The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the in-depth analysis as to why Karna didn’t switch sides even when Bhagawan Krishna Himself made a personal offer. Moving on further thus, Bhagawan Krishna now tells the truth about what is going to happen in the near future. Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Karna! I’ve told you whatever I should tell you! Rest is your decision! I leave it to you to decide what is best for you. However, oh Karna! Please understand one thing clearly – There is going to be a war that is about to commence very soon from now. In this war, there is definitely going to be mass destruction. Duryodhana, Sahuni, Ducchaasna, etc. are definitely going to be destroyed. “Dharma” will definitely win, which means, the Paandavas are going to win this war without a doubt. I shall ensure that it happens. This is my decision!”

As Bhagawan Krishna decisively says thus, Karna replies with tears in his eyes once again: “Oh Bhagawan! I’m totally aware of this fact. I know that all of us are just mere instruments in your divine hands! In fact, I’m very happy and proud to have such a close association with you in this birth. I consider this as one of my greatest fortunes! However, in this birth, my decision cannot be changed. I’m totally apologetic for this answer, but I’m helpless at the moment. I know that all of us are going to face destruction in this disastrous war. However, since it is your divine will, who can go against what you wish? Hence, I’m physically and mentally prepared to face whatever comes by my way!” 

As Karna decisively conveys his decision thus, Bhagawan Krishna moves away from that place as Karna provides all the best possible hospitality to Bhagawan. After Bhagawan Krishna, Kunthi Devi comes to meet Karna in a bid to change his mindset. Kunthi Devi says thus, “Oh Karna! You are talking like this to Bhagawan only because you do not know your true background! You are my first son and I’m your mother. This means, you are one amongst the Paandava brothers only. You are Surya Bhagawan’s direct son and this is why you’re an epitome of “Dharma” of giving “Dhaanam” to others. So as your mother, it is my duty to provide you with some important advice. Please do not waste your precious life in fighting for Duryodhana. Why should an epitome of “Dharma” fight on the side of “Adharma”? Oh Karna! Please think of this and you’ve seen Bhagawan Krishna pitching for you by inviting you towards His side as well. Hence, as a mother, I’m advising you to switch sides and fight against “Adharma”. There is no space here for opportunism. Please change your mind and go towards the “Vishesha Dharma”, rather than sticking to the ordinary “Dharma”!” 

As Kunthi Devi requests thus, Karna replies to her – “Oh mother! I know all that you’ve told me just now. Bhagawan Krishna just apprised me of all these. It is extremely unfortunate that I had to be deserted at a time when I didn’t even know the nuances of this world. I’m not blaming you for this, but it is merely my misfortune. If I was your real son, why didn’t you come to me earlier itself with this request? At a time when I was being ill-treated and insulted by everyone around me, where did you go? At a time when Guru Dhronachaarya rejected me because I was branded as a charioteer’s son, where were you? Now when you’re wanting your “real” sons Yudishtra and Co. to win against Duryodhana, you are coming to me requesting me to switch sides. You know very well that if I fight against Yudishtra, he is not going to win against me. It is only because of this, you want me to come to his side. Oh Mother Kunthi Devi! If you would have really had that affection towards me, you should have come to me with this request much earlier. Now after all whatever has happened, you’re coming to me as a “saviour”. I reject this offer totally! It is not because I support whatever mess that Duryodhana has created. It is only because all of you deserted me at a time when I needed it the most. At that crucial time, it was only Duryodhana who bailed me out of that insult. Hence, even though I know that Duryodhana is walking the path of “Adharma”, and even though I know that I would face destruction, I do not care about it. As a “Kshatrya” king, giving up my life in the battlefield is something that I’m not scared of. Just because I’ve to live a life, I do not want to be an opportunist by deserting Duryodhana at a crucial time when he needs me the most. Just like how he stood by me at my critical time, I should stand by him during his critical time. This is real gratitude! Hence, there is no use in convincing me beyond this point!” 

Saying thus, Karna conveys his decision with tears in his eyes to his mother. So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Karna committing one of the most important blunders in his life by rejecting Bhagawan Krishna’s offer of switching sides to fight for the cause of “Dharma”. If Bhagawan Himself is calling Karna towards Him, what stopped Karna from going behind Bhagawan? On one hand, we witnessed Karna’s stance that if he switches sides at this crucial stage, it would be nothing less than opportunism. However, on the other hand, if Bhagawan Himself is calling, what is the relevance of opportunism here? This is where, even all of us make a mistake – As ardent devotees of Bhagawan Krishna, all of us should ask this question within ourselves – If Bhagawan comes up to us and gives an offer thus, “Oh my dear child! I’m very impressed with the way you’ve prayed to me and with the way you’ve served my other Bhaktas in this world! I’m wanting to take you with me and grant you the highest “Moksha” thereby! Are you ready to come with me now itself?” 

