The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed a few of Vidura’s concluding remarks as part of the “Vidura Neeti” wherein he gives some golden words of wisdom to King Dhritarashtra. Vidura warns King Dhritarashtra that time is running out fast and he has to act immediately to mend Duryodhana’s ways. Duryodhana is crossing all boundaries in terms of performing “Adharmic” acts against Yudishtra. If this continues, consequences are going to be disastrous in the future. Moreover, Yudisthra is patiently enduring all these things only because of his enormous respect towards King Dhritarashtra. Vidura explains to King Dhritarashtra that Yudishtra sees him as his own father after the demise of his father, King Paandu. Hence, King Dhritarashtra should treat the Paandava brothers too as his own sons just like how he treats Duryodhana and Co. There should not be any differences that should be encouraged between the two camps. Finally, Vidura advises King Dhritarashtra that he should be assertive enough to call out Duryodhana’s atrocities and punish him for the same! 

Explaining all these points thus, Vidura leaves the ball on to King Dhritarashtra’s court to play his game. With this, we also come to an end of the all-important “Vidura-Neeti” as part of the Mahabharata text. Whatever Vidura has explained in this chapter are truly golden words of wisdom, not only for King Dhritarashtra, but also for all of us in our present day lives as well! We’ve witnessed various aspects of “Dharma” and leadership all through the “Vidura-Neeti” and as ardent devotees of Bhagawan Krishna, we should take a step forward to read through, understand, reflect and implement these points in our lives. Moving on thus, we now enter into the “Sanath-Sujaatha Parva”. Till now we’ve been witnessing the “Prajaakara Parva” wherein the Vidura-Neeti is an integral part. We shall see some interesting details in this Parva as we move on. 

As Vidura concludes this lengthy accord, King Dhritarashtra is not in a position to let Vidura go off. He still wants to ask Vidura a few more things. King Dhritarashtra asks thus, “Oh Vidura! Till now you’ve been talking about “Dharma” in its various forms and aspects. Now I want to know the origin of this “Dharma”. From where was it created? What is the history behind the formation of this entire world? Who is that one person responsible for managing this entire world? We talk a lot about “Brahman” , don’t we? What is the real form of “Brahman”, if at all there is something? Oh Vidura! Please explain all these aspects to me! I would like to learn from you!” As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Vidura replies back – “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I’m not qualified enough to give answers to these questions that you’ve asked me now! I shall ask Sanath-Sujaatha to come here and give you the answers for your questions!” 

As Vidura says thus, King Dhritarashtra quips again – “Oh Vidura! Why should I listen to Sanath-Sujaatha? Why can’t you explain the answers to me? Don’t you know them by yourself?” As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Vidura replies, “Oh King Dhritatashtra! I never said that I do not know the answers to your questions. I only said that I’m not qualified and fit enough to answer them. I’m just not the right person for it. Only a few people have the right qualifications to explain such things. One such person is Sage Sanatkumara. He will come if I call out for him!” As Vidura says thus, King Dhritarashtra asks again, “Oh Vidura! How will he come if you call him? He is such a great sage, isn’t it? How can you just call him and he would come?” Vidura answers back thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Sage Sanatkumara will definitely come. He is currently deep into his penance. I shall call him when I’m meditating next. He will understand my call and will come to meet us here. If good and genuine people call sages, they would definitely answer our calls and would come and meet us!” 

Saying thus, Vidura goes into deep meditation immediately! During this time, he calls out for Sage Sanatkumara and as he had mentioned earlier, Sage Sanatkumara understands Vidura’s call! He immediately leaves for Hastinapura and arrives within a jiffy! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness a very interesting conversation between King Dhritarashtra and Sage Sanatkumara! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura’s continuation of his accord with King Dhritarashtra, wherein he is now criticizing King Dhritarashtra for his gross partial behaviour of favouring Duryodhana unduly just because Duryodhana is his son. Vidura questions him that if such acts of “Adharma” would have been exhibited by any other person in the kingdom other than Duryodhana will King Dhritarashtra let him go unpunished! Maybe if Yudishtra would have committed even 1% of what Duryodhana had done, would King Dhritarashtra let him go scot free? Asking these questions straight upon King Dhritarashtra, Vidura highlights the important point that as a king, he should be genuine towards genuine people. He shouldn’t show fickle-mindedness towards genuine people and if such a thing happens, it would backfire very badly at the king and his kingdom put together! 

