Section CLXIII - Protecting Brahmanas from the Rakshasa: Kunti's Plan with Bhima
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLXIII 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:
Kunti, a noble woman, offers to send one of her five sons to deliver tribute to a Rakshasa in place of a Brahmana's family being sacrificed by the demon. The Brahmana refuses, stating that it is better to sacrifice oneself than to harm a Brahmana. He believes that protecting a guest is important and that sacrificing a Brahmana is the highest sin. Kunti agrees and assures the Brahmana that her son, Bhima, will be able to handle the task and protect himself from the Rakshasa. Bhima agrees to take on the challenge to save the Brahmana's family without hesitation. The Brahmana and his wife are relieved and grateful for the help offered by Kunti and Bhima.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CLXIII - Protecting Brahmanas from the Rakshasa: Kunti's Plan with Bhima, have a look at the following articles:
Section CLXIII, 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 CLXIII:
How did Kunti plan to rescue the Brahmana from the Rakshasa?
Kunti suggested sending one of her five sons to deliver tribute to the Rakshasa. She believed her son's strength and skills would keep him safe.
Why did the Brahmana refuse to sacrifice his own life to save the Brahmana?
The Brahmana believed it was a greater sin to sacrifice a Brahmana's life. He valued protecting Brahmanas above all, even if it meant his own sacrifice.
How did Bhima react when asked to rescue the Brahmana from the Rakshasa?
Bhima agreed to the task and was confident in his abilities to face the Rakshasa.
Daily life: Protecting Brahmanas from the Rakshasa: Kunti's Plan with Bhima:
In the above story, Kunti and a Brahmana discuss a moral dilemma about sacrificing oneself or others to save lives from a creature threatening the Brahmana’s family. Kunti offers one of her own sons to face the danger, showcasing the value of selflessness and the readiness to protect those in need, despite the personal cost. The Brahmana, on his part, refuses to accept the sacrifice of another's life for his safety, highlighting the principle of not doing harm to save oneself. Both characters prioritize moral integrity over personal gain, demonstrating virtues like compassion, bravery, and respect for life.
From this narrative, we can glean important lessons for daily life. It teaches us the importance of protecting and valuing others, emphasizing that true courage involves the willingness to make personal sacrifices for the greater good. It also shows the significance of adhering to one's ethical principles, even in the face of dire circumstances. Applying these teachings in our everyday lives means acting with compassion, standing up for those in need, and making choices that reflect our deepest values, rather than opting for the easy or self-serving path. In essence, the story encourages us to live a life of integrity, courage, and compassion.