If Bhagawan gives such an offer to us, what should ideally be our reaction? We should just follow His footsteps and proceed along with Him, isn’t it? But instead, what would be our reaction? Will we be totally ready to throw everything and come behind Bhagawan? The answer to this question is a definite “No” in most of our cases! So what will our answer to Bhagawan be? We would say thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Thank you for the offer! But we’re not ready to come with you at this moment! I’ve to earn more money! I’ve to take care of my family – Fund my child’s education, take care of my wife / husband and ensure that my health and their health conditions are stable! Moreover, I want to buy a lot of things which I desire and I want to visit more places where I would want to go! I want to consume some tasty food items….!” The list will go on and on, isn’t it? Hence, the real question here is that, are we prepared to leave behind all our worldly attachments and go behind Bhagawan with an empty hand, trusting that He would take care of us in all ways possible? This is called complete surrender (“Sharanagati”)! Vibhishana had this “Sharanagati” in him, and hence he left behind his luxurious life at Sri Lanka to come to Bhagawan Rama empty-handed! But in this context, is Karna ready to sacrifice his luxurious life as a king of Anga Desha and come to Bhagawan Krishna’s side? 

We’ve to understand one thing clearly here – Karna might say that he doesn’t want to be an opportunist by ditching Duryodhana, but the real fact here is that, if Karna has to switch sides, he would lose the stature of a king. Or, he doesn’t know whether he would be allowed to continue as a king by Yudishtra. This is the innermost fear that Karna had in him, and this manifested through different reasons for not willing to switch sides! Thus, the desire to hold on to the throne, come what may, is going to pave the downfall for Karna in a lot of ways. Hence, rather than celebrating his ego and false prestige, if Karna would have switched sides, the entire equation of the war could have changed in a lot of ways – Maybe Duryodhana might have lost confidence in fighting the war without Karna’s presence, and probably his mindset could have changed for good! Maybe Duryodhana could have acceded to Bhagawan Krishna’s demand in the Hastinapura courtroom of giving atleast five villages to the Paandava brothers. It is only because of the confidence that Karna gave him, Duryodhana was totally reluctant to fall in line with Yudishtra’s expectations! 

So for today, let us understand this point clearly and let us wait till the next episode to move on from here. Stay tuned for the next interesting accord wherein Bhagawan Krishna is going to meet the next important person! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna once again trying to convince Karna to come to Yudishtra’s side. Karna might be against Yudishtra and Arjuna in various aspects, but when it comes to “Dharma”, Bhagawan says that Karna should join hands with the Paandava brothers. Moreover, we’ve also witnessed a brief accord on what we should learn fro this Karna-Bhagawan Krishna conversation. If Bhagawan Himself is inviting us to come to His side, nothing should stop us from going with Him. This is where all of us make a mistake. Our worldly pleasures, attachments, etc. will always come in the way when Bhagawan or the Guru calls us towards them. A person who is able to overcome these worldly attractions and still blindly follows the path of Bhagawan or the Guru is the one who will reach the ultimate “Moksha”. Vibhishana succeeded in a similar pursuit towards Bhagawan Rama as Ravana rejected him from Sri Lanka, however, we’re witnessing Karna struggling to take that bold decision to leave Duryodhana and join Bhagawan Krishna. So let us witness the continuation of the conversation in today’s episode. 

Even as Bhagawan Krishna pleads to Karna thus, Karna replies back: “Oh Krishna! I totally understand your point. I would also love to fight for “Dharma”. But my “Dharma” in this context is slightly different – Never leave a person who has given you refuge at a critical time of life! This is my “Dharma”. At this moment if I leave Duryodhana and come with you, the entire world would comment that Karna is an opportunist. People would talk and comment that Karna has got a lot of help from Duryodhana and became a king at a time when he was rejected by everyone. But now, when Karna establishes himself as a king, he is ready to dump Duryodhana at a time when he needs Karna the most. I do not want to ditch Duryodhana, even though I know that he is walking the path of “Adharma”. I know very well that I’ll be fighting a useless war. I know that this war is going to cause mass destruction. I know that I will also be one amongst thousands of warriors who will die in the war. Still, I do not have an option but to give up my life for my friend Duryodhana! You may have a thousand points to convince me, but I’m not going to switch sides and leave Duryodhana. This is a time when Duryodhana needs me the most. He has placed enormous trust in me. At this point if I leave him, it will be the biggest example of opportunism ever!” 