Saying thus, Vidura gives his concluding remarks to King Dhritarashtra – “Oh King! You’ve committed so many wrongful acts towards Yudishtra and Co. and still Yudishtra has not reacted in any hostile manner till now. Why do you think so? It is solely because Yudishtra respects you like his father. He sees King Paandu in you. But are you reciprocating his love, respect and affection in the right manner? Oh King Dhritarashtra! You should learn to treat the Paandavas as your own sons, just like how you’re treating Duryodhana. If you’re not doing this, it simply means that you are taking sides and showing partiality towards one side on the behest of the others. Even though Duryodhana has done enormous atrocities towards the Paandavas, Yudishtra obeyed your orders of going to the forest for thirteen years. You should honour his act of compliance by giving back his Indraprastha, shouldn’t you? Earlier, it was you and all the seniors like Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, etc. who decided to split Hastinapura into two and give one portion to Yudishtra and Co. Duryodhana too accepted it. But now why are all of you going back on your own accord? Once a portion of the kingdom is split and given, you do not have any rights to claim that portion as yours, isn’t it? Don’t you understand this simple aspect of “Raaja Dharma”? 

Vidura continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! My sole advice to you is this – Firstly, tame Duryodhana’s atrocities. He is clearly going overboard and has breached all boundaries of “Dharma” for which he is going to pay a heavy price. Yudishtra is not a dumb person to be a sitting duck to whatever Duryodhana does. If he starts reacting, it would spell disaster to Duryodhana and to your entire Kaurava clan. If you’ve to stop this disaster from happening, please bring Duryodhana under your control! Secondly, please return Indraprastha to Yudishtra and this would resolve all problems between the two camps. Let Yudishtra be happy ruling his kingdom that he has rightly inherited. At the same time, let Duryodhana be happy in succeeding you as the king of Hastinapura. If this doesn’t happen, consequences might be extremely severe. It is in your hands as a king to take an appropriate decision in this regard and to end the feud that is building up rather quickly between the two camps!” 

Saying thus, Vidura concludes his accord and leaves it to King Dhritarashtra to decide! With this, we come to the end of the section on “Vidura Neeti”, which is a great excerpt of almost all aspects of “Raaja Dharma” and leadership as explained by Vidura to King Dhritarashtra. Of course, we’ve only done a brief on this important section, since we’ve already done a project on this earlier. Readers may refer to our earlier projects for a detailed discussion on the “Vidura Neeti”, wherein we’ve done around 390 episodes! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue to witness what happens next! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the “Vidura-Neeti” wherein Vidura is now taking every chance to lambast King Dhritarashtra for all what had happened till now at Hastinapura. Vidura reminds King Dhritarashtra again and again about that infamous gambling incident that happened thirteen years ago and how Draupati was insulted in the public courtroom to drive home the point that if a king acts with partiality and takes sides with one party, this is going to backfire at the king very badly in the near future. We’ve witnessed this incident in detail in our earlier episodes and we’ve seen how King Dhritarashtra’s gross inaction towards Duryodhana’s and Ducchaasana’s atrocities paved the way for gross “Adharma” to happen in front of everyone’s eyes! It should be noted here that even at that critical juncture when the gambling game was progressing, none except Vidura opened their mouths to lend a helping hand to Draupati and Yudishtra. At a time when Bhishmachaarya, Guru Dhronachaarya, Sage Kripachaarya and the other seniors were mute spectators to the “Adharma” that was being staged in public, Vidura was the only one who raised his voice even then. However, all of Vidura’s words went into deaf ears of King Dhritarashtra and the others! Vidura reminds and stings King Dhritarashtra with all these points and explains how a king should be neutral and fair towards all his subjects! Just because Duryodhana is his son, can King Dhritarashtra legitimise all his “Adharmic” acts? Saying thus, Vidura fumes in anger and despair! 

