Section LXXVIII - Arjuna Urges Krishna to Take Action for Peace or War
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXVIII 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:
Arjuna expresses his doubts about the possibility of achieving peace with the Kauravas, as he sees their covetous nature and their continued aggression towards the Pandavas. He acknowledges the importance of human effort and strength in achieving one's goals, but also believes that peace is still attainable if properly proposed. Arjuna urges Krishna, whom he considers the foremost friend of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas, to strive for peace with the enemy for the benefit of all. He recounts the injustices suffered by the Pandavas at the hands of Duryodhana and questions whether he is capable of being just in his dealings with them.
Arjuna expresses his willingness to support whatever course of action Krishna deems necessary, whether peace or war, to bring resolution to the conflict. He questions whether Duryodhana, who resorted to deceit to usurp their kingdom, deserves anything but destruction. Arjuna recalls the humiliation of Draupadi in the assembly and the patience with which they endured it, casting doubt on Duryodhana's ability to act justly towards the Pandavas. He implores Krishna to act swiftly and decisively in the best interest of the Pandavas, whether it be through peaceful negotiations or more aggressive measures.
In his plea to Krishna, Arjuna reflects on the challenges they have faced and the need for a resolution to the conflict that has plagued them for so long. He acknowledges the difficulty of the situation but remains hopeful that with Krishna's intervention, peace can be achieved. Arjuna's appeal to Krishna demonstrates his trust in his friend's wisdom and ability to navigate the complexities of the situation to bring about a favorable outcome. He expresses his readiness to support any decision Krishna makes, whether it involves diplomacy or military action, to secure justice for the Pandavas.
Arjuna's words reflect his deep concern for the well-being of his family and his desire for a just resolution to the ongoing conflict with the Kauravas. He emphasizes the importance of taking decisive action to address the injustices they have suffered and to ensure their rights are restored. Arjuna's plea to Krishna underscores his belief in the power of their bond and his confidence in Krishna's ability to guide them towards a resolution that is beneficial for all parties involved. He calls on Krishna to act swiftly and decisively to bring an end to their suffering and secure a brighter future for the Pandavas.
Overall, Arjuna's plea to Krishna conveys his deep sense of urgency and determination to see an end to the conflict with the Kauravas. He trusts in Krishna's wisdom and leadership to navigate the challenges they face and to bring about a just resolution to their grievances. Arjuna's words showcase his unwavering loyalty to his friend and his unwavering commitment to securing justice for his family, no matter the obstacles they may encounter along the way.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXVIII, 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 LXXVIII:
Is peace between the Pandavas and Kurus possible?
It seems difficult due to distressful conditions. Arjuna advises Krishna to strive for peace. War or peace, Krishna's wish will be honored.
Why does Arjuna suggest peace with the foe?
Despite past injustices, Arjuna believes peace may still be achieved. He trusts Krishna's wisdom and abilities to bring about a favorable outcome.
Daily life: Arjuna Urges Krishna to Take Action for Peace or War:
Arjuna's words reflect a deep understanding of facing challenges with resilience and optimism. In daily life, this teaches us the importance of striving for peace and resolution, even when situations seem dire or hopeless. It emphasizes that our efforts and determination are critical to overcoming obstacles, suggesting that nothing is truly unattainable if we put forth the right effort. This narrative also highlights the value of having trusted allies who can provide support and guidance, like Krishna does for the Pandavas, suggesting that we should seek and cherish such relationships in our lives. Furthermore, it acknowledges that while not all actions may lead to success, taking no action guarantees failure, encouraging us to act in pursuit of our goals. Lastly, Arjuna's plea underscores the necessity of adaptability and readiness to confront injustice, reminding us to stand firm in our values and fight for what is right, even in the face of adversity.