Saying thus, Karna flatly rejects Bhagawan Krishna’s second offer as well! Understanding Karna’s intent, Bhagawan Krishna too decides that there is no use talking to Karna anymore as his mind is deeply attached to Duryodhana. This is where Karna makes one of the biggest blunders in his life. Of course, on one hand, it might sound as if Karna is right with regards to the point of opportunism, but we’ve to see this from a different angle – The person who is calling Karna to the other side is not an ordinary person. He is none other than Bhagawan Himself. We should not forget this. If this would have been any other person who is calling Karna, then this would have been a valid point. However, if Bhagawan is calling, there should be some “Sookshama” in it, isn’t it? This is where Karna failed to understand this “Ssokshama”. If Bhagawan is making a fervent call, we should understand that He is trying to protect us from something huge! If the world calls Karna an opportunist, so what? Why is Karna getting so bothered about what other people will talk and comment about him? Why can’t he live for himself and for the sake of “Dharma”? This is the biggest flaw in Karna. He is getting carried away by what others would say, but he is not prepared to get carried away by what Bhagawan is advising him to do! 

So for today, let us understand in-depth as to where Karna went wrong and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further as well with some important analogies. Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna trying to convince Karna to come and join Yudishtra’s side. In due course, Bhagawan Krishna also discloses Karna’s birth background to him and explains how he was born to Kunthi Devi as her first son. Readers might remember our discussion in our earlier initial episodes wherein we’ve seen how Kunthi Devi had obtained a boon to pray for each member of the Devas (Celestial Beings) to obtain a son, as King Pandu had a curse of not being able to have children with his wives, Kunthi Devi and Maadri Devi. Thus, to try and test out the “Mantra” given to her, Kunthi Devi prayed to Surya Bhagawan even before she got married and in turn, Surya Bhagawan gifted her with a baby boy. However, since Kunthi Devi wasn’t married at that time and it would become a huge societal issue to have a baby in hand before marriage, Kunthi Devi secretly leaves the baby in a small raft in the nearby river and this baby was later brought up by a charioteer who lived on the river banks. This baby is none other than Karna and Bhagawan Krishna explains all this to him, in a bid to convince him and bring him to Yudishtra’s side. 

However, even as Bhagawan Krishna tries to do so, the wounds that Karna has in his mind for so many years are still so strong that he is unable to change his mindset to switch sides. Just because Duryodhana has given him refuge and a kingdom at a time of being insulted by the entire community of people, he wants to stay with Duryodhana as a token of gratitude to him. Since this mentality is so strong in Karna, Bhagawan Krishna too understands that there’s no point in convincing him anymore. However, he tries one more time to convince Karna. Bhagawan Krishna says thus, “Oh Karna! Please think in this angle – Why do you think you’re fighting on Yudishtra’s side? Think that you’re fighting for “Dharma” and in fact, this is the truth. Why do you see individuals specifically in this aspect? It is going to be a war between “Dharma” and “Adharma”, wherein “Dharma” is going to win eventually. Since you are an epitome of “Dharma” yourself, I want you to be on the side of “Dharma”. Moreover, leave all these things – If I’m calling you from the stature of a “Paramatman”, why don’t you come for me, if not for anyone else? If Bhagawan wants you by His side, why do you want to go against Bhagawan’s divine will? Oh Karna! I’m telling you once again – If not for anyone else, you should reconsider your decision for the sake of me!” 

We should analyze this in a bit more detail here – Karna has a golden opportunity in his hands now, isn’t it? If Bhagawan Himself is calling Karna on to His side for a noble cause, shouldn’t Karna immediately do whatever Bhagawan says? Who will get such an opportunity wherein Bhagawan Himself comes to the doorstep and call? This was exactly the same dilemma which Vibhishana went through. We’ve seen in our previous Ramayana project wherein Vibhishana was kicked out of Sri Lanka by Ravana, and what did Vibhishana do after that? Did he stay with Ravana saying that he should be faithful to his brother for giving him a minister portfolio in Lanka’s courtroom? He didn’t do that, isn’t it? Instead, Vibhishana immediately saw an opportunity to fall back to the side of “Dharma” and thus, quickly decided that he would surrender and seek refuge under Bhagawan Rama’s divine lotus feet, isn’t it? This is exactly where we should use our intellect to differentiate which is right and which is wrong at that context. If Bhagawan is openly making a call to us to come to the side of “Dharma”, we should not speak any word against it and immediately switch sides! Vibhishana followed this, and all of us know the success he obtained. However in this case, Karna is failing to pay heed to Bhagawan’s critical advice at a crucial time and we’re going to see what is going to happen to Karna henceforth. 