Moving forward thus, Vidura further blasts King Dhritatashtra – “Oh King Dhritarashtra! You are leaving Duryodhana, scot free because he is your son. Even though Duryodhana is at his peak of “Adharma” you are refusing to question him and bring him to book. However, imagine this situation – If the same activities would have been committed by Yudishtra or someone else in your kingdom, would you let them go scot free as well? You will definitely not! I’m sure you will dig out the rule book and start talking about rules if Yudishtra would have committed even one percentage of what Duryodhana has committed! However, when it comes to Duryodhana, you are keeping the rule book away! What kind of “Raaja Dharma” are you exhibiting? Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please remember one thing very clearly – A rule is a rule for everyone in the kingdom, irrespective of whether that person is Duryodhana or Karna or Ducchaasana or Yudishtra or Bheemasena or Arjuna. You should not differentiate between your subjects and apply rules selectively! I’m saying all this because you’ve not adhered to these rules properly in the past, and this is the reason for all the colossal mess that we are into today! When Yudishtra had to go to the forest for twelve years, plus one year of “Agnyaata-Vaasam”, did you question Duryodhana about how he came to a conclusion that Yudishtra be sent to the forest? Did Duryodhana adopt legitimate means to capture Indraprastha? If Duryodhana would have had any guts, he should have fought a war against Yudishtra and captured Indraprastha! Just because Yudishtra had lost a “friendly game” of gambling, was it fair on Duryodhana’s part to claim Indraprastha from Yudishtra? Isn’t it “Raaja-Dharma” that a kingdom be captured with the due process of a war? How did you allow Duryodhana to do all this nonsense? Had Yudishtra done that same thing, would you keep quiet? This is where you are partial as a king! If it comes to Duryodhana, you have one set of rules and if it comes to Yudishtra, you have another set of rules! What kind of administration is this? Hence, King Dhritarashtra! Even now it is not too late! Please mend your ways! If a person is genuine to you, be genuine to him as well! Do not show your fickle mindedness to genuine people!” 

Saying thus, Vidura blasts King Dhritarashtra left right and centre and for today, let us understand up to this point. We shall wait till the next episode to continue further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the Vidura-Neeti wherein Vidura is narrating a few important pointers pertaining to Raaja-Dharma, as narrated by Dattatreya to the Sahya-Devas. Here, Vidura stresses upon two important points which are directly applicable to King Dhritarashtra – A king should always be mindful of his words and communication techniques that he employs. Even though a king might be good in his intentions, if he uses the wrong words and starts dictating and abusing people, it would spell doom for him in the long run! Moreover, Vidura also talks about how a king should refrain from those activities that are banned by the “Shaastras” and the “Vedas”. This is a direct poke at King Dhritarashtra because he was the one who allowed the illegal gambling game to progress, without stopping it at any stage. We might still argue that it was Duryodhana who conducted the game and King Dhritarashtra was originally not in favor of playing the game. However, even though the king is not directly involved in the game, it is his bound duty to stop the game from happening even if it is being played by somebody else, isn’t it? This is where King Dhritarashtra failed miserably as a king! 

Moving on further, Vidura also lambasts King Dhritarashtra that he is acting more like a father towards Duryodhana, than a king. If King Dhritarashtra puts himself in the shoes of a king in front of Duroydhana, he would be able to reign and restore the “Dharma” at Hastinapura. However, King Dhritarashtra is adorning the role of a father, more than a king, and this is the reason why King Dhritarashtra is unable to raise his voice even a bit in front of Duryodhana.  Vidura continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please remember one thing very clearly here – You were born as a king and not as a father! The role of a father came to you much later. However, the role of a king is with you right from the beginning! Hence, you should give more importance to being a king, rather than being a father. As a king, your priority should be to discharge all your duties pertaining to this role, and your duties pertaining to being a father can always wait!” 

Vidura continues further thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! The first duty of yours as a king is to ensure that all your people fall in line, isn’t it? If people aren’t falling in line, what would be your next course of action? You would punish them appropriately, wouldn’t you? Oh King Dhritarashtra! Isn’t Duryodhana also one amongst your people? If that is the case, why is this rule applicable only for others, and not for Duryodhana? For all the atrocities that Duryodhana has committed so far, as a king, you should have given him appropriate punishments, isn’t it? Why didn’t you do this? You might argue that Duryodhana is my son and how will I punish him! If that is the case, isn’t Duryodhana one of your people? So, is the position of being a son more important for you as compared to the others? Isn’t it a clear case of nepotism? If the rest of your people would have committed the same mistake, would you be quiet? Hence, just because Duryodhana is your son, will you show respite and make him get away? Oh Dhritarashtra! Please remember one thing – A leader should always be impartial towards his subjects! This is the fundamental quality of leadership! If you’re not understanding this and if you’re going to take sides towards your son, your entire clan is going to go down the path of destruction very soon!”

