The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sanjaya finishing his accord and with that, Duryodhana gets frustrated with the arguments that are presented in the courtroom in front of King Dhritarashtra. On one hand, Bhishmachaarya is siding with the opinions of Sanjaya and Vidura that Yudishtra should be given Indraprastha back immediately to put an end to this stalemate situation. On the other hand, Guru Dhronachaarya too feels the same and trains his guns towards Karna and accuses him of misleading Duryodhana in this aspect. As he does that, Duryodhana is not at all happy! He fumes at both of them by saying that they are cowardly in nature and even though they are great warriors, they are succumbing to Yudishtra’s relentless pressure. Upon hearing all these, King Dhritarashtra is now lamenting in front of everyone! He knows that his sons are walking the path of “Adharma” and is fearing the might of Bheemasena and Arjuna dawning upon Duryodhana and Co. He remembers the brutal pledge that Bheemasena had made on that fateful day of the gambling game wherein Bheemasena had said that he would suck the blood out of Ducchaasana and give it to Draupati to wash her hair with! This is something that sends shivers to King Dhritarashtra to this day, even after thirteen long years! Arjuna’s “Gaandeepa” is extremely powerful and the whole world knows of its capability. How is Duryodhana going to escape the wrath of these two great warriors in the battlefield? 

Moving on, as everyone anticipates King Dhritarashtra’s decision on the peace-making effort, he also literally falls in line with it. King Dhritarashtra continues with his lamenting accord thus, “Oh Sanjaya! Oh Vidura! Oh Bhishmachaarya! I understand the disastrous consequences of a war which is looming large in the near future! Many people will lose their lives and this is going to create a huge impact on an entire generation of people at Hastinapura! Bheemasena is invincible in the battlefield, and so is Arjuna! Oh Sanjaya! I know that I’ve given enormous difficulties to Yudishtra. But if I tell him that I’m handing over his Indraprastha back to him, will he refrain from attacking us? Even if he attacks all of us, we deserve the wrath of Bheemasena and Arjuna, because we were the ones who have tortured the Paandavas all through these years! Yudishtra had to undergo thirteen years of forest life and it is not an easy sacrifice that he has made! I understand that totally! So maybe the only way to put an end to this feud is to hand over Yudishtra’s Indraprastha back into his hands!” 

As King Dhritarashtra says thus, Sanjaya heaves a sigh of relief! Till this moment, King Dhritarashtra was training his guns towards Yudishtra and Co. by standing firmly in support of his son Duryodhana! Now this accord has created a welcome change in him! Maybe is this the start of the reign of “Dharma” at Hastinapura? With high hopes from whatever King Dhritarashtra laments, Sanjaya replies back thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Now you are on the right track! You should walk the path of “Dharma” not because of fear, but because of will! As a righteous king, it is your duty to treat all your sons equally. When I say “your sons”, it also includes Yudishtra and Co. as well. You should learn to treat people with equal respect. When I say this, it includes your son’s behavior as well. Now that you’ve realized the importance of walking the path of “Dharma”, you should mend Duryodhana’s ways. He does not understand what is “Dharma” and what is “Adharma” and is being grossly misguided! You’ve to stop this first! Once you’re able to do it, it would make sense for you to take the next step. You’ve to be firm in your decision-making! You should first dismantle this gangster behavior that is going on between Duryodhana, Ducchaasana, Sahuni, etc. Who on earth will forget that disastrous day and whatever conspired then? Who can forget Draupati being manhandled in public? Who can forget that moment when Duryodhana tapped his thighs and asked Draupati to come and sit in his lap? Do you think the world will forgive Duryodhana for this unforgivable act? As a king, you should have reprimanded Duryodhana then and there! But you failed to do it at that time, thus earning a bad reputation that you’re favouring your son even though he is wicked in nature! Now how are you going to correct it? Even now it is not too late! You can still mend Duryodhana’s ways even now. If you do so, things will automatically fall in place! Hence, the first step in implementing “Dharma” at Hastinapura is to mend Duryodhana’s ways!” 

Saying thus, Sanjaya slams King Dhritarashtra for his gross inaction! These arguments are happening right in the presence of Duryodhana who is listening to all these points! After listening to all these, Duryodhana stands up! He has had enough of it now! So what is Duryodhana’s reaction going to be? Is he going to take a step forward to mend his ways by realizing his mistakes? Or, is he still going to walk the same path of “Adharma”? Let us find out in the next episode! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the fiery argument that is going on between Sanjaya, King Dhritarashtra, Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya. We’ve seen how Guru Dhronachaarya is training his guns towards Karna for grossly misleading Duryodhana in Yudishtra’s case. In return, Karna fumes at Guru Dhronachaarya with certain past incidents where he was insulted very badly. To divert the discussion and bring it back to the topic, King Dhritarashtra now asks Sanjaya to list out the key warriors who are present on both sides. As Sanjaya does so, he faints on the ground with fear that all these great warriors are going to meet a disastrous end to their lives. After a while, with some help from people in the courtroom, Sanjaya recoups himself and continues his accord, which we shall witness today. 

