moreover, let me tell you one thing – I belong to the Brahmin community and I myself do not know why I’m standing in this battlefield where a Brahmin does not have anything to do! As a Brahmin, my job is to protect the Vedas and Shaastras and to teach them to the prospective learners, and I’m not supposed to enter into a battlefield at any point in time. However, owing to compelling reasons I’ve betrayed my “Dharma” in a big way by marking my presence in a place where I shouldn’t belong! Hence, in this one aspect itself I’ve encountered a failure even before the war commences. I give you my wholehearted “Anugraha” as your teacher and you may go ahead with the war!” 

Guru Dhronachaarya continues further thus, “Oh Yudishtra! I know what you will be asking next – What is the method that you should adopt so as to kill me in this war? Now let me tell you something very clearly – Nobody, even Indra and the other Devatas can defeat me in any war, however, words that come out of great Maharishis’ mouths will never be false! In order to destroy me, there is a person by name Drishtadhyumna who has taken birth in this world from the divine offering which was given to Agni Bhagawan by King Drupada several years ago! This Drishtadhyumna’s sole purpose in life is to kill me. I think the time has come for this to happen. It is only a matter of a very few days from now. If Agni Bhagawan is being worshipped for this sole purpose and if Agni Bhagawan has answered the prayer for the same, then it is inevitable! It doesn’t matter whether I like Drishtadhyumna or not. It doesn’t matter if I’m his friend or an enemy. But as per the destiny, Drishtadhyumna has taken birth unanimously for killing me and if it has to happen with the blessings of Agni Bhagawan, nobody can stop it! Hence, oh Yudishtra! You may find a way by coordinating with Drishtadhyumna to kill me in this battle!”

Saying thus, Guru Dhronachaarya continues further with an important point – “Oh Yudishtra! Please understand – Until the point I’m holding any “Asthra” or my bow in my hands, nobody on this earth can defeat me! I’m extremely powerful with my weapons. You need to find a way to make me put down my weapons and at a time when I’m standing without them, that is the time when I can be killed! Oh Yudishtra! Your next question will be how do you make me put down my weapons, isn’t it? Now let me tell you that also clearly – If I happen to hear shocking news about someone who is extremely close to my heart, I will not be able to tolerate it. With this shock, I shall put down my weapons on that spot itself and will be completely shattered! You may look for this time and this will give you success!” 

As Guru Dhronachaarya says thus, Bhagawan Krishna silently observes these points and makes a note! All of us know that if Bhagawan makes a note, things will span out in an unprecedented manner which we might not even have thought of, isn’t it? So for today, let us understand up to this point and we’ve seen how Guru Dhronachaarya has blurted out the secret behind his future defeat and demise. We’ve seen yesterday how Bhishmachaarya handled it quite smartly. So in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further to witness many more secrets being blurted out, even before the war commences! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra taking the lead in bowing down to the great Bhishmachaarya who was standing on the opposite side alongside Duryodhana and Co., ready to commence the war. Yudishtra pays his respects to him and seeks his approval to begin the war proceedings. Through this gesture, Bhishmachaarya is moved emotionally and thus, openly declares in front of everyone that Yudishtra has won the war even before a single arrow has been fired. Further, Bhishmachaarya explains that whatever is happening at Kurukshetra currently is according to the divine “Sankalpa” of Bhagawan Krishna, who is also standing alongside Yudishtra. If Bhagawan has decided that this war has to happen, who on this earth can go against it? Moreover, the war was decided and destined at a time when Bhagawan was insulted by Duryodhana and Co. when He had come as the messenger for Yudishtra. After whatever happened on that fateful day, this war has become a mere formality and hence, Bhishmachaarya gives his “go ahead” to Yudishtra to commence the war. 

After this, the next question which Yudishtra is asking Bhishmachaarya is very important – How does Bhishmachaarya collapse in the battlefield, given the fact that even Indra and the other Devas cannot stand in front of him in a battle? Yudishtra asks this question to none other than Bhishmachaarya himself and this shows how honest and straightforward Yudishtra is! He doesn’t mince his words – For the sake of “Dharma”, if Yudishtra has to win, he has no other option but to defeat and kill Bhishmachaarya in the battlefield. So how does he do that? Bhishmachaarya replies back thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve asked a very important and a straightforward question! However, the time hasn’t come yet to give you an answer to this question. In any case, please be sure – You are the one who is going to win this war and there’s no doubt in it. You might not know the secret behind how to defeat me, but the person standing near you – Bhagawan Krishna – He knows it very well. When the right time comes, He Himself will tell you and guide you in the right way. Of course, if required, I myself will tell you! Oh Yudishtra! Please do not worry! Unless and until you have Bhagawan Krishna beside you, victory is assured!” 

