Section CXXXI - The Birth and Training of Drona: Tales from Mahabharata
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXXI 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:
Bhishma sought a skilled teacher for his grandsons, the Kuru princes, and chose Drona, well-versed in the science of arms. Drona was born from the vital fluid preserved by his preceptor Bharadvaja. He learned the Agneya weapon from Agnivesa and married Kripi. Their son Asvatthaman was named for his horse-like cry at birth.
Drona, desiring Rama's knowledge of arms, visited the son of Bhrigu and obtained all his weapons and martial knowledge. Rama had given away all his wealth to Brahmanas and offered Drona either his body or weapons. Drona chose the weapons and their mysteries. He then set out for his friend Drupada's city with the acquired knowledge.
Asvatthaman, Drona's son, was born and raised in the hermitage, excelling in the science of arms. Drona approached Rama, seeking his weapons and knowledge, and was granted his wish. Drona then went to his friend Drupada's kingdom to fulfill his purpose.
Drupada, the king of the northern Pancalas and son of Prishata, was a childhood companion of Drona. Drona married Kripi and had a son, Asvatthaman, who showed great prowess in arms. Drona was successful in acquiring Rama's knowledge and weapons, setting the stage for his future as a renowned teacher and warrior.
Drona's quest for knowledge and mastery of arms led him to seek Rama's weapons and martial expertise. Despite challenges and obstacles, Drona's determination and dedication to his purpose allowed him to fulfill his ambitions and become a revered figure in the world of warfare and education.
Full English translation:
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Section CXXXI, 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 CXXXI:
Who was Drona's teacher and how did he acquire his knowledge of weapons?
Drona was taught by Bharadvaja's son, Drona himself was born from a vessel holding vital fluid. He acquired knowledge of weapons from Rama.
Who was Asvatthaman and how was he born?
Asvatthaman was Drona's son, born after Drona married Kripi. Upon birth, he neighed like a horse, earning him the name Asvatthaman.
Why did Drona seek Rama's wealth and weapons?
Drona sought Rama's wealth and weapons as he desired both eternal wealth and the knowledge of Rama's celestial weapons and morality.
How did Drona acquire all of Rama's weapons and knowledge of arms?
Drona approached Rama in the Mahendra mountains and requested his wealth and weapons. Rama willingly gave Drona all his weapons and the science of arms.
Daily life: The Birth and Training of Drona: Tales from Mahabharata:
The tale serves as an intriguing metaphor for the pursuit of knowledge and excellence, emphasizing the value of determination, mentorship, and the transformative power of friendship and rivalry. To apply its lessons to our daily lives, we begin by acknowledging the importance of selecting mentors who are not only skilled but also imbued with wisdom and moral values. This parallels Bhishma's careful choice of Drona as the instructor for the Kuru princes, recognizing the profound impact a teacher has on shaping one's character and capabilities.
Embracing lifelong learning and continuously seeking to expand our own capabilities is another vital takeaway. Drona's relentless quest for knowledge, which led him to seek out Rama for his celestial weapons and wisdom, exemplifies an aspirational approach to self-improvement and mastery in our chosen fields. This teaches us to remain students at heart, always open to acquiring new skills and insights that can propel us forward.
Relationships and connections play pivotal roles in our journeys, as evidenced by the dynamic between Drona and Drupada, which fluctuated from friendship to rivalry. This reminds us to nurture positive relationships and remain open to collaboration and learning from others, understanding that competition can sometimes veer into hostility, which should be navigated with wisdom and forbearance.
Moreover, the narrative underscores the essence of humility and dedication. Drona's initial approach to Rama, where he explicitly states his desires and intentions, teaches the value of honesty and humility in seeking help or mentorship. It serves as a reminder that achieving greatness often requires the support and guidance of others, and we should not shy away from expressing our needs and goals.
Finally, the recognition of Asvatthaman's unique talents from birth encourages us to acknowledge and foster the innate strengths and potential within ourselves and others. Every individual has unique abilities that, when harnessed and developed, contribute to personal and communal growth.
In conclusion, the story of Drona offers lessons on the pursuit of knowledge, the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, nurturing relationships, humility, and recognizing individual potential. These principles, when applied, can guide us towards personal excellence and a fulfilling life.