Saying thus, Vidura highlights a very important point in leadership on how a leader should be neutral and unbiased towards his people. A leader should give an opportunity for growth to all his people equally and should not ignore one for the other. When it comes to punishing a wrong act, a leader should be ready to show neutrality! Whomsoever might have committed that mistake, even though that person might be a very close aide to the leader, he / she should be meted out with equal punishment! This is justice, isn’t it? So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura narrating yet another anecdote to King Dhritarashtra to drive home a few important pointers pertaining to “Raaja-Dharma” and how a king should always stick on to the path of “Dharma” at all times. Vidura narrates a few messages that Dattaatreya is giving to the “Saadhya-Devas”, who are asking a few clarifications to him. The highlight of the entire discussion is that, a leader should always maintain his calm and composure at all times. He should not lose his temper unwantedly and punish people unnecessarily. A king should also be fair and should treat everyone equally on the same plane. Moreover, the king’s job is to nurture a good environment for his subjects and should ensure that there is no negativity or hostility in the kingdom. These are important and pertinent points that we should also think about even in today’s context as leaders. 

Dattatretya’s conversation continues further thus: A king should not involve himself in any activity that is banned by the “Shaastras” (Scriptural texts). This is a direct poke on to King Dhritarashtra from Vidura, as he highlights this point clearly with a pause! This is because, as we all know, King Dhritarashtra was the person who allowed the gambling game to take place at the Hastinapura courtroom, isn’t it? Gambling game is something that is against the “Raaja Dharma” and a king should not be involved in such things. This is one of the most important blunders which King Dhritarashtra had committed – To allow Duryodhana, Sahuni and the others to go ahead with the gambling game. Even though he was not personally involved in the proceedings of the game, it is still considered to be a blunder because he had enabled Duryodhana and others to go for it! Hence, this event was the mark of King Dhritarashtra’s downfall! 

Moreover, moving forward, Vidura explains through Dattatreya’s accord that even though a king might be having good intentions, he might be doomed because of his wrong usage of words and communication. Thus, communication is a very important aspect that a king should adhere to and take care of. All of us might remember what Karna and Duryodhana spoke about Draupati when Ducchaasana was trying to physically assault her in the public courtroom during the gambling game episode. Duryodhana wanted to treat Draupati as his “Daasi” (Servant maid) and wanted to enjoy physical pleasures with her! Hence, Duryodhana publicly wanted Draupati to sit on his lap. Adding to these unparliamentary words, Karna started openly supporting Duryodhana by insulting Draupati that she is a wife of five husbands, a scenario which the world has never seen! These are deeply insulting words that were directed towards a chaste wife aren’t they? Hence, in the case of Karna, even though he had good intentions within him, he marked his downfall due to such unparliamentary words that he employed against Draupati. 

Narrating all these points, Vidura asks King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I fail to understand one thing with you – Why isn’t Duryodhana listening to your words? Why are you unable to tame Duryodhana and mend his ways? Are you a king or a father in the first place? Which position do you give more importance to, when it comes to Duryodhana? Are you a king first, or a father? This is where you are faltering big time! You do not know how to strike a balance between being a father and a king! Because you’re giving more importance to the position of a father, you are compromising your “Dharma” that you need to perform as a righteous king. Oh King Dhritarashtra! It is high time now that you mend Duryodhana’s ways, both as a father as well as a king! If you’re not doing it now, it is going to be too late as consequences are going to be disastrous not only for Duryodhana, but for the entire Kaurava clan as a whole! The earlier you realize this, the better it is for Hastinapura!” 