So Bhishmachaarya is giving such a reply during the first day of the war. Readers should remember that we’re still in day one of the Kurukshetra battle and it is yet to begin. Yudishtra has to wait till the evening of the ninth day for an answer from Bhishmachaarya. However for now, Bhishmachaarya sends Yudishtra back without an answer, but he blesses Yudishtra wholeheartedly for his victory in this war. As Yudishtra is about to leave, Bhishmachaarya talks once again to him with tears in his eyes. Bhishmachaarya says thus, “Oh my dear Yudishtra! People in today’s scenario go frantically behind wealth and luxuries, however, you chose the other way. When you were humiliated on that fateful day when the gambling game took place, you left everything behind and went to the forest for twelve years plus one year of “Agnyaatavaasam”. Even now, you’ve come to me and you’re standing in the ground without your “Kavacha” and weapons in front of me. However, look at my condition – I’m the leader of the Kaurava army and I have the respect of everyone around. I also have weapons and “Kavacha” upon me. However, I’ve gone behind wealth and luxuries like every other person in this world unlike you! Even though I’m standing on top of my chariot, my head hangs in shame and I’m unable to face you properly! This is because “Dharma” is by your side and I’m standing on the opposite side of it! So Yudishtra! This is why I say – Even if you’re younger to me in terms of age and experience, you are several notches above me in terms of following “Dharma”! If you weren’t following the path of “Dharma”, why should Bhagawan Krishna rally behind you?” 

Saying this, Bhishmachaarya is in tears and is inconsolable for a few minutes! Yudishtra tries to make him comfortable and now he moves towards the next person – His own Guru – Guru Dhronachaarya to pay his respects! So what is Guru Dhronachaarya going to reply Yudishtra? Is he going to feel bad too, or is he going to hold his fort? Stay tuned for an interesting accord!

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra walking towards Bhishmachaarya, bowing down to him and seeking permission for commencing the war. As Yudishtra starts to walk, Bhagawan Krishna understands his real intention – Yudishtra is walking towards Bhishmachaarya not to surrender, but to seek approval to begin the proceedings. Realizing this, Bhagawan Krishna and subsequently Aruna, followed by Bheemasena, Nakula and Sahadeva walk along with Yudishtra towards Bhishmachaarya. As Yudishtra bows down in respect, he wants Bhishmachaarya to make the final call on whether this war should proceed or not. If Bhishmachaarya says “yes”, the war can commence immediately and if he says “no”, Yudishtra is still prepared to withdraw everything and go back to Indraprastha. So the onus is now on Bhishmachaarya and what does he say? Let us continue witnessing the interesting set of events unfolding one after the other! 

As Yudishtra says thus, Bhishmachaarya looks at everyone around him. He looks at Duryodhana, Sahuni, Guru Dhronachaarya, etc. who are standing around him. The soft signal from everyone is to proceed with the war and there’s no further option to prevent it from here on! Now, as there is a stilled silence all around, Bhishmachaarya replies back to Yudishtra thus, 

“Yaddevam naabi gaccheetaaha yudhimaam prithiveem pathe!

Sapeayntvaam mahaaraaja paraabhaavaaya bhaarata!!”

Bhishmachaarya replies thus, “Oh Yudishtra! You’ve asked a very important question, and through this question itself, you’ve won this war! Of course we’ve not even fired a single arrow upon each other on either sides, but this very question that you’ve asked, has put to rest the question of who is winning and who is losing this war! You might still wonder how I’m saying this! When Bhagawan Krishna started talking in between the battlefield with Arjuna, and when He spoke to all of us on that day when He came as a messenger, it was completely decided that this war had to somehow happen. From that day onwards, it was only a matter of time when this war would begin! Oh Yudishtra! If everything is pre-decided by Bhagawan Krishna who is standing with you, there is nothing for us to win from here on! You’re already the winner and none other than Bhagawan Krishna has decided that long back! If He takes the decision, who on this earth can change it? Hence, this war according to me is a mere formality and nothing else! I’m only going to fight this war like a dead body moving around with hands and legs. I know that “Dharma” will always win and we are not on that fortunate side of “Dharma”!” 