Moving on, as Sanjaya gets up, he says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I fainted on the ground not because of the fear that we might not have great warriors by our side. We also have great people to fight the battle. However, you are not understanding the trick here – Bhagawan Krishna always stands by “Dharma” and He is the one who will make things happen in favour of “Dharma”. Please understand that Duryodhana is grossly walking the path of “Adharma” and you as a father are not able to mend his ways. This is going to result in a great disaster, and it is this disaster which I fear about! I do not care who is on which side. It is beyond my interest and comprehension!” 

Hearing all these arguments for all this while, Duryodhana now stands up and talks. He has been patiently listening to all these points and now he says thus, “Oh father! Oh Sanjaya! Ph Bhishmachaarya! Why are you people talking like cowards? I thought you are great warriors, but you are just succumbing to the pressure that is put by Yudishtra to get Indraprastha back! Please understand one thing very clearly – Yudishtra is a traitor and he will continue to be! When Hastinapura was split earlier, all of you were cheated and he gained Indraprastha out of nowhere! Now it is my duty to protect the unified Hastinapura! Oh King Dhritarashtra! What right does Yudishtra have in our kingdom? Hence, rather than fearing him, we should gain confidence and courage by understanding our strengths and potential!” 

Hearing all these arguments, King Dhritarashtra is now starting to clearly shake with fear! The fear that Sanjaya has, gets into King Dhritarashtra now. He says in the public courtroom thus, “Oh Sanjaya! I totally understand what you are saying! Vidura has also told me the same thing a while back! Many other people have also told me the same thing! My sons are going to meet a ghastly end to the power of Yudishtra and Co. and sadly enough, my sons, including Duryodhana aren’t realising it! I know of the raw muscle power of Bheemasena! He can kill anybody with ease! Even the power of a hundred elephants might not equal the power of Bheemasena’s muscles! My son Duryodhana is not realizing the huge threat that Bheemasena is posing! Moreover, during that fateful gambling game episode, I remember Bheemasena taking a brutal pledge when Draupati was being manhandled! I remember him saying that just like how Draupati was being strangled in public, he would never rest in peace without strangling Duryodhana! These are extremely powerful words from a powerful person and these words keep lingering in my ears even today, after thirteen long years! What is Duryodhana going to do to tackle the brutal muscle power of Bheemasena?” 

Saying thus, King Dhritarashtra laments about Duryodhana’s foolishness for one full “Adhyaaya”! In the next “Adhyaaya”, King Dhritarashtra laments about Arjuna’s prowess and how Duryodhana is so aloof about it! He says thus, “Oh Sanjaya! All of us know the power of Arjuna’s famed “Gaandeepa” and Arjuna’s prowess with the bow and arrow technique! Can Duryodhana even stand in front of Arjuna’s sharp arrows and powerful “Asthras”? Why is Duryodhana not realizing all these? He is living in a different world of fantasy altogether and is totally unaware of the great danger that he himself is posing to his life and future! If Arjuna is calling for peace, why doesn’t Duryodhana want to use this opportunity to settle all his scores with him? Why is he still reluctant and standing firm on his ground, which is actually a weak ground without any “Dharma” in it?” 

As the entire courtroom is listening to King Dhritarashtra’s lamenting, the gross expectation now from everyone is that King Dhritarashtra will take an initiative atleast now to broker peace with Yudishtra and Co. So is it really going to happen that way? Let us wait till the next episode to find out! Stay tuned! 🙂

We’re in the midst of an electrifying argument that is brewing up at King Dhritarashtra’s courtroom at Hastinapura wherein Sanjaya has tabled his detailed report on his visit to Yudishtra and Co. This creates ripples in the Kaurava camp as Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Karna, etc. express their views and opinions as to how to proceed further from here on. Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya are of the firm opinion that Duryodhana should part with Indraprastha and give it to Yudishtra, so as to put an end to the entire feud. As they express this opinion, Guru Dhronachaarya is particularly more harsh in his expression as he takes potshots at Karna for grossly misleading Duryodhana in this aspect. Guru Dhronachaarya is also apprehensive about Sahuni’s role, since he was the architect of the entire gambling game that wreaked havoc on that fateful day at Hastinapura. It is this very gambling game that led to enormous levels of “Adharma” committed by Duryodhana and Ducchaasana, including the insulting of Draupati, isn’t it? Hence, Guru Dhronachaarya slams both Karna and Sahuni for their alleged misguidance of Duryodhana. As Guru Dhronachaarya says thus, Karna immediately refutes him and this leads to a huge war of words between the two!  