Saying thus, Vidura blasts King Dhritarashtra for his gross inaction towards Duryodhana! 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 Vidura narrating the story of Virochana and Sudhanva and how both of them fell in love with a lady by name Kesini. Thus, as only one person can marry Kesini at the end, both Virochana and Sudhanva decided to approach Prahlaada who was the mediator to solve this issue. We’ve also seen Vidura narrating how Prahlaada stood on with his path of “Dharma” as he is a great “Mahatma” hismelf! Even though Sudhanva was Prahlaada’s son, Prahlaada did not support the cause of Sudhanva, and instead delivered the right verdict in favour of Virochana. Highlighting this, Vidura explains how King Dhritarashtra too should follow the footsteps of Prahlaada in following the path of “Dharma” when it comes to making crucial decisions. In the case of King Dhritarashtra, even though Duryodhana might be his son, King Dhritarashtra should always rule in the favor of “Dharma” even if it might be against the likes of Duryodhana. This is where King Dhritarashtra is failing miserably as a king, because he is clearly struggling to balance between the interests of his kingdom as against the interests of his own son! 

Moving on thus, Vidura now narrates yet another story to drive home the same point. He now talks about Dattaatreya and how he met the “Saadhya-Devas”. The “Saadhya-Devas” are extremely scholarly people, but still, they want to clear some of their important doubts and misconceptions with Dattaatreya, who is also an equally scholarly person as them! Here too, various aspects of “Dharma” are clearly defined and explained. I’m not going into the entire discussion here as we’ve already discussed this during our earlier “Vidura-Neeti” project in detail. However, I shall just summarize the important snippets of what Dattaatreya is trying to explain here. He talks about the various aspects of “Dharma” that a king should follow. Firstly, Dattaatreya explains that a king should not fume in anger upon anybody immediately. In other words, a king should have his temper under control at all times. This is a very important point that we also need to adhere to. As a leader, a person should always stay calm and composed at all times. If a leader starts panicking with anger and frustration, the entire team goes into the brink of failure quite easily. 

Secondly and most importantly, a king should not insult anyone unwantedly. Some leaders today have this habit in organisational setups today – Just because they might have a grudge on someone, they would start insulting that person in public with all kinds of words and sentences! This is an entirely wrong approach. A leader’s job is to nurture a harmonious team environment, rather than picking out someone and insulting him / her. Thirdly, a king should be very careful not to ditch anyone! A king should be fair and treat everyone equally without any bias or prejudice. This is also a very important point in today’s context! Some leaders have the habit of “taking sides” with a few of his / her teammates and ultimately ditch the others! This is an extremely dangerous approach and can backfire easily at the leader. Hence, leaders should be neutral to all and should be very careful in implementing this aspect. 

Fourth, a king should never have the intention of “I” (Selfishness). A leader should always have a “We” approach, which means that this leader is trying to take his people along with him / her. This is the hallmark of a great leader. Conversely, some leaders have this habit – Whenever there is a success, the leader wants to take complete credit for himself and hence, he takes up the “I” approach! However, when there is a failure, the leader would pass on the buck to his people and at this time, he would run away from the scene! This is the most cowardly type of leadership that one can ever see! When there is a success, a leader should attribute it to his team, rather than taking full credit upon himself! When there is a failure, a leader should come forward and take responsibility for the same. This is the hallmark of a good leader, isn’t it?

So for today, let us think upon all these aspects that Vidura is explaining with regards to leadership and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the Vidura Neeti, wherein Vidura is lending a few important words of wisdom to King Dhritarashtra pertaining to the various aspects of “Raaja-Dharma”. Vidura explains to King Dhritarashtra about “decision-making” and how assertive a king should be when it comes to this important aspect. In this regard, Vidura lambasts King Dhritarashtra for his gross inaction during the infamous gambling episode and criticizes him for not taming Duryodhana’s atrocities with assertiveness. However, King Dhritarashtra accepts the fact that his “Putra-Vaatsalya” towards his son Duryodhana is blinding him completely and asks Vidura to explain whether he should go by his “Putra-Vaatsalya” or by the path of “Dharma”. For this, Vidura explains the story of Virochana and Sudhanva. This is a very important story wherein both of them fall in love with a woman called Kesini. As this happens, both Virochana and Sudhanva trade barbs at each other and try to establish why one is better than the other in terms of eligibility to marry Kesini. Let us continue this story from this point onwards. 

