Section LXXXVIII - Yayati Falls from Heaven: Encounter with Ashtaka
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXXVIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Yayati, after completing his duties, claimed to be unmatched in ascetic austerities, which angered Indra, causing him to fall from heaven. As he fell, he was spotted by Ashtaka, who questioned his identity and offered him refuge among the virtuous and wise. Ashtaka assured Yayati of his safety in their presence and emphasized the importance of respecting one's superiors and equals. Yayati's fall served as a lesson to not disregard others' merits. Ultimately, Yayati found shelter and support among the virtuous and wise.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXXVIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section LXXXVIII:
Why did Yayati fall from heaven according to Indra?
Yayati fell from heaven because he disregarded superiors, equals, and inferiors without understanding their merits, leading to a diminution in his virtues.
Who encountered Yayati as he fell from the sky?
Ashtaka, a royal sage and protector of his own religion, encountered Yayati as he fell from the celestial region due to his diminishing virtues.
How did Ashtaka address Yayati and offer him comfort?
Ashtaka recognized Yayati's beauty and energy, comparing him to celestial beings. He assured Yayati of safety in the presence of wise and virtuous individuals.
Daily life: Yayati Falls from Heaven: Encounter with Ashtaka:
In the story shared, we observe the tale of Yayati, a king who, despite his ascetic endeavors, faced a fall from heaven due to his lack of regard for those around him. This narrative unfolds a profound teaching about humility and respect for others, regardless of their position or status. To incorporate this wisdom into our daily lives, we should start by recognizing and valuing the intrinsic worth of every individual we encounter. Just like Yayati’s lesson from his interaction with Indra, it’s crucial to never underestimate anyone and to understand that every person has their own set of virtues and strengths.
The story also underscores the importance of being surrounded by and falling among the virtuous and wise. This highlights another lesson: the company we keep significantly influences our personal growth and moral compass. Engaging with individuals who embody wisdom and virtue can inspire us and foster our own path towards becoming better versions of ourselves.
Furthermore, Yayati’s experience teaches us about the consequences of our actions and attitudes towards others. His desire, even in downfall, to be amongst the righteous, serves as a reminder that our aspirations should always align with moral and ethical values. In essence, by practicing humility, valuing every individual, and aspiring to be in the company of the wise, we can lead a life that is not only fulfilling but also enriching for those around us.