Moving on thus, King Dhritarashtra intervenes and doses down the heat that is building up between Karna and Guru Dhronachaarya. King Dhritarashtra says thus, “Oh Karna! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! Both of you are great warriors and you should not fight amongst yourself, while being in the same camp. Anyway, now that we are heading towards a war, we shall now see who is on which side! I want to take stock of this situation that is brewing up!” This accord from King Dhritarashtra clearly shows that he is not interested in brokering peace with Yudishtra! Vidura’s advice has totally gone in vain! As King Dhritarashtra says thus, Sanjaya starts to list out who is on which side. He says how Bhagawan Krishna voluntarily opted to support Yudishtra’s cause. Similarly, King Drupada also is on the Paandavas’ side, along with the king of Viraata Desha. Similarly, many other kings from neighbouring territories like Shaalva Desha, Kekeya Desha, etc. are rallying behind the Paandavas. At the same time, if we look at the Kaurava side, of course we have the great duo – Bhishmachaarya and Guru Dhronachaarya who are virtually unstoppable. Along with them, King Shalya has also joined the Kaurava camp. Of course, not to mention, Karna who is the king of Anga Desha is also by the side of Duryodhana. Similarly, Sanjaya is now listing out the entire population that forms either camps, and as he does so, he becomes so frustrated and sad! As Sanjaya is reading out the names, at one point, he faints and falls on the ground! 

As Sanjaya suddenly faints and falls, Duryodhana and the entire courtroom becomes jittery and immediately wake up Sanjaya by giving him some water. As Sanjaya wakes up, Duryodhana says thus, “Oh great Sanjaya! Why are you getting tense by looking at the other camp? Do you really think that the Paandava camp is more powerful than ours? You look at ours! We have so many great warriors by our side and with this, make yourself calm and composed!” 

As Duryodhana says thus, Sanjaya doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry! He replies to Duryodhana thus, “Oh Duryodhana! I’m not scared by looking at anyone in any camp! My frustration and fear is that, if there is a war in the making, an enormous number of great warriors are going to lose their lives! This fear is constantly lingering in my mind and hence I fainted on the ground! Oh Duryodhana! You’re not understanding the impact of a full-fledged war as yet and this is the reason why you are adamant in your approach!” Saying thus, Sanjaya recoups himself and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sanjaya tabling his detailed report on his Viraata Desha visit in front of King Dhritarashtra, Bhishmachaarya, Duryodhana and the others at Hastinapura courtroom. We’ve seen Yudishtra’s and Arjuna’s messages loud and clear – “We would always like a peaceful settlement, wherein Indraprastha should be given back to us at any cost. We’ve sacrificed a lot for the past thirteen years, endured a lot of insult in the name of “Dharma” and safeguarding it. We’ve seen how Draupati was insulted in the public courtroom and even then we were patient about it. However, now there is no question of such patience and perseverance. Duryodhana has to come forward and hand over Indraprastha as per the earlier agreement that was reached after the gambling game. We have fulfilled King Dhritarashtra’s order of spending thirteen years in the forest. Now it is Duryodhana’s turn to hand over our kingdom to us! If this is not happening, we are ready for a full-fledged war, knowing the disastrous consequences that might arise out of it!” 

As Sanjaya spells out this message loud and clear, it is now Bhishmachaarya’s turn to reply to it. Bhishmachaarya replies thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Oh Duryodhana! Whatever Yudishtra says is right. After he lost the gambling game on that fateful day, it was agreed that if Yudishtra and Co. finish the “Vana Vaasam” and “Agnyaata Vaasam” for a period of thirteen years, Indraprastha would be handed over to him. Now that they have finished the “Vana Vaasam” and the “Agnyaata Vaasam” successfully, it is only apt that you give back Indraprastha to Yudishtra! This will be a fair decision and will resolve all outstanding problems between the two camps. Oh King Dhritarashtra! Whatever happened has happened! Past is past! Even now there is time for some bug-fixing! Let us use this opportunity to heal all the past wounds that Yudishtra and Co. are carrying along with them. I know about Yudishtra and how he would always stick to the path of “Dharma”. If you give his Indraprastha kingdom back to him, he would forgive all whatever disasters happened in the past and all of us could make a fresh beginning from here on!” 