Bhishmachaarya continues further thus, “Oh Yudishtra! If you would have not come to me now and seeked permission to begin the war, I would have definitely cursed you very badly! But now that you’ve come to me and seeked my “Anugraha” along with my approval to begin the war, I’m extremely happy and also I feel that I’m indebted to grant you something very precious! Oh Yudishtra! Please ask me anything except for the fact that I should come to your side and fight this war. This alone cannot happen, but you can ask me anything else as per your wish!” 

As Bhishmachaarya gives an emotional reply thus, Bhagawan Krishna is having a big smile on His handsome face as He looks at Yudishtra. Now it is Yudishtra’s turn to talk. He says thus, “Oh grandfather Bhishmachaarya! I know that your death is in your hands only, unlike all of us! You are going to die only when you want to. However in this scenario, “Dharma” should win, and for that, you’ve to die! So tell me the secret methodology that I should adopt, so that I can kill you in this war!” Saying thus, Yudishtra is straightforward in his question without any blemish! We might wonder how can Yudishtra ask such a question so directly and with so much honesty! This is “Yudishtra” for all of us! He will not feel afraid to talk anything that “Dharma” warrants him to talk, even if it was with the enemy! As all of us know, this war is between “Dharma” and “Adharma” and somehow, “Dharma” has to win. There is no other option here! Hence, Yudishtra asks this question, even though this might sound pretty hard-hitting for all of us! 

So what is Bhishmachaarya’s answer going to be for this direct question of Yudishtra? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a refreshed Arjuna taking the “Gaandipa” bow in his hands yet again in the middle of the battlefield. This comes after the 700-shloka-long Bhagawad Gita presented to Arjuna by Bhagawan Krishna, motivating him to perform his duty as a “Kshatrya” warrior. Arjuna listens carefully to all of it and is now up on his feet again with a renewed vigour and valour, which makes the entire world tremble for a moment! This also sends shockwaves to Duryodhana and Co., who were till this moment, happy that Arjuna was trying to escape the scene of the battle because of the imminent “fear” that he was in! However, as Arjuna gets up with a new “Avatar”, something strange happens yet again – This time it was Yudishtra’s turn to put down all his weapons, protective shield, etc. and he starts to walk towards the direction of the Kaurava army! Upon seeing this, Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna are shocked, while Duryodhana and Co. are laughing and making fun of Yudishtra! So what happened to Yudishtra? Why is he suddenly putting down everything and walking towards the Kaurava army? Let us witness today’s episode! 

Upon seeing Yudishtra walking towards them in a humble demeanour, Duryodhana quickly passes a comment thus, “Oh wow! Look at this coward walking towards us! I was thinking that this would happen, but I did not anticipate this to happen too early even before the start of the war! Upon having a look at our mighty army, it seems Yudishtra has started trembling with fear! I think he has also decided not to fight this war and he seems to come with a decision to surrender to all of us straightaway!” As Duryodhana says thus, he laughs aloud as Ducchaasana and the others join in! This happens even as Yudishtra keeps walking towards the Kaurava army! As Yudishtra is walking thus, Bhagawan Krishna quickly understands the reason behind this decision of Yudishtra and He quickly gets down from the chariot and starts walking behind Yudishtra with a small laugh! As Bhagawan Krishna Himself starts walking behind Yudishtra, Arjuna can’t keep quiet and he too gets down from the chariot and starts walking! Upon seeing Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna walking, Bheemasena, Nakula and Sahadeva also get down from their respective chariots and start walking towards the Kaurava army alongside Yudishtra! 

Thus, the five brothers along with Bhagawan Krishna straightaway walk towards Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya, who are standing in the central position of the Kaurava army, which is flanked by Duryodhana and his brothers on either side. Yudishtra’s intention is now clear to Bhagawan Krishna as He also follows suit. 

“Yesha bhishmam tataah dhronam gautamam shalyameva cha!

Anumaanya gurun sarvaan yotsyate paarthavaha haribihi!!”

Thus, all the five brothers make their way towards Bhishmachaarya and bow down to him with great respect! During this time, Yudishtra and Arjuna look around the Kaurava army and have a closer look as to who is standing where! Bhishmachaarya is in the centre and near him is Guru Dhronachaarya. Beside Guru Dhronachaarya is Sage Kripachaarya and the other seniors in the Hastinapura kingdom. Having a glance thus, Yudishtra and Co. bow down to Bhishmachaarya. Yudishtra says thus, “Oh great Bhishmachaarya! You’re the “Pita-Maha” (Grandfather) for all of us and I bow down in respect to you! I came here to seek your blessings to commence this war. Even it is not too late now – You tell us if this war is really required or not. If you say “no” even at this moment, we are ready to call it off. I’m still saying clearly – I’m not interested in fighting this war and creating a huge disaster for everyone. If you say that we should go back home without fighting, I’m 100% with you on your decision. However, if you say a “yes” for the war, then also I’m ready to fight it out. So I leave it to you to make the final decision whether to proceed with this war or not!” 