So for today, let us understand this point in-depth and let us realize that if Bhagawan or a Guru (Mahatma) calls us directly towards the path of “Dharma”, we should just close our eyes and blindly follow whatever they say, without asking a single question! Let us ponder over this point for today, and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna meeting Karna separately one-to-one and requesting him to switch sides into Yudishtra’s. Bhagawan Krishna proposes this idea to Karna because Karna is basically a good person by heart, and he is also one person who has undergone enormous amounts of trials and tribulations in his life. Karna is someone who has been cleated all through his life by several people at several stages. Thus, unknowingly, Karna has been caught into the web spun by Duryodhana and Co. and Bhagawan Krishna has a lot of compassion towards him. Hence, Bhagawan Krishna wants Karna to understand this reality that he has been stuck up with Duryodhana unwantedly and to make him aware that here’s an opportunity to come under His fold and to walk the path of “Dharma”. Now as Bhagawan Krishna gives this offer to switch sides, it is now up to Karna to respond, isn’t it? What is Karna’s response? Let us witness today. 

Moving on, Karna responds thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Whatever you’re saying is right. I totally understand where you’re coming from. However, I cannot accede to your request. I’m indebted to Duryodhana in many ways. He may be walking the path of “Adharma” today, but just because of this reason, I cannot desert him. If I do so, I’ll be branded as an opportunist who ditched Duryodhana at a time when he needed me the most. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna – Please think of this – At a time when I was publicly insulted by everyone on that fateful day because of my birth background, nobody came to my rescue. Even though I had the best-in-class talent as a warrior, I was not recognized, even by Guru Dhronachaarya and he ended up insulting me in front of the whole crowd. At that time when I felt disastrous and frustrated, it was none other than Duryodhana who came forward to make me the king of “Anga Desha” and protect me! The Paandavas were also there amidst the crowd on that occasion, weren’t they? Why didn’t the same Yudishtra or Arjuna come forward atleast on a humanitarian basis to stop people from insulting me? Hence, even though you might say that Yudishtra’s side has “Dharma”, I will not be able to switch over to his side! I’m heavily indebted to Duryodhana, and if Duryodhana wouldn’t have come forward to save me on that fateful day, I would have been nowhere today!”

Listening to Karna’s accord thus, Bhagawan Krishna once again advises him thus, “Oh Karna! You may be right in whatever you said. But please listen to me. You’re talking without even knowing your birth background. Do you know to whom you were born? You are none other than Kunthi Devi’s first son. You were born to Surya Bhagawan and Kunthi Devi. You are a divine incarnation of Surya Bhagawan. You’re not realizing this fact as you’re talking all this to me. You are the big brother to Yudishtra. If you’re switching sides at this point now, Yudishtra will straightaway accept you as his brother, because he too doesn’t know this story. Oh Karna! Please understand this fact. You are not someone to be in this disastrous camp and fighting for nothing! You are different! You are someone who should stand by “Dharma”. So please reconsider your decision! You may be right by serving Duryodhana. But please think of one thing – You’ve advised Duryodhana on many occasions. You’ve protected Duryodhana on many occasions. You’ve done your duty towards him. It is not that you’ve done anything for him all these years. Now it is time for you to move on, because Duryodhana isn’t going to pay heed to your words of “Dharma” and wisdom. Hence, please change your decision and come along with me. I’m ready to take you to Yudishtra!” 

What an offer Bhagawan Krishna is making here to Karna! If we would have been in Karna’s position, what we would’ve done? We would have shut our mouths and followed Bhagawan wouldn’t we? But did Karna do this? What impact is this offer from Bhagawan going to make on Karna? Let’s wait till the next episode to witness! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna departing from the Hastinapura courtroom after a decisive visit. He is flanked on either sides by Saatyaki and Vidura as He walks out of the courtroom, leaving King Dhritarashtra and the others stunned! As Bhagawan Krishna walks out, He decides to meet three important people before he leaves Hastinapura – One is Kunthi Devi, second is Vidura and third is Karna. As per the plan, Bhagawan Krishna visits Kunthi Devi one more time and gives her an update on what has happened just now at the Hastinapura courtroom. Kunthi Devi has only one thing to say after listening to Bhagawan Krishna’s brief accord – “Ask Yudishtra to uphold his “Kshatrya Dharma” at any cost!” The message is loud and clear from the mother here – If there’s a necessity of a war (which in all cases, there is), go for the kill! Kunthi Devi doesn’t mince her words while conveying this message to Bhagawan Krishna and through this message, she also requests Bhagawan to be by the side of her sons at all times. 