Moving on further thus, as both of them go to Kesini to get her opinion, she says that it is better that a mediator talks on behalf of her. As per Sudhanva’s opinion, Prahlaada is called to be a mediator to solve this case. However, Virochana is sceptical – How can my father be a mediator in this case? Won’t he be biased towards me because he is my father? This is where Virochana replies back with an important answer – “Oh Sudhanva! This is the extent to which you know about your father. Prahlaada is a great scholar and a person who is engrossed in the devotion towards Bhagawan Vishnu. He knows what is “Dharma” and what is not. Hence, even though he might be your father, he will always traverse the path of “Dharma”. This is why I suggested that Prahlaada should be the mediator for this!” 

Thus, both of them go to Prahlaada who is seated in his “Aasana”. Prahlaada welcomes both of them and asks the details of the problem. Both Sudhanva and Virochana explain their stance to Prahlaada and explain why one should marry Kesini and the other should not. Sudhanva explains how he is a great Brahmana Rishi and he is extremely scholarly in nature and how he is the perfect fit to marry Kesini. As Sudhanva completes his accord, Virochana explains how he is a great “Kshatrya” prince and why he would be the best fit to marry Kesini. Listening to both these accords separately, Prahlaada thinks for a while and delivers his verdict thus, “Oh Sudhanva and Virochana! Going by the facts of this case, I think the person who is extremely scholarly and learned, should be the apt one to marry Kesini, as she is someone who hails from such a family. Hence, to understand Kesini and live along with her, a person who is learned would be more fit. Thus with this, I feel that Virochana is the right person to marry Kesini!” 

Thus, as Prahlaada delivers his verdict, Virochana immediately stands in respect for him and worships him. Upon hearing this from his own father, Sudhanva too accepts his father, Prahlaada’s verdict and lets Virochana marry Kesini. Quoting this story thus, Vidura quips King Dhritarashtra thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! Look at how Prahlaada was assertive here with his decision. Prahlada stood for “Dharma” and even with his son’s life and future in question, Prahlaada decided not to support his son blindly and instead, decided to support the cause of “Dharma”. This is what is expected from you. Whereas on the other hand, look at what you are doing – Even though you are aware of the fact that Duryodhana is walking the path of gross “Adharma”, you are not able to ask him anything just because Duryodhana is your son! This is where you are getting blinded! As a king, you should always stand by the “Dharma”, no matter who is in question! Hence, King Dhritarashtra! Even now it is not too late. You may still take an assertive stance and deliver justice to Yudishtra, who is the one following the path of “Dharma” perfectly!” 

Saying thus, Vidura tries to drive home the important point that a righteous king is the one who always stands by the “Dharma” without getting influenced by anything other than it! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura getting frustrated with King Dhritarashtra as he asks a provoking question. King Dhritarashtra had asked Vidura to pick a choice between “Dharma” and “Putra Vaatsalya” and what he should follow from here on. Listening to this seemingly stupid question from King Dhritarashtra, Vidura strongly asserts that it is “Dharma” that he should always follow. Vidura lambasts King Dhritarashtra that he should be ashamed of telling that he has a thought of giving importance and priority to “Putra-Vaatsalya” over “Dharma”. Vidura clearly explains that if King Dhritarashtra is getting carried away by the “Putra-Vaatsalya” (which he is currently getting carried away with), he is going to face disastrous consequences in the near future, wherein a huge threat is looming large for his entire Kaurava clan! King Dhritarashtra wants Yudishtra to sacrifice again and again, but does he have the guts to convince Duryodhana and make him compromise Indraprastha to Yudishtra? The answer is a big “No”! Thus, Vidura claims that if this stalemate continues, the entire administration would break down within no time! 

Highlighting this point further, Vidura narrates a story about a woman by name Kesini. Because of this woman, two people got into a huge fight. One such person was Sudhanva and the other person was Virochana. We’ve witnessed earlier that Virochana was the son of Prahlaada. Thus, for this one woman called Kesini, both Sudhanva and Virochana got into a fight! Now let us witness what happens here and why this fight kicked up between the two of them. At one point in time, both Sudhanva and Virochana fell in love with Kesini and both of them wanted to marry her. However, as per the norm, only one person can be Kesini’s husband, isn’t it? Hence, a competition started brewing up between the two youngsters. Sudhanva goes up to Virochana and says thus, “Oh Virochana! You are a “Kshatrya” and I’m a “Brahmana”! In all possible ways, I’m of a higher plane of mind and intellect as compared to you. Going by whatever I’ve achieved in life, you are not even qualified to sit near me! Hence, how would you even talk and think about the one whom I’ve fallen in love? I’m someone who has complete control over my senses and my mind! You are not even closer to where I am in spiritual progress. Hence, please mind your business and go away from here. Kesini is only fit to be married to me and not to you!” 