Saying thus, Yudishtra seeks Bhishmachaarya’s “Anugraha”, as Bhagawan Krishna looks on with His pleasing divine eyes! Bhagawan of course knows what Yudishtra’s intentions are! He is very genuine and straightforward in his approach and even at the last moment, he is ready to obey the words of elders – This is the hallmark character of Yudishtra and this is why he is referred to as “Dharma-Putra”! He knows exactly what is “Dharma” and what is not, and hence, Bhagawan Krishna Himself follows Yudishtra in this pursuit!  So for today, let us understand up to this point and now the onus is on Bhishmachaarya to decide whether this war should happen or not! Let us wait till the next episode to find out Bhishmachaarya’s answer to this tricky situation! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Vaishampayana explaining the four “Ga’s” to King Janame-Jaya and reminding him that these are the ones that will guarantee a “Jeevatma” to attain “Moksha” at the end of this birth itself without having to take several births henceforth. The four “Ga’s” are “Ganga”, “Gayatri”, “Govinda” and the “Gita”. As part of this Mahabharata project, we’ve had the biggest opportunity to discuss the Bhagawad Gita with the divine “Anugraha” of Bhagawan Govinda. Hence, let us utilize this opportunity to the fullest to understand deeply whatever Bhagawan Krishna has said here and let us try our bit to implement His words into practice. Of course, certain things that Bhagawan has said might be slightly tough for us to implement, but we’ve to try, isn’t it? Putting honest and sincere efforts to implement Bhagawan’s words is of paramount importance. We might not be able to implement 100% and Bhagawan Himself is not expecting that from us. However, just because of this narrative, can we merely sit without following anything that Bhagawan is saying? This cannot be, and Bhagawan will not excuse us for our laziness and escapism. 

In fact, Arjuna also got entangled in the “escapism” mindset and Bhagawan criticized him for this, didn’t He? We’ve seen this at the beginning of the Bhagawad Gita in the first “Adhyaaya” itself – When Arjuna became emotional and started shedding tears, he thought that Bhagawan will comfort and soothe him with His loving and compassionate words and would eventually call off the war. However, what happened in reality was something different! Bhagawan came out hard-hitting upon Arjuna with His strong words of advice, which resulted in the birth of the important “Karma Yoga” discussion. At any cost, Bhagawan will never encourage us to escape from our duties. If we’ve taken birth in this world, we’ve to fulfil certain duties and the purpose behind our birth. Without that, there can never be an escape. If at all we try to do so, we would only end up taking several births again and again to fulfil our duties. Hence, we’ve to be very careful here and the biggest takeaway from the Bhagawad Gita is this – There can never be an escape route or a short-cut to success. One has to walk the hard path of “Dharma” and Righteousness, so as to attain success. All of us are bound by our duty and we’ve to ensure that we fulfil it by walking the path of “Karma Yoga” and “Bhakti Yoga”. 

Moving on thus, Arjuna now takes the “Gaandipa” bow in his hands with a renewed rigour! Upon seeing this, everyone is happy! All of them in the battlefield have seen that Arjuna was breaking down with lack of confidence and Bhagawan Krishna has told him something to cheer him up and now he’s back with his “Gaandipa” in his hands once again! As everyone is getting ready to face the war, something strange happens once again! Yudishtra suddenly starts removing his “Kavacham” (Protective safety equipment) and putting it aside! He gets down from the chariot and starts walking towards the direction of the Kaurava army. 