Assuring Kunthi Devi of all the help and guidance towards Yudishtra and Co., Bhagawan Krishna consoles her and moves on. Instead of meeting Vidura next, Bhagawan Krishna goes to Karna. As Bhagawan Krishna arrives at Karna’s chamber, Karna welcomes Him with all due respects and provides an “Aasana” for Him to sit down. As Bhagawan Krishna settles down, He talks to Karna thus, “Oh Karna! You are a great warrior and a “Kshatrya” prince! You have infinite strength in you! You’re a scholar in all the Vedas, especially the “Dhanur Veda”. You are an epitome of helping others. You are the direct disciple of Bhagawan Parasurama. Not many in this world have the opportunity to directly learn from him, and you’ve obtained it. With all this significance behind your name, why are you fighting on the side of “Adharma”? Don’t you know the nature of Duryodhana? Don’t you know how cruel and wicked he is? Don’t you know how he walks the path of “Adharma” in every action that he performs? In spite of knowing all this, why are you fighting for him? Oh Karna! I hereby send you a direct and a formal invite – Please come to Yudishtra’s side. Yudishtra has “Dharma” in him! He might not be as powerful and invincible like you are. However, please remember one thing clearly – The side which has “Dharma” by it, will win this war if it takes place. Hence, please consider my invite!”

As Bhagawan Krishna invites Karna daringly and openly, He continues further thus, “Oh Karna! You are not aware of your past background. You do not know what happened when you were a newly born baby. If you know of it, you wouldn’t be talking like the way you are doing right now! Hence, Karna! I’m saying this for your own good and benefit. Please take this as an opportunity to switch sides and come towards the path of “Dharma”! Even now it is not too late. You are a powerful warrior and we need such people to protect the cause of “Dharma”! People who are scholarly in all the Vedas and the Shaastras should be an example and a role model for others. You are one such person who is extremely scholarly, however, you are not living up to that expectation. Hence, Karna! Please come to our side and show yourself to this world as a role model of how a “Kshatrya” prince should lead a life!”

This might be a tempting offer from Bhagawan Krishna, but is Karna ready to accept this offer? Is Karna going to pay heed to Bhagawan’s golden words of wisdom and switch sides? What’s Karna’s decision going to be? Let us eagerly wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a very important analysis as to why Bhagawan Krishna’s “Vishwaroopa Darshan” at the Hastinapura courtroom never made any sort of impact on Duryodhana and King Dhritarashtra. Of course, King Dhritarashtra had the opportunity to realize who Bhagawan Krishna really is and he was thankful to Bhagawan for enabling him to have that divine vision. However, if we look at Duryodhana’s case, there seems to be no change in his approach, even though he came to know the significance of Bhagawan Krishna. This is where we as ardent Bhaktas of Bhagawan Krishna should also realize – It is not merely enough if we see Bhagawan in close proximity. We should tune our minds and hearts towards Him and only then Bhagawan’s “Anugraha” will flow into us. Of course, Bhagawan is very generous and His divine “Anugraha” will flow towards us when He sees us with His divine eyes. However, the bigger question here is whether we are ready to receive that divine “Anugraha” coming from Bhagawan! If our minds operate like in the case of Duryodhana, even if Bhagawan is going to push His “Anugraha” into us, it is not going to enter! However, if we are able to surrender ourselves without our egos to Bhagawan’s divine lotus feet, the entire equation becomes different, isn’t it? This is the important lesson that we’ve to learn from this particular incident in the Mahabharata text. 

Moving on thus, Bhagawan Krishna conclusively says that there is no use talking to Duryodhana and Co. unless and until they decide to mend their ways and walk the path of “Dharma”. Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna leaves the Hastinapura courtroom. Saatyaki and Vidura follow Bhagawan Krishna as He walks out slowly, holding both their hands in His! As Bhagawan Krishna exits the Hastinapura courtroom, we are also coming to the end of this important “Adhyaaya”. Now, before Bhagawan leaves for Viraata Desha again, He once again wants to meet Kunthi Devi and Vidura separately and understand a few things from both of them. Also, Bhagawan Krishna wants to meet Karna in person too. These are going to be interesting sets of events and we’re going to witness them in the successive “Adhyaayas”. 