As Bhishmachaarya gives his reply thus, it is now time for Guru Dhronachaarya to respond. Unlike Bhishmachaarya who addressed the entire courtroom, Guru Dhronachaarya trains his guns towards Duryodhana and Karna specifically! Guru Dhronachaarya says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Please understand the reality and practicality of life. You are getting carried away by whatever Karna is saying. He is wrong in his approach and he doesn’t know anything! You are falling trap to Karna’s false propaganda! On Duryodhana! You only listen to three people in this world – One is Karna! Second is your uncle Sahuni! Third is your younger brother, Ducchaasana! Don’t you understand that all of them have their personal agenda and are trying to use you for fulfilling it? All three of them to whom you are listening to, do not have brains of their own!” The moment Guru Dhronachaarya says thus, Karna gets triggered! He immediately stands up and asks thus, “Oh Dhronachaarya! How dare you question my valour and intelligence? You have not even seen a miniscule amount of my strength and intelligence during a war. Just because I am a “Sootha-Putra” (Charioteer’s son), you are underestimating my strength and this is totally unfair upon you as a responsible teacher! If you are going to embrace such differences within the camp, what kind of a “Guru” you are? It simply shows your shallow thinking and utter stupidity!” 

These words from Karna trigger Guru Dhronachaarya! He angrily asks Karna thus, “Oh wow! Look at who is talking about valour! On that fateful day when Duryodhana was attacked by the “Gandharvas”, when Duryodhana was unable to defend himself, he seeked your help. However, after a brief fight with the “Gandharvas”, you ran away from that place like a coward by abandoning your dear friend, Duryodhana! You were not even bothered whether Duryodhana is safe or not and today you are talking as if you’re an epitome of valour? You were bothered only about your safety and your life, and with this, you ran away from the battlefield! Moreover, when all of us went to the Viraata Desha and attacked Arjuna who was fighting singlehandedly, why didn’t you exhibit your valour then? Why weren’t you able to defeat Arjuna who was fighting all alone? If you’re unable to stand in front of one Arjuna, how are you going to stand in front of five such Arjunas in the battlefield? Oh Karna! I feel pity for you! Your anger is taking centre stage and because of that, you are not able to understand reality! You are not even eligible to stand in front of Arjuna or Yudishtra in a war! You’ve not proved your mettle, given multiple chances in the past! Even after all this, if Duryodhana is still trusting you and your valour, I do not know how to describe Duryodhana’s utter stupidity!” 

Saying thus, Guru Dhronachaarya blasts Karna with his heated arguments! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode we shall witness what happened next from here on! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sanjaya conveying Yudishtra’s messages one after the other in the Hastinapura courtroom as King Dhritarashtra, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Vidura, Duryodhana, and the others are listening. Yudishtra’s message is loud and clear – He has compromised and sacrificed enough all through these years. Now it is time for Duryodhana to hand over Indraprastha to him peacefully without any hiccups. If this is not happening, Yudishtra and Co. are ready to fight a war even now, with Bhagawan Krishna assuring His divine presence with them at all times, if such a situation arises. This comes as a crude warning to King Dhritarashtra, highlighting the fact that it was King Dhritarashtra’s prerogative as a righteous king to initiate the peace-making process between the two camps and solve the outstanding issues amicably. Rather, if King Dhritarashtra is going to be silent and on one side favour his son Duryodhana for all the gross “Adharma” that he is committing, consequences are going to be unimaginable and disastrous. 

Continuing the accord thus, Sanjaya explains Arjuna’s words now. He says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Oh Duryodhana! Arjuna’s message is also loud and clear – As you might be aware, Bhagwan Krishna is going to be charioteer for me during the war and is going to be near me at all times. However, He would not take the weapon in His hands and fight the war along with me. Oh Duryodhana! You might be wondering how Bhagawan Krishna’s mute presence even matters! Please remember – These are the same divine hands of Bhagawan Krishna that direct “Chandra Bhagawan” (Moon) and “Surya Bhagawan” (Sun) where to rise and set every day. These are the same divine hands of Bhagawan Krishna that gave solace to hundreds of devotees in Gokula and Mathura! These are the same divine hands of Bhagawan Krishna with which He crawled and ran all over Gokula during His childhood days, earning enormous love and affection from all corners of the world! Also, these are the same divine hands of Bhagawan Krishna which played a crucial role during the “Amrita-Mathanam” (Drilling for the divine nectar) along with the Devas! These are the same hands which tore apart several Raakshasas like Kesini, Bhakaasura, Kamsa, Chaanura, etc. These are the same hands which tamed Snake Kaaliya amidst the Yamuna river. All these are the divine “Leelas” of Bhagawan Krishna! Hence, even if Bhagawan Krishna says that He would be a silent spectator of the war, His divine “Leelas” are beyond comprehension of any human mind! Hence, Oh Duryodhana! Please do not forget all these aspects of Bhagawan Krishna and talk! You might just think that Bhagawan Krishna is a mere charioteer and only tames the horses of the chariot. Sishupaala also thought the same, and you might be knowing what happened to Sishupaala! Bhagawan Krishna took away Rukmini Devi in a flash, even before Sishupaala could wink his eyes for a moment! Thus, even though Bhagawan Krishna might be sitting on the seat of the charioteer, never ever underestimate Him for anything! If He wants, He would singlehandedly be able to destroy all of you! But He doesn’t want to do that. He wants us to fight and attain victory through our effort! Thus, please understand that Bhagawan Krishna with all these divine qualities is standing by our side!”