Upon seeing this, everyone including Arjuna and Bhagawan Krishna are shell-shocked! Bhagawan Krishna thinks thus, “Oh wow! I had to chant 700 shlokas to motivate Arjuna and bring him back to form! Now what is happening to Yudishtra? Should I chant another 700 shlokas? :)” As everyone sees, Yudishtra walks towards the Kaurava army, which is now making fun of him! Duryodhana and Co. are in great laughter! So what is Yudishtra trying to do here? Is he going to surrender? Or, is he going to convey a message to the other camp? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an offshoot discussion as part of the culmination of the Bhagawad Gita of Bhagawan Krishna wherein, we tried to address a few concerns stating that Bhagawan Krishna incited violence through these 700 shlokas into Arjuna’s mind. Of course, this narrative that is floating around is extremely unfortunate and is falsely built to hurt all our sentiments. Readers might be knowing by now – In even a single shloka that we’ve seen till now in the Bhagawad Gita, did Bhagawan Krishna talk about inciting violence and killing anybody? All that Bhagawan Krishna says is to perform one’s duty (“Karma Yoga”) no matter whatever that duty is. This duty should be done with a lot of dedication towards Bhagawan and a person who is able to do so is able to attain the highest “Atma-Saakshaakaaram”. In this narrative, what is so infectious that it is mooting Arjuna to go for violence? Of course, as a “Kshatrya” warrior, Arjuna’s duty is to fight and protect the kingdom and its people, which is what Bhagawan wants Arjuna to do, instead of running away from his duty. So what is wrong with this? In the same argument, can we tell all our Army Jawans to shun all their weapons and come back to their homes by leaving the border territories of our country to be attacked by enemies? It is not possible, isn’t it? Hence, for those fringe elements who try to come up with such fake narratives, my only advice is this – Of course, you have every right to talk about what you feel like, but before that, please read the subject thoroughly before you utter something! Please do not come up with half-baked narratives and if you do so, be prepared to get brutally thrashed! 

Moving ahead now, Arjuna is taking over the “Gaandipa” bow yet again in his hands and at this time, Sage Vaishampayana says thus, 

“Sarva shaastramayee gitaa sarva devamayo harihi!

Sarva teerthamayee gangaa sarva vedamayo manuhu!!”

This is a very important shloka which is being narrated by Sage Vaishampayana to King Janame Jaya. Readers should not forget the old story here – All these narratives of whatever happened in the lives of the Paandava brothers are being narrated by Sage Vaishampayana to King Janame-Jaya, who is the grandson of Arjuna. This is happening several years after Arjuna and Co. passed away from this world! We’ve seen how king Janame-Jaya is performing the “Satra-Yaagam” and Sage Vaishampaayana is stopping him from proceeding further with it, because King Janame-Jaya wants all the snakes to come and die inside this huge Yaagam” (Offering). At this time, the entire narrative of the Mahabharata text happens and Sage Vaishampayana narrates the entire story to King Janame-Jaya. Readers should not forget this background at any point of time. So here, Sage Vaishampayana after narrating the entire Bhagawad Gita “Charitra” to King Janame-Jaya says thus, “Oh Janame-Jaya! A combination of all the Vedas is none other than King Manu! A combination of all holy rivers in this world is none other than River Ganges! A combination of all Devatas in this world is none other than Bhagawan Hari (Bhagawan Vishnu)! Similarly, a combination of all Shaastras is nothing but this Bhagawad Gita! Hence, this Bhagawad Gita is extremely significant as it has come from the mouth of none other than Bhagawan Krishna Himself!”

Sage Vaishampayana continues thus, “Oh Janame-Jaya! If you’re able to remember the four “Ga’s” in your mind at all times, you will never need to take another birth in this world! So what are the four “Ga’s” that one should remember? They are, Gita, Ganga, Gayatri and Govinda! If you’re able to remember these four “Ga’s” in your life, this will become your last birth in this world!” So for today, let us understand and appreciate the significance of the Bhagawad Gita that we’ve seen till now for the past 130-odd-episodes and let us wait till the next episode to continue with this discussion forward, wherein Sage Vaishampayana is going to narrate how many shlokas Bhagawan Krishna narrated and how many shlokas Arjuna narrated! An interesting arithmetic awaits us tomorrow! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the grand culmination of the Bhagawad Gita, which was spanning across the past 130-odd episodes of detailing. The Bhagawad Gita ends in a note wherein Sanjaya is explaining to King Dhritarashtra at Hastinapura that the eleventh “Adhyaaya” wherein Bhagawan Krishna showed His divine “Vishwaroopa” to Arjuna was something that he could always remember forever in his life! Sanjaya is in tears as he says this! He further says to King Dhritarashtra that with Bhagawan Krishna on the Paandavas’ side firmly, Duryodhana and Co. do not even have an iota of possibility to win this war. In other words, this Kurukshetra war is a mere formality as far as Bhagawan Krishna is concerned and this is going to end up in a great disaster to the entire Kaurava camp. As Bhagawan Himself has declared that He is none other than “Kaala Devata” who has come here to destroy all forms of “Adharma” that is happening here. Bhagawan says in the Bhagawad Gita – “Kaalosmi lokahkshayakrith”, which means that He has taken a divine “Sankalpa” of destroying this entire world as the “Dvaapara Yuga” comes to an end! It is only a matter of time that this “Sankalpa” of Bhagawan is executed, and Arjuna, along with his Paandava brothers will be divine instruments under Bhagawan Krishna’s hands! 