Firstly, Bhagawan Krishna goes to Kunthi Devi and sits with her to talk. Bhagawan explains to Kunthi Devi thus, “Oh my dear Aunt! I’ve tried my best to explain the “Dharma” to Duryodhana and Co. at the Hastinapura courtroom, but I’ve failed to convince them. When Duryodhana is talking, nobody is even trying to oppose him. This itself shows that all of them are prepared for a war, and not for peace. Hence, going by what happened today, I think war is the only solution to this problem! What do you think? Do you feel that there is a better way to avoid this war? If you feel so, please tell me, and I shall follow your words!” As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, Kunthi Devi replies back with tears in her eyes, “Oh Krishna! What can I say in this? For the past thirteen years I’ve been separated from my sons and this itself is breaking my heart like anything. When I was living with Paandu in the forest, I was happy and content with my children. Now that I’ve lost Paandu and I’ve lost my children too, the kingdom is also lost! Hence, Bhagawan Krishna! My message is very simple – Please advise my son Yudishtra to uphold the values of a “Kshatrya” prince. Please stand by him at all times and ensure that he walks the path of “Kshatrya Dharma”. Please guide him along the path of King Paandu, King Yadu and King Puru and the others in the past. You’ve to take up the responsibility to protect the “Dharma” of our clan! A “Kshatrya” prince should always stand up for his people when they are in distress, isn’t it? Hence, my only advice to you and Yudishtra is to live up to this expectation!” 

As Kunthi Devi says decisively thus, Bhagawan thinks within Himself, “Oh wow! I was thinking that atleast Kunthi will stand for peace! Now with whatever she is saying, it seems that she too wants this war to happen! Nevertheless! If fate is demanding a war, who can stop it from happening?” Thinking thus, Bhagawan Krishna smiles at Kunthi Devi and bows down with respect to his aunt! Of course, as we know earlier itself, Bhagawan Krishna’s divine incarnation itself is for this war to happen and to destroy all those who follow “Adharma”! So for today, let us understand up to this point and what Kunthi Devi’s opinion is. In the next episode, we’re going to witness Bhagawan Krishna meeting the next person! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna fuming with anger against Duryodhana, even though He returned back to His normal physical form. As the entire courtroom is looking at Bhagawan Krishna with awe and respect, He goes on to explain His stance clearly – Unless Duryodhana decides to mend his ways, there is no use of anybody talking to him about anything. The ball is now clearly in Duryodhana’s court. It is completely his decision whether we should go for a war, or we should think of a compromise. As Bhagawan Krishna says thus, the entire courtroom is in agreement with what He says. In the meanwhile, we might have a very important question here – Bhagawan Krishna has just shown the “Vishwaroopa” Darshan to everyone in the courtroom, hasn’t He? By seeing this, did either King Dhritarashtra or Duryodhana realize their folly and surrender to Bhagawan? We shall answer this question today as we move on further. 

Now, as Bhagawan shows His “Vishwaroopa” Darshan, many of us might automatically think thus – Oh wow! This is a golden opportunity that these people have obtained in their lifetime to worship Bhagawan in this form, isn’t it? Just along with showing His “Vishwaroopa”, Bhagawan should have also taken the initiative to mend Duryodhana’s ways then and there! Can’t He do it? Doesn’t Bhagawan have the power to do it? The answer is a big “Yes”! If such is the case, why is He not doing it then? These are interesting questions that we’ve to seek answers for. The answer is very simple – Bhagawan will not mend our ways, but will always leave the choice to us, whether to mend our ways or not. Of course, He will give us enormous opportunities to mend our ways towards “Dharma”, but He will not put us on the track of “Dharma” by Himself! If Bhagawan has to do this also, why at all should He give us something called “Intellect” or the “Sixth sense”? Hence, it is up to us to utilize our intellect, to differentiate between “Dharma” and “Adharma” in all our words and actions, so that we would follow the path laid by Bhagawan for attaining the highest “Moksha”. This is exactly what Bhagawan Krishna is doing to Duryodhana and King Dhritarashtra here too – Why did Bhagawan go to Hastinapura and visit these two? The reason is very simple – Bhagawan wants to exhibit His divine physical form to these people and see whether atleast now they will change their ways or not! This is also an opportunity that Bhagawan has given them. However, just because He has shown His “Vishwaroopa Darshan”, it doesn’t mean that all these people will attain “Moksha” immediately. It is up to each and every individual to understand what Bhagawan Krishna really is, and act accordingly. Vidura and Sanjaya know the path of “Dharma” and Bhagawan Krishna aided them. However, even when Bhagawan gave eyes to King Dhritarashtra to view this golden vision, King Dhritarashtra did not get impacted by it, because he did not desire to walk the path of “Dharma” by mending Duryodhana’s ways. All that King Dhritarashtra was trying to do till date is to escape from his duties as a father and as a king. This is one way of looking at it. 