Saying all these, Sanjaya continues thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Even as he sounded the warning bells like this, he had enormous respect towards all the seniors at Hastinapura. He pays his respects to King Dhritarashtra, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Sage Kripachaarya and the others here. Arjuna’s wish at the moment is also “Shanti” (Peace). However, if peace is not happening by any means, his message is loud and clear that destruction of the entire Kaurava clan is surely going to take place!” As Sanjaya says thus, he concludes his accord amidst King Dhritarashtra’s courtroom. Now it is Bhishmachaarya’s turn to render his points after carefully listening to whatever Sanjaya had to say. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness what Bhishmachaarya’s reply is going to be! Is he going to support Yudishtra’s cause or is he going to lean towards Duryodhana? Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sanjaya filing his detailed report on his Viraata-Desha visit to meet Yudishtra and Co. in front of the Hastinapura courtroom amidst the presence of King Dhritarashtra and the others including Duryodhana. The message from Sanjaya is loud and clear – There is still time to broker peace between the two camps. The Paandava brothers are still ready to accept a deal of sharing the Hastinapura kingdom as per the earlier accord. If they get their Indraprastha back, there is no requirement of a war at all. However, if this is not done, there is no other option but to fight a war, no matter how disastrous it might be! Yudishtra is firm on his “Raaja-Dharma” and if a chance arises, he is ready to face a war at any point in time. Arjuna’s “Gaandeepa” bow is always ready to fire any time, however, if peace is brokered, the “Gaandeepa” will not have any work to do! 

Saying thus, Sanjaya continues with Yudishtra’s message here. He says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Here is what Yudishtra had to say to all of us – We have lost a lot in our life till now to Duryodhana. We have been patient and enduring for all these years. The entire gambling game episode was an illegal event and we had to lose our kingdom for it. Yet, we never made it an issue at that time and obliged with whatever was meted out to us! Draupati was insulted in public and even then we were patient. Now there is nothing more to lose from our side. We’ve lost enough and more. We’ve lost not only our kingdom, but also our dignity as human beings. If not for Bhagawan Krishna on that fateful day, Draupati would have been stripped off completely in front of everyone! Is this the way you would treat a daughter-in-law of the family? Is this the way you would treat a woman in Hastinapura kingdom? We’ve endured all that patiently and we’ve also spent thirteen years in “Vana-Vaasam”. Now, we’ve decided not to bend down to Duryodhana’s atrocities any further. Bhagawan Krishna is by our side. We have great warriors by our side. More than anything else, “Dharma” is on our side. Hence, if there is a necessity of fighting a war, we are ready for it even today. But we do not desire for it to happen. We want Duryodhana to compromise and come to an agreement atleast now. If that happens, we would be extremely happy!”

Sanjaya continues with Yudishtra’s message further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! When Bhagawan Krishna will serve as a charioteer for Arjuna and with Arjuna having the famed “Gaandeepa” in his hand and when “Dharma” is by our side, nobody is going to win over us easily. All five of us are equivalent to five huge armies in a war. We are extremely powerful people to face in a war and if Duryodhana still wants to fight us out, he is welcome to do so! Oh King Dhritarashtra, when it comes to a war, please understand that Indra would come and protect me from the front. Bhagawan Krishna Himself would take up the responsibility to protect me from the back. Yama-Dharma-Raja would ensure that I’m protected from either side of mine. Hence, I do not have any problem in fighting it out, if the necessity comes! Oh King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana! You can still win over me and I’m sure you also have excellent warriors by your side as well. However, there is one person with us who can never be won against! That person is an epitome of all “Dharma” put together and He is none other than Bhagawan Krishna Himself! If Bhagawan is on our side, who else can win over Him? Thus, since Bhagawan Krishna Himself has given us the assurance of being with us during the war if it happens, I do not have any problem in fighting the war! The moment He decides that there is no way in which peace can be achieved, there will definitely be a war! Until now He hasn’t come to a conclusion like that. Hence, as a king, it is your responsibility to make the situation conducive enough to broker peace between the two rival camps!” 