Moving on further thus, now Arjuna replies back to Bhagawan Krishna – “Oh Bhagawan! Initially I was extremely confused as to what is “Dharma” and what is “Adharma”. That confusion has come to an end now, thanks to your excellent words of advice and guidance. Now I’m very clear on what I’ve to do. From now onwards I totally understand that fighting the war is my most important duty as a “Kshatrya” warrior. I totally understand that if “Dharma” has to win, I’ve to fight this war. Also, I realize that I’m not fighting this war for my own personal name and fame, but for the sake of “Dharma” needing to be protected. I’m fighting this war because you want me to do so, as part of your divine “Sankalpa”. I’m accepting to be your divine instrument in your divine hands! Oh Bhagawan! From now onwards, you may use me in whatever way you want, for the sake of restoring the “Dharma” in this world!” 

Upon reading this, we might have a question in our mind – “Oh! Is fighting a war an act of “Dharma”? Is killing thousands of people in a battlefield an act of righteousness? How can it be? War can have disastrous consequences on the entire world, isn’t it? If such is the case, how can fighting a war be classified as “Dharma”?” The answer is very simple – Bhagawan Krishna also did not want this war to happen, and it is only because of this reason, He Himself went as a messenger to explain the stance of the Paandava brothers to Duryodhana and Co. Several attempts were made to thwart this war from happening, but every attempt failed. Finally, there was no other option but to go for the war. This is one side of the justification as per the Mahabharata storyline. Now, when we look at it from the aspect of “Dharma”, fighting a war becomes an act of “Dharma” if we’re doing it as a sake of “Loka-Paripaalanam” (Protecting the world) without any personal expectations of obtaining name and fame. If we’re fighting the war with the sole intention of protecting our country and people, it is definitely an act of “Dharma”. However, if the war is fought with a lot of “Ahankaaram” (Arrogance), it is definitely an act of “Adharma” and should be avoided. 

Moreover, if war becomes an act of “Adharma”, why at all should we have military bases in today’s context, protecting our territorial borders from the intrusion of enemies? Establishing a strong army and a powerful force on the ground is extremely important for protecting our country and this is part of the “Dharma” of any government in power in any country across the world! If there is any intrusion of any enemy force, the military should immediately swing into action to protect the innocent people from being attacked, isn’t it? This is “Dharma”! However, can we say that because killing other living beings is “Adharma” and thus, the military should not kill the enemy forces and let them go scott free? We cannot, right? 

This is where we’ve to make a clear demarcation. Thus, for all those fringe elements who viciously try to propagate that Bhagawan Krishna tried to induce violence and disaster through the Bhagawad Gita, here’s my answer – Fighting a war is a “Dharma” for a warrior. If the fight is for protecting the territorial borders and the people inside the country, it is definitely classified as “Dharma”, and Bhagawan Krishna wants Arjuna to do this only! Not even in a single place amidst the 700 shlokas of Bhagawad Gita, Bhagawan Krishna is saying that violence is the way to go about things in whatever we do in life! Of course, violence is not the solution for anything, but if the circumstance demands it, there is no other option but to go for a war! Secondly, is Bhagawan Krishna the only one who wants the war to happen? In fact, more than Bhagawan Krishna, Duryodhana was the one who was brimming right from day one to go for a war with the Paandavas and it was Bhagawan Krishna who was skillfully putting it off every now and then. So if this war is not fought, how will Draupati get justice for what happened to her in the public courtroom? If this war is not fought, how will Duryodhana’s atrocities be brought to the book? If this war is not fought, how will the Paandavas obtain justice for all these years of suffering that they had to undergo in the hands of the wicked Duryodhana and Co.? How will Yudishtra obtain justice for the way he was insulted in the public courtroom during the gambling game episode? 