The second way of viewing this is through the “Karma Theory”. If our “Praarabdha Karma” is extremely strong, it would prevent us from realizing Bhagawan, even if He is standing right in front of us! This is why we perform the “Nitya-Anushtaanam” every day. I’ve mentioned this in many of our previous episodes as well – If we keep performing our “Sandhya-Vandanam” and “Gayathri Japam” every passing day, our “Praarabdha Karma” will start reducing slowly, and therefore, as our “Karma” burden reduces, it becomes easier for us to walk the path towards Bhagawan. On one hand, as we do the “Nitya-Karma”, our sins are getting washed away and on the other hand, this clears the pathway towards Bhagawan. This is how we should understand this phenomenon. 

The third aspect to this point is that, even though Bhagawan is right in front of us, we may not feel His divine presence because of all our desires and worldly pleasures. If for example, Bhagawan walks towards us to grant us the highest “Moksha”, in today’s context, all of us are only interested in buying three or four houses and earning more and more money and luxuries! If Bhagawan takes one route, we take just the opposite route of what Bhagawan takes! If such is the case, how on earth are we going to realize Bhagawan? It is like an FM radio – Only if we tune into that particular “Frequency channel” with our radio device, we shall be able to listen to the contents of that FM channel, isn’t it? Similarly, we’ve to tune our hearts which are like radio devices, to match the “Frequency” of Bhagawan’s heart! Only then will we be able to reach Him! 

So for the question whether King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana realize Bhagawan’s significance, even though He was right amidst them, the answer is a sad “No”! 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! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the event wherein Bhagawan Krishna is showing His ferocious form through the “Vishwaroopa Darshan” to all the people assembled in the Hastinapura courtroom. Duryodhana and Co., who were making master plans to trap Bhagawan Krishna and arrest Him are taken aback completely by this sudden exhibition of enormous power and the ultra-bright light that is emitting from His divine physical form! With this, Bhagawan Krishna’s purpose of visiting Hastinapura is also completely fulfilled! He has come with a clear agenda of destroying all the internal powers that Duryodhana and Co. were having till now, and this agenda is clearly done and dusted! It is also to be noted that Yudishtra did not want Bhagawan Krishna to go to Hastinapura, fearing that He would be insulted by Duryodhana and Co.. This also happened as per Yudishtra’s thought process, but Bhagawan Krishna had other ideas, as we’ve witnessed! 

Thus, this incident marks a major turn of events and things are going to go from bad to worse for Duryodhana and Co. from here onwards! Upon seeing Bhagawan Krishna in this unusual form, King Dhritarashtra who had got a pair of divine eyes at that moment, prays thus, “Oh Bhagawan Krishna! Till today, all through my life, I’ve had no vision. But today, I had obtained vision for the first time and with this, I’m able to see you in this divine form! On one side I’m extremely happy and fortunate to have worshipped you in this form, which I’m sure not many would have had the opportunity to do! However, on the other hand, I’m having an enormous amount of fear within me that all my children are going to be destroyed by this same divine power which is standing in front of me! Oh Bhagawan Krishna! You are my saviour! You should alleviate my pain and fear! Oh Bhagawan! I do not want this vision anymore to see anybody else in this world! I’ve seen you through this vision, and this is more than enough for me! Please take away my vision once again and please return to your original form!” 

As King Dhritarashtra pleads thus, Bhagawan Krishna calms down and returns back to His original form. As this happens, all the people assembled there start conversing with each other, including Bhagawan Krishna. Bhishmachaarya once again angrily voices out thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Now did you see who Bhagawan Krishna really is? You’ve insulted Him in such a heinous way and still do you believe that you can go against His divine will and wish? If you really think so, you are the biggest fool on this earth! Please understand the reality atleast now. Even it is not too late at this moment. Bhagawan Krishna is still present amongst all of us. Seek forgiveness from Him for what you’ve done. Please keep your ego aside and fall into the path of “Dharma” as stipulated by Bhagawan. Do not go against His divine “Sankalpa” and it is neither good for you nor for Hastinapura!” 

