To understand the dangers of krōdha and the importance of kṣamā, one needs to revisit the conversation between Draupadi and Dharmaraja Yudhishtira that runs thus, "It is anger that kills man. A man progresses when he is able to overcome anger. Anger is the cause for man's advancement and declination. The one who suppresses anger... Continue Reading →
Living by the Scriptures – Yaksha Prasna – Approach to an unexpected situation
The scriptures (Puranas, Mahabharat, Ramayana, Upanishads, commentaries and other treatises) are one's solace in times of difficulty and one must seek refuge in their wisdom. It is imperative for one to adopt the tenets of the scriptures in a practical manner to make life blissful. The prelude to the 'Yaksha Prasna' reveals the approach... Continue Reading →
The Greatness of Annadāna and Jaladāna
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, “O wise one! O scion of Bharat! You have declared that annadāna is the ultimate. Pitāmaha! Now, I beg you to please tell me the fruit that is received from jaladāna. I wish to hear this from you in detail." Bheeshma replied, "I will tell you everything clearly. Listen carefully from... Continue Reading →
The Greatness of Gau (Cow)
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, “O Pitāmaha! What type of affection develops by seeing and staying with someone? Also, what is the greatness of gau? Please tell me in detail." Bheeshma thoughtfully replied, "O radiant king! I will narrate the conversation between Chyavana Maharshi and Nahusha on this matter. In the ancient days, Chyavana Maharshi, son... Continue Reading →
Conversation between Indra and Shuka (parrot)
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, “O epitome of dharma! Pitāmaha! I now wish to hear the qualities of compassionate and devout persons. Please have mercy on me and reveal these qualities to me." Bheeshma thoughtfully replied, "Yudhishtira! I will narrate the ancient incident that took place between a high-minded parrot and Indra. In the... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Annadāna
Dharmaraja Yudhishtira asked Bheeshma, "O most exalted one! Please tell me what should be donated to resolute Brahmans in this world by a king who wishes to do dāna. What dāna makes a Brahman happy? O mighty-armed one! Please tell me about the fruits of dāna. Which dāna gives extraordinary fruits in this earthly world and... Continue Reading →
Shree Hanuman reassures Bheemasena of their victory over the Kauravas
Shree Hanuman revealed the glorious form that He took to cross the mighty ocean to Lanka on the request of Bheemasena. This splendorous form that puts fear in the hearts of the sinners and brings joy to the devout astounded Bheemasena. Bheemasena profusely thanked Shree Rāma bhakta Shree Hanuman and offered prostrations. Shree Hanuman... Continue Reading →
Durvāsā Maharshi arrives at an inopportune time as a guest at the ashram of the Pancha Pandavas
Durvāsā Maharshi pleased with the devotion and service of Duryodhana offered him a boon. The evil-minded Duryodhana had already conferred with his brothers and Karna earlier, "O revered Brahman! Maharaja Yudhishtira is the oldest and the best in our lineage. At this moment, the pious Yudhishtira is residing in the forest along with his brothers.... Continue Reading →
Chapter 32 – Conclusion
The tragic tale of Draupadi’s distress must have a silver lining. Born of fire, she was endowed with the fiery power to reduce Duryodhana, Dusshaasana, Karna and Shakuni (besides whomsoever she wanted) to ashes in a second. But she willed otherwise! Those armed with divine power refrain from exhibiting their talent and resources. So did... Continue Reading →
Chapter 31 – Yudhishtira’s reply
“Draupadi! I have followed the path of righteousness not with any expectation of fruits. I have chosen the Vedic path. I have adopted the righteous path in the same way as other righteous ones have followed. By nature, my mind is fixed on the pursuit of dharma. Do not have doubts about dharma which is... Continue Reading →
Chapter 30 – Draupadi’s dig at dharma
Yudhishtira’s sermon on the qualities of kindness and mercy were not acceptable to Draupadi. She said: “I offer my salutations to Parameswara who has caused unrealistic attachments to your intellect, and to the inexorable fate (Prarabdha) responsible for your present unfortunate state. Although your intellect had to toe the line of your forefathers, it has... Continue Reading →
Chapter 29 – Quality of mercy
Yudhishtira continued his sermon to Draupadi: Kashyapa spells out Mercy’s “marma” Quality of mercy is man’s “dharma” Displaying the attribute is “dharana” Mercy personified is Vedic scripture One knowing this rises to ancient culture! Mercy is Brahman and verily the truth, Foundation for future and present path, In world’s operations aftermath! Mercy is... Continue Reading →