Saying thus, Sanjaya conveys Yudishtra’s message loud and clear even as Duryodhana is listening! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall continue this accord in the next episode as well, along with what Duryodhana is going to reply to this! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Sanatkumara giving an important accord on the various aspects of the “Brahman”. He gives a literal meaning to the famous Upanishad verse of “Purnamadah.. Purnamidam..” which explains how “Brahman” pervades through all of creation. In fact, “Brahman” is the one which is responsible for the creation of all living beings, non-living beings, etc. in this world, protecting them well and destroying them. Thus, “Brahman” does three important activities – Creation, protection and destruction. Thus, as King Dhritarashtra asks for a detailed description about the “Brahman”, Sage Sanatkumara presents him with all these points in the august presence of the learned Vidura. 

With this, King Dhritarashtra too gets satisfied with the answers given by Sage Sanatkumara, and we come to the end of the “Sanat-Sujaatha” Parva. Now we move into the next “Parva” by name “Gnyaana-Sandhi Parva”, wherein we’re going to see who is going to meet where. This is where Bhagawan Krishna is also going to plan His trip to Hastinapura to serve as a messenger to Yudishtra (Paandava-Dhoota). Now, readers might remember that we’re at a point wherein Sanjaya has come back from Viraata Desha after meeting Yudishtra and Co.. He had returned to Hastinapura the previous night and had informed King Dhritarashtra that he would submit his detailed report on his meeting with Yudishtra the next morning in the courtroom. This is the time wherein King Dhritarashtra was getting tensed and nervous and hence, he had called Vidura, seeking some advice from him. Thus, the entire night passes away with Vidura and Sage Sanatkumara giving their accords. Now, as the next morning arrives, Sanjaya is getting ready to depose everything from his side in the courtroom as everyone assembles. Sage Vyaasa surprisingly has kept this portion very short and brief, however, in the next “Parva”, there is a detailed accord wherein Sanjaya calls King Dhritarashtra for a one-on-one conversation and explains things in detail with some golden words of wisdom pertaining to “Raaja-Dharma”. Now, this is going to be very important and is also going to be a great learning experience for all of us. So with this introduction, let us now get into what happens the next morning in King Dhritarashtra’s courtroom. 

As the morning dawns, the courtroom assembles. King Dhritarashtra takes up his position, along with the others like Duryodhana, Ducchaasana, Karna, Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Sage Kripachaarya, etc. Vidura also takes his seat adjacent to King Dhritarashtra’s throne and Sanjaya enters in. As everyone settles down, Sanjaya stands up with King Dhritarashtra’s permission. As King Dhritarashtra gives the green signal to proceed, Sanjaya begins his accord thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Oh ministers! Oh great Bhishmachaarya! Oh Guru Dhronachaarya! All of you might be eager to know what Yudishtra and Arjuna had spoken to me during my visit, aren’t you? Now let me present all the facts on the table and after that, we may discuss our way forward! As Arjuna and Yudishtra were talking with me, King Drupada, Bhagawan Krishna, King Viraata and the others were also present by their side. Thus, the discussion which happened between Yudishtra and myself were being heard by all these people as well. Moreover, the points that Yudishtra and Arjuna mentioned were completely acceptable to all of them, especially for Bhagawan Krishna!”

Sanjaya continues thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Following are the words that came from Arjuna’s mouth – You need not be answerable to my “Gaandeepa” bow if you are ready to broker peace and promote unity and harmony between the two camps. However, you will be not be able to answer to my “Gaandeepa” bow if you are not ready for peace!” These are extremely powerful words that Sanjaya uses here! It simply means this – If Duryodhana and Co. are ready for peace-making, they need not fight a war and the disaster can be averted. However, if Duryodhana and Co. aren’t ready for it, they will have to face the wrath of the “Gaandeepa” bow in the war. In other words, Arjuna explains that the Paandavas will always stand for peace if “Dharma” prevails. If not, the Paandavas are not afraid of fighting a war! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall continue this discussion with many other points in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Sanatkumara giving some important answers about “Death” and “Immortality” to King Dhritarashtra as Vidura watches on from the sidelines. As King Dhritarashtra asks Sage Sanatkumara about “Amarathvam” (Immortality) and “Maranam” (Death), Sage Sanatkumara explains how the “Mrityu Devata” (The Celestial Being responsible for causing death) resides inside each and every living being. If we’re accumulating our “Paapa Karma” more and more, the “Mrityu Devata” gets activated every time and as we reach a threshold level, the “Mrityu Devata” takes full control of us! However, as we accumulate our “Punya Karma”, the “Mrityu Devata” goes off to sleep and slowly gets deactivated! This leads our “Atman” to go into the “Amaratvam” stage and we attain the “immortal” status. As Sage Sanatkumara narrates thus, King Dhritarashtra’s mind goes into a frenzy! He becomes a bit finicky and all his “Adharmic” acts that he had performed till now start flashing in his mind one after the other! This makes King Dhritarashtra panic even further! 