As Bhishmachaarya says thus, Bhagawan Krishna adds to His accord thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! It is not about my divine form or anything. I want Duryodhana to walk the path of “Dharma” and if this happens, everything will be resolved. However, I do not see this happening in the near future. Hence, there is no use talking in this “Raaja-Sabha” anymore. Unless and until Duryodhana decides to mend his ways, neither my words nor Bhishmachaarya’s nor the words of any other senior member here will not matter! Hence, in future if something changes and if Duryodhana is mending his ways, I shall always be available to come and talk at Hastinapura!” 

Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna gets up to leave the courtroom, and it is now Duryodhana’s turn to respond. All eyes are now on Duryodhana! So is he going to mend his ways atleast now after seeing who Bhagawan Krishna really is? Or, is he still going to be adamant like before? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Bhagawan Krishna exhibiting His divine “Vishwaroopa” in front of everyone in the Hastinapura courtroom! This is a marquee event in the entire Mahabharata storyline and marks a huge turnaround of events! We’ve witnessed Bhagawan Krishna falling into the pit beneath His “Aasana” where He was about to sit, and this irks Bhagawan Krishna a lot! Sensing the insult that Duryodhana has meted out to Him, Bhagawan Krishna decides that it is time that Duryodhana and Co. learn their lessons the hard way. With this in mind, Bhagawan Krishna quickly starts growing and emerges into a massive form with dazzling brightness! Sage Vyaasa describes this “Vishwaroopa Darshan” of Bhagawan Krishna in a beautiful way, and it is worth spending time in experiencing it! On one hand, Bhagawan Krishna holds the “Shankam” and on the other hand, He holds the “Chakram”. On top of Bhagawan’s face, Bhagawan Brahma is seen, and on the side of Bhagawan’s shoulders, Bhagawan Shiva is seen as well! In multiple hands of Bhagawan, there are enormous weapons of destruction, which clearly indicates that Bhagawan is currently in a ferocious form! 

As this happens, we should now witness the reactions from the others in the Hastinapura courtroom. Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya are literally blown away by Bhagawan’s dazzling appearance and both of them straight away salute Him! They know the reality of Bhagawan Krishna and what is happening currently at Hastinapura on the contrary! They know that Bhagawan Krishna has come here to punish all of them for all their wrongdoings! However, due to their extraordinary powers, both Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya are able to worship Bhagawan Krishna’s divine “Vishwaroopa”! On the other hand, Duryodhana and all his brothers, including Karna are completely blinded by the extraordinary bright light emitting from Bhagawan Krishna’s ferocious form! It is said that by showing His “Vishwaroopa”, Bhagawan Krishna sucks away all the powers of Duryodhana and Co. and literally renders them powerless! When the war happens, Arjuna and Co.’s job of killing all of them is going to become a “cake-walk”! This is the underlying purpose behind Bhagawan Krishna’s decision to show His “Vishwaroopa” to all of them! 

To go in-depth into this further, many of us might have wondered why Bhagawan Krishna went to Hastinapura to meet King Dhritarashtra and Co. Doesn’t He know that Duryodhana is not going to listen to His words, even after many people advised Him not to do so? We’ve witnessed earlier too that Yudishtra himself was quite sceptical to send Bhagawan Krishna to Hastinapura, because he too knew that Bhagawan would be insulted by Duryodhana. Even after all this, why did Bhagawan opt to come? The reason is very simple – The sole purpose behind Bhagawan Krishna’s visit is to strip off Duryodhana’s powers completely by His divinity, so that the job of Yudishtra and Co. during the war becomes easier! Even though Duryodhana might think and feel that he is very powerful, it would not be the case henceforth, and Bhagawan Krishna ensures this perfectly! How can Bhagawan’s ploys go wrong? 🙂 

Moving on, upon seeing Bhagawan’s divine “Vishwaroopa”, two people in Hastinapura enjoy it the most and consider it as their great fortune of life to worship Bhagawan in this form! They are none other than Sanjaya and Vidura! Both of them are “Dharma-Atmas”, even though they are alongside King Dhritarashtra and the others. As Bhagawan exhibits His true form, both Sanjaya and Vidura are able to see it clearly with their eyes, and as a result, they are in tears of joy! What a golden opportunity to worship Bhagawan in this great form! Hence, it is evident that Bhagawan is compassionate towards His ardent “Bhaktas” and is ruthless with those who follow the path of “Adharma”! 

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