Chapter 28 – Anatomy of anger
Yudhishtira Uvaacha: “Enlightened one! Anger kills men: Conquest of ire Bales them out of fire! Flame is cause of all Men’s rise or fall! Whoever subdues anger Verily is bound to prosper! For one unable to zoom Ire spells the doom! The irritable one In a veritable sinner! Sans Introspection, ‘Speaks’ many a... Continue Reading →
Chapter 27 – Brahma Thejas and Kshaatra Thejas
The distress of Draupadi and of the Pandavas in the forest had a silver lining. The best among the Brahmins who were Vedic scholars had joined the Pandavas’s camp in the forest and were patronized by Yudhishtira and the entire clan of Kshatriyas. The forest which was reverberating with the soothing sound of Vedic hymns reminded... Continue Reading →
Chapter 26 – Four causes of distress
That Yudhishtira would recover his lost kingdom (after the forest life) from the Kauravas was also asserted by Markandaya Maharshi. Sri Krishna sought to assure Yudhishtira that the Pandavas would not have been lured into playing the accursed game of dice if he had been in Dwaravathi. He said he would have personally intervened... Continue Reading →
Chapter 25 – Draupadi cries before Krishna
There used to be many visitors to Pandavas in the forest. Draupadi and Arjuna once offered long prayers to Krishna. The Lord came to offer words of comfort. “Krishna!” said Draupadi shedding tears, “you are aware of the shame and distress caused to me in the august assembly the other day. In an inhuman... Continue Reading →
Chapter 24 – Dusshasana should beg Draupadi’s pardon
The scene at Hastinapur was somewhat different as tensions in Dhrutharashtra’s mind were mounting. Vidura gave a three-point formula for the King to follow to set matters right. The first was that Dusshaasana should, in an open court-hall filled with members, offer unconditional apology and seek the pardon of Draupadi and Bhimasena for the heinous... Continue Reading →
Chapter 23 – Draupadi’s distress in the forest
What was the factor that brought distress to Draupadi and the Pandavas? The people who found it difficult to part company with them had a unique answer. They had gone into the fundamentals of the problems. They had known that the Kauravas and Pandavas were poles apart in principles and qualities. Satsang “Dharmaraja!” said... Continue Reading →
Chapter 22 – Draupadi’s distress, crime and punishment
While Dhrutharashtra and Vidura were still in conversation with each other, Narada Maharshi heading a team of Rishis entered the royal auditorium and confirmed Draupadi’s prophecy and disappeared soon: “In the fourteenth year from now,” said the resplendent Narada, “as a result of Duryodhana’s sin against Draupadi and the Pandavas, all the Kauravas will be destroyed at... Continue Reading →
Chapter 21 – Draupadi’s farewell
How did Draupadi leave for the forest? How did Yudhishtira and his brothers migrate to the forest and what was their frame of mind? These were the questions that confronted Dhrutharashtra, son of Ambika, and for which he sought an answer from Vidura. “Maharaja!” answered Vidura, “Yudhishtira had his face covered at the time... Continue Reading →
Chapter 20 – Recollections of distress
Vidura felt very unhappy with the circumstances leading to Pandavas's bad time. But recovering his balance, he led Kunti to his house, with words of wisdom he was known for. Women’s protest in Kauravas’s camp The news from the women’s camp in the Kauravas’s palace was also one of great sorrow. They had known... Continue Reading →
Chapter 19 – Draupadi’s parting pangs
Draupadi sought mother-in-law Kunti’s permission to accompany the Pandavas to forest. She informed all the ladies about her readiness to leave and they were very sad about it. She offered salutations to the elders and embraced those equal to her. Some of the ladies could not help shedding tears and embraced her and gave a... Continue Reading →
Chapter 18 – Bhima’s vow
Bhima’s anger knew no bounds. He openly declared and took a vow to kill Dhrutharashtra’s children to quench the bloody thirst and anger. Duryodhana added fuel to the fire by making highly indecorous and indecent gestures aimed at Pandava’s humiliation. But his awkward demeanour delighted the other members of the “gang of four”, namely Dusshaasana,... Continue Reading →
Chapter 17 – Draupadi, the target again!
When both the Pandavas and Kauravas sat for the game, Shakuni, sporting a mischievous smile said to Yudhishtira, “Dharmaraja, the King has returned all your wealth which you lost last time. It is quite appropriate to see something which belonged to you being restored to you. Now, we are no longer interested in staking wealth... Continue Reading →
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