Moving on thus, King Dhritarashtra asks Sage Sanatkumara – “Oh Sage! Now that you’ve given a detailed answer on what is “Death” and “Immortality”. Now I want to know some facts about the ultimate “Brahman”. I’ve heard many people say that “Brahman” is none other than Bhagawan. Is it true? If “yes”, how will Bhagawan be in appearance? Is he white or black or green?” To this, Sage Sanatkumara answers quickly thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Bhagawan is omni-present and he is in all colours! There is no specific colour to denote the appearance of Bhagawan! He incarnates in different colours, in different forms, across different time frames in different places! All these parameters are decided by Bhagawan from time to time based on the requirement! Oh King Dhritarashtra! You asked me about “Brahman” and its characteristics, didn’t you? Now let me give you my answer on this – “Brahman” is something that is an embodiment of all three important factors of this world – “Creation”, “Protection” and “Destruction”! The force that creates all living beings in this world is the same force that protects all of them! Similarly, the force that protects all its creation is the one which destroys it as well! Nothing is permanent in this world. The “Brahman” makes sure that whatever is being created, should be destroyed at some point in time! 

In the Upanishads, we have a very famous “Mantra” thus: 

“Purnamadah Purnamidam Purnaath Purnamudachhyate! 

Puranasya Purnamaadhaaya Purnamevaat Vasishyate”! 

This is exactly what we are discussing here too – Here, “Purnam” denotes the ultimate “Brahman”. The Brahman is everything in this world. In other words, “Brahman” resides in every bit of creation that we see in this world – Be it living or non-living beings! Thus, Brahman has a “Sookshama” (Mystical form) which a normal human mind cannot comprehend easily! This is what we’ve to understand here and for today, let us contemplate on this important point and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Sanatkumara having a conversation with King Dhritarashtra. We’ve witnessed Vidura calling out for Sage Sanatkumara, a five-year-old boy, through his power of penance. As Sage Sanatkumara is one of Bhagawan Brahma’s sons, he received Vidura’s signal and immediately arrived at Hastinapura. As Sage Sanatkumara arrived, King Dhritarashtra asked him a series of questions which we’ve witnessed yesterday. The essence of it was, King Dhritarashtra was wanting to understand if he and his son could get the “Amarathvam” (Immortality) in this “Manushya Lokha” itself, so that he doesn’t need to fear for Duryodhana’s life if there is a war in the future with Yudishtra and Co. Sage Sanatkumara gives a clear answer for this – “Amarathvam” can happen only after death from this world! “Amarathvam” is only for the “Atman” and not for the “Deham”. 

Moving on thus, Sage Sanatkumara gives a very interesting answer to this entire fiasco of King Dhritartashtra. He says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! You had asked me what death is and whether it really exists or not, didn’t you? Let me tell you one thing – Death (“Mruthyu”) is within all of us! Oh King Dhritarashtra! You might be thinking that death is associated with a “Devata” which will come with a long rope during our last minute of life. That is also true. But this “Mrityu Devata” actually exists within all of us! What we see in the form of a human coming with a long rope is just an extension of what is there inside! Whenever we perform a “Paapa-Karma”, this “Paapa Karma” awakens the Mrityu Devata within us. Hence, the accounts of our “Paapa-Karma” is perfectly maintained thus! Every time we perform a wrongful or a sinful act which hurts other living beings, the Mrityu Devata gets activated and correctly takes note of all whatever we are doing! When the right time comes, that is, when the “Paapa-Karma” goes beyond a particular threshold level, the “Mrityu Devata” awakens to its maximum level and this is the one which causes or demise or downfall!” 