As Sudhanva says, Virochana gets angry! He replies thus, “Oh Sudhanva! Whatever you’re saying is utter nonsense! You say that you have complete control over your mind and senses and if that is true, why is your mind and senses running towards a woman? You should be able to win over this desire, shouldn’t you? Hence, this is a clear case of lying and greediness on your side! Oh Sudhanva! I’m a Kshatrya, and I’m invincible in warfare. You can’t even come close to me, given my infinite prowess! Hence, it is you who have to make your way out of this contest. Kesini will always be mine and I’m the one who is fit to marry her!” 

As this debate started raging between the two of them, it was decided that both of them would approach Kesini and leave the decision to her! As both of them approached Kesini with their proposal, Kesini replies thus, Oh Sudhanva and Virochana! I do not have the authority to take a call on this matter! Maybe we shall call a mediator. This mediator can decide who is better suited to marry me!” Now the question comes – Who will be that mediator? Sudhanva is very particular that this person should neither be known to him nor to Virochana. It should be completely a third person who does not have any connection with both of them. After a long brainstorming, it was decided that Prahlaada himself will be that person who will mediate between the two! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further as to what was the mediator’s verdict on this issue! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura training his guns towards King Dhritarashtra with regards to the current brewing situation at Hastinapura. Vidura is extremely critical about King Dhritarashtra’s one-sided attitude and his indecisiveness and explains to him that it is because of these two primary reasons, King Dhritarashtra is unable to sleep properly without any worries. Two major things have stood out till now – Firstly, King Dhritarashtra is doing a gross injustice (“Adharma”) to someone who is an epitome of “Dharma”! This is bound to backfire on him very badly according to Vidura’s advice. Secondly, since King Dhritarashtra has either directly or indirectly abducted Yudishtra’s property, severe repercussions are looming large! This has a potential not only to destroy King Dhritarashtra, but also the entire Kaurava clan stands at the verge of depletion! 

As Vidura flags the warning signal directly thus, King Dhritarashtra casts a worried look! He knows that his actions are solely responsible for all the colossal mess that is happening, but he is clearly struggling to cope up with it. Realizing this, King Dhritarashtra sheds tears of helplessness and talks to Vidura thus, “Oh Vidura! I’m deeply anguished by whatever is happening at Hastinapura! My heart aches with the incidents that have happened here and I’m also deeply ashamed of them! I know that my son is walking the path of gross “Adharma” on all fronts! However, I’m unable to ask anything from him and my “Putra-Vatsalya” is pulling me down everytime! Hence, if there is a choice that I’ve to make between “Dharma” and “Putra-Vaatsalya”, which should be the option that I should choose, and why? Why can’t Yudishtra come for a compromise? In any case, Yudishtra knows the wickedness of Duryodhana and his ego, doesn’t he? If a disastrous war has to be avoided, Yudishtra being an epitome of “Dharma”, should go in for a compromise, isn’t it? Why is he not doing that?”

As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Vidura doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry at this question! Anyways, as a minister, it is his duty to advise King Dhritarashtra on the way forward, isn’t it? Hence with a heavy heart, Vidura replies thus, “Oh King Dhritarashtra! If it is a question about “Dharma” vs. “Putra-Vatsalya”, I would always vouch for “Dharma”. Irrespective of whether Duryodhana is your son or not, “Dharma” is supreme and as a righteous king, “Dharma” is the first priority! You should be more assertive as a king and should be able to balance between Duryodhana and Yudishtra and their preferences. In your case, your excessive attachment towards your son is blinding you from the path of “Dharma”. Moreover think of this – You’re saying that Yudishtra should compromise – How much will he do? He has been compromising everything for you and your son for all these years! Right from the day he was born, Duryodhana has always looked at ways and means to kill him, isn’t it? Even after becoming adults, Duryodhana has used every ounce of opportunity to demean and insult Yudishtra at all forums! During that infamous gambling episode, was Duryodhana’s act fair? If you’re talking about “Dharma” and compromise, why are you talking only about what Yudishtra should do? Why aren’t you talking about what Duryodhana should do? By asking such questions like why Yudishtra isn’t ready to compromise, you are only trying to justify your son’s “Adharmic” acts! To be very frank, you should feel ashamed of asking such questions and making Yudishtra go for a compromise! Hadn’t he compromised his kingdom for thirteen long years and suffered in the forest? Do you think life in the forest is easy? He has borne enormous hardships in his life for whom? It is for you only! He wanted to act as per “Dharma” and has always tried to avert a war-like situation! But how long should Yudishtra hold on like this?”