Hence, to all those fringe elements out there – If you’re making comments about something in our “Sanaatana Dharma”, you should have a proper understanding of the subject before doing so! Rather, if you’re going to make such comments in a half-baked fashion without adequate knowledge, get ready to be thrashed like this brutally! So with this note, we shall come to the conclusion of the Bhagawad Gita officially and in the next episode, we shall commence the proceedings of the war at Kurukshetra! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna making an important advice to Arjuna and of course to all of us as well by saying that we should never feel sad or disappointed with anything in life (“Maashuchaha”!). Rather, we should cheer up, be happy at all times and this will come only with complete surrender to Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet. Thus, as Bhagawan says “Maashuchaha”, we should understand why He says it – This is because, He is the one who takes care of all our “Paapa Karma” and destroys it when the right time comes. Bhagawan does so only if we surrender to Him in all aspects. Hence, with this, Arjuna’s sadness and sorrow supposedly comes to an end and this is achieved after 700 shlokas of the Bhagawad Gita. Initially we’ve witnessed Arjuna getting sad and disappointed upon seeing all his family members in the battlefield standing against him. For a second time we saw Arjuna feeling sad when Bhagawan Krishna gives him the choice to choose the path which he wants to take to attain the highest “Moksha” and this comes after Bhagawan declares that He’s the one who decides everything in this world! For the third time again, Arjuna felt bad and disappointed when he started feeling that his “Paapa Karma” might come in his way if he starts walking the path of “Bhakti Maargam” and this is where Bhagawan Krishna quickly chips in and assures him of all support in making him walk the path smoothly. 

Moving on thus, as Bhagawan Krishna concludes His accord, Arjuna now replies back – “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! After hearing all this from you, I feel that I’ve gained my strength back! I feel that I’m clear with my mindset now. Initially I had a lot of confusion and everything has been resolved now. I’m now prepared to listen to whatever you are telling me to do. You are everything for me! Oh Bhagawan Krishna! You are my Guru! You are my divine spiritual master! You are my guide! I’m prepared to listen to whatever your instructions are, not only in this battlefield, but also for attaining the highest “Moksha”! Oh Bhagawan! Please tell me now – What should I do? If your answer is to take the “Gaandeepa” in my hands, I’m more than happy to do it! I shall always think of you in my mind and start the war now! Oh Bhagawan! You should always be there to help me at all times!” 

Saying thus, Arjuna is getting ready for the war once again, and with this note, we’re now coming to the end of the Bhagawad Gita narration! Now we shall go back to the original scene from where we commenced the entire Gita narrative – Sanjaya explaining all this to King Dhritarashtra! Readers might remember here that it is Sanjaya who is giving live updates about the proceedings of the war at Kurukshetra to King Dhritarashtra, thanks to the divine eyes gifted by Sage Veda-Vyaasa to him. With this, Sanjaya concludes to King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King! I’ve had the great fortune to listen to each and every word that Bhagawan Krishna spoke with Arjuna in the middle of the battlefield! These words are like gold dust and is very important for every living being in this world to follow! How fortunate is Arjuna to obtain this sacred advice from none other than Bhagawan Krishna Himself! How fortunate I was to listen to these words! Thanks to Sage Vyaasa, I was able to listen to the famed “Keshava-Arjuna Samvaadham” (Dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna)! Oh King Dhritarashtra! Even now after it is over, I’m again and again recalling whatever Bhagawan Krishna was talking to Arjuna! If these words have to come from Bhagawan Himself, all of us should be extremely fortunate to listen to them!”

Saying thus, Sanjaya is in tears of joy! He is feeling a lot of bliss! Upon understanding this, King Dhritarashtra asks back Sanjaya thus, “Oh Sanjaya! You’ve heard the eighteen “Adhyaayas” of the Bhagawad Gita, isn’t it? Now tell me – Which is the most important message from these eighteen “Adhyaayas” that you think is extremely relevant to all of us? What did you like most in these eighteen “Adhyaayas”?” Sanjaya replies back thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I do not remember anything of the “Karma Yoga”, “Gnyaana Yoga” and “Bhakti Yoga” that Bhagawan Krishna spoke! I’m not that kind of a genius to remember word by word of what Bhagawan said. However, during the eleventh “Adhyaaya”, Bhagawan showed His “Vishwaroopa Darshan”, didn’t He? It is this image that has been sown deep into my heart! I shall never forget this divine experience in my life till the day I die! With this experience, I shall spend the rest of the days in this world! Oh King Dhritarashtra! You and your sons have grossly underestimated Bhagawan Krishna’s might and the divine “Sankalpa” with which He has come to this earth! Your sons will definitely pay a heavy price for this ignorance!” 