Sage Sanathkumara continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritatrashtra! Similarly, when we perform “Punya-karma”, the good deeds that we do to others will make this “Mrityu Devata” go to sleep and instead, they awaken the “Amarathvam” (Immortality) in us! Hence we can see here that both Mrityu and Amarathvam are within us only! Hence, Oh King Dhritarashtra! Whether we awaken the “Mrityu Devata” or the “Amarathvam” from within us completely depends upon whether we are performing “Paapa-Karma” or “Punya-Karma”. So, it is a mandate that you’ve to keep a watch on each and every action of yours, and analyze whether they are good or bad!”

As Sage Sanatkumara says thus, King Dhritarashtra starts having a new kind of a fear within him! Initially he was feeling happily curious that there might be “short cut” to escape all the “Adharma” that he was performing so far, but upon hearing Sage Sanatkumara’s accord, he now starts shaking with fear! King Dhritarashtra’s mind starts flashing back with all the atrocities Duryodhana has done so far and how he has remained a mute spectator to all whatever had happened till date. Vidura has also highlighted all these points recently to him and with this, King Dhritarashtra’s fear only compounds further! So for today, let us understand up to this point and we shall see what Sage Sanatkumara says further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura calling out for Sage Sanatkumara to Hastinapura through his power of penance. Vidura calls Sage Sanatkumara as King Dhritarashtra asks some important questions pertaining to nature’s creation and some basics about the ultimate “Brahman”. As King Dhritarashtra asks these questions, Vidura feels that he is not the right person who is qualified to answer them, and hence calls for Sage Sanatkumara who is a great Maharishi himself! Thus, Vidura feels that Sage Sanatkumara is the right person to answer these questions in detail. 

Moving on thus, Sage Sanatkumara arrives at Hastinapura in the form of a five-year-old boy! We’ve heard of Sage Sanaka, Sage Sanatkumara and Sage Sanat-Sujaatha, haven’t we? All these people are Bhagawan Brahma’s “Maansa-Putras” (Sons of Bhagawan Brahma). These three people keep going around the world here and there at all times and whenever someone as pious as Vidura calls out to them, they would immediately mark their presence there! Thus, as Sage Sanatkumara arrives, Vidura and King Dhritarashtra welcome him with all the due respects and provide him an “Aasana” to be seated. As Sage Sanatkumara sits down and settles, he looks at King Dhritarashtra and says thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Thank you for the wonderful hospitality. I came to know that you had some important questions to ask me. So please go ahead and ask them. I shall answer them one by one!” 

As Sage Sanatkumara says thus, King Dhritarashtra asks thus, “Oh Sage Sanatkumara! I have a very important question to ask you – What is “Maranam” (Death)? Is there anything called death? If at all there is, how does it work? In the same way, what is “Amarathvam” (Devoid of death)? How does it work? It is being said that the Devas have the “Amarathvam” in them and it is because of this, they are able to be alive permanently! Is it true? If yes, how does one get to the stage of “Amarathvam”?” As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, we should understand his real intention here. He is not actually interested to spiritually know the meaning of “maranam” and everything. He is of the intention that if at all there is something called “Amarathvam”, maybe he and his son can experience it and live permanently. Through this, Duryodhana can escape being killed in the war, isn’t it? Thus, with this intention, King Dhritarashtra requests Sage Sanathkumara to explain what is “Maranam” and “Amarathvam”.

As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Sage Sanathkumara replies thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Both are true and both exist! It is according to your will and wish as to which one you want!” As Sage Sanathkumara says thus, King Dhritarashtra’s eyes brighten up! He  immediately asks back thus, “Oh Sage Sanathkumara! If that is the case, I would always like to have the “Amarathvam” in me! Is there any way that I can get there?” For this, Sage Sanathkumara smartly replies thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Only if you die, will you be able to get the “Amarathvam”! 🙂 Without death, how will you become an “Amara” (permanently living soul)?” As King Dhritarashtra listens to this, he asks back once again thus, “Oh Sage Sanatkumara! My intention is not to live permanently after death! My intention is to live with this same physical form permanently with my kingdom and my sons! I’m wanting to seek “Amarathvam” in this way! Is that possible?” 

As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Sage Sanatkumara couldn’t control his laughter! In fact, many of us might have this same doubt in us as well – Can we live in this world permanently with all the worldly luxuries that we’ve earned so far? We might even go to a temple and when we worship Bhagawan, we might be confused what to ask – Whether we have to be freed from death, or, whether we’ve to completely be freed from the entire birth-death cycle?  Sage Sanatkumara is now going to give a very important answer to this in our next episode! So for today, let us understand this background discussion very clearly and let us wait till the next episode to witness Sage Sanatkumara’s answer! Stay tuned! 🙂