Saying thus, Vidura gets visibly angry and blasts King Dhritarashtra! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further wherein Vidura is going to illustrate his point with a beautiful story! Stay tuned! 🙂

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Vidura continuing with his accord about the various aspects of “Dharma” that he is explaining to King Dhritarashtra, which is what we refer to as the “Vidura-Neeti”. We’ve witnessed Vidura talking about how a king should always have the habit of listening to experts for consultative decision-making, how a king should not just listen, but should act upon the discussed points as and when required. This is where Vidura is pointing out to King Dhritarashtra that of course he listens to both Vidura and Sanjaya, but he seldom follows their advice and puts it into implementation. Vidura reminds King Dhritarashtra that it is his sole responsibility to put an end to the brewing crisis between the Kauravas and the Paandavas and it is he who has to hand over Indraprastha duly to Yudishtra. However, if he is going to listen to Duryodhana’s evil blackmails and is going to take his side, Vidura warns of a severe disaster wherein the possibility of destruction of the entire Kaurava clan looms large! 

Listening to all these words from Vidura, it is now King Dhritarashtra’s turn to reply and respond. Vidura has this knack – He knows where the conversation should be continued and where it should be paused! 🙂 So now, as he has started to poke King Dhritarashtra more directly, Vidura smartly stops the conversation and allows King Dhritarashtra to think! Then, a thoughtful King Dhritarashtra responds back thus, “Oh Vidura! You’ve been listing out various characteristics of people who do not get sleep properly. Now tell me the ways and means through which I can get a peaceful sleep when I go to bed! Till now, you’ve been mentioning various categories of people who fall under the “Panditha” and “Mooda” lineages, isn’t it? Now let me tell you frankly – I come under the second lineage only and I know that very well! 🙂 Now tell me how I get over this! What should I do to retrieve my lost sleep and peace of mind!” 

As King Dhritarashtra asks thus, Vidura laughs for a minute and replies back: “Oh King Dhritarashtra! I think I’ve already answered your question! If you’ve abducted someone else’s property, it is obviously difficult for you to get peace of mind and good sleep. However, if you’re in no way connected to the loss of others’ property, then the story is different! But in your case, the first category holds good! Oh Dhritarashtra! Please realize one thing very clearly – According to the rules of nature, if you do something bad to someone, it backfires on you immediately! If you see Yudishtra’s condition today, he is very happy and peaceful. I’m sure he is also having a good sleep during the night too! This is because, Yudishtra’s thoughts are steadfast on “Dharma” and its application. He has not thought anything bad for anyone all through his life! He has not abducted or even desired for others’ property. He has not been instrumental for others to suffer! If you do good to someone, that “Punya Karma” is going to benefit both you and your family in a lot of ways. Hence, Oh King Dhritarashtra! Please think good and do good for a “Dharma-Atma” like Yudishtra. You are directly or indirectly causing a lot of pain and suffering to someone who doesn’t even think of causing any pain to you at any point in time. Hence, do you understand the magnitude of the sin that you and your sons are committing?” 

Asking directly thus, Vidura literally blasts King Dhritarashtra for his irresponsible activities towards Yudishtra and Co. and also exposes some of them in the conversation that is going to follow! Thus, we can understand one thing very clearly here – Whatever actions we perform at this moment are sure to have an equal and an opposite reaction upon us sooner or later! This is how the “Karma” theory works, and this is exactly what Vidura is trying to explain here! Thus, the point here is that, we’ve to be very careful with our actions! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion forward! Stay tuned! 🙂