With this note, we shall officially conclude the 130-odd episode discussion of the Bhagawad Gita! From the next episode onwards, we shall enter into the next and the most important phase of the Mahabharata – The Kurukshetra war! Stay tuned for its commencement! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna’s main “Charama Shloka” as part of the Bhagawad Gita which explains that He is the one who is the sole refuge to all living beings in the entire world. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna assures and reassures Arjuna that He is the one who washes away all the sins, thereby paving the way to attain the highest “Moksha”. When Bhagawan says “Aham tvaa Sarva Paapebhyo Moksha ishyaami”, He gives a great assurance that He is the only one who is responsible of removing all the “Paapa Karma” from Jeevatmas like us, however, we’ve to be sincere in our attempt of our “Karma Yoga”, ‘Gnyaana Yoga” and walking the path of “Bhakti Maargam”. We should be meticulous in following whatever Bhagawan Krishna is instructing us to do, and if we’re doing so, He says “Maasuchaha”, which means, “Please do not worry!” This is the assurance that Bhagawan gives Arjuna and to all of us! 

Now, we’ve to understand one thing in-depth here – When Bhagawan says “Maashuchaha”, He intends to wipe out the sadness in Arjuna. We’ve seen earlier that before the Gita commenced, Arjuna was in a great despair and towards the end of the Gita, Arjuna was in an even greater despair! His sadness hadn’t changed, even after 700 shlokas of the Gita! However, the context of sadness in both the cases are different – Initially before the Gita commenced, Arjuna was sad because he got carried away emotionally upon seeing all his family members in front of him at the battlefield. However, towards the end of the Gita, this emotional drain has been grossly taken care of by Bhagawan Krishna. However, Arjuna’s sadness now is because even after Bhagawan declares that He is the supreme Lord of this world and every action happens only with His divine “Anugraha”, Arjuna is being given an option to choose a path to traverse, so as to attain Bhagawan! Why should Bhagawan give this option to Arjuna? Instead, why can’t Bhagawan Himself choose the path for Arjuna? Moreover, Arjuna’s doubt is that, even if Bhagawan guides us with the path to attain Him, the “Paapa Karma” would come and haunt in between and would be a stumbling block to proceed further. How do we overcome that? 

In fact, this doubt makes Arjuna even more sad and worried! This is where Bhagawan Krishna gives a great assurance to Arjuna that he doesn’t need to worry about the “Paapa Karma” coming in between! Bhagawan replies thus, “Oh Arjuna! If I’m there to ensure that your Paapa Karma is destroyed, why should you worry about it? You choose the path and start walking without any worries! Whatever stumbling blocks come on the way – I’m there to remove everything! Merely performing your “Karma Yoga” and “Gnyaana Yoga” is not going to bring you to me at any point in time! If you do it with complete surrender to me, you are easily going to attain me! Oh Arjuna! Please remember this always – I’m there with you at all times. You should make up your mind to surrender to me! Once you do so, you do not need to worry about any stumbling block and this is my assurance!” 

As Bhagawan says thus, Arjuna gets convinced. As Arjuna once again has the smile in his face, Bhagawan continues further thus, “Oh Arjuna! Please understand – I’ve told you all whatever came to my mind because you are very dear to me. However please remember – Whatever I’ve told you till now is a huge secret. You should not share anything of these with anybody, especially if you come across “Abhaktas” (People who are “Naastikas”). You should not tell all these things to people who are jealous of me!” Saying thus, Bhagawan lists out several kinds of people to whom this Bhagawad Gita should not be shared with! We might wonder here – “Oh wow! How did Bhagawan Krishna straightaway give such a secretive Gita to Arjuna straight away without asking a single question to him? How did Bhagawan Krishna give the Gita to Arjuna without putting him to test? How did Bhagawan give the Gita to Arjuna without understanding whether he is worthy of it or not?” The answer is very simple – The infamous incident wherein Draupati was stripped in front of the entire “Sabha” came in front of Bhagawan Krishna’s eyes for a moment before the Gita commenced! On one hand, the war has to happen because Draupati should get justice for what she had to undergo. On the other hand, here is Arjuna who is shattered and is not ready to fight the war! So what does Bhagawan do? He has to somehow make Arjuna fight the war, isn’t it? Thus, the only way to make Arjuna get up again and fight is to give this secret to him! Thus, the bigger reason behind the birth of this famous Bhagawad Gita is Draupati getting justice! 

So for today, let us understand this point clearly and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