Section XLVII - Sakuni's Plan to Defeat Yudhishthira in Dice Game
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XLVII 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:
Sakuni advises Duryodhana not to be jealous of the Pandavas as they have obtained their good fortune through their own actions and luck, despite Duryodhana's failed attempts to destroy them. He points out the allies and accomplishments of the Pandavas, urging Duryodhana to focus on conquering the world with his own allies. Duryodhana expresses his willingness to subjugate the Pandavas with the help of Sakuni and their allies. Sakuni acknowledges the strength and skill of the Pandavas in battle but proposes a plan to defeat Yudhishthira using dice play, as he is known to be fond of it.
Sakuni suggests that Yudhishthira can be defeated through a game of dice, as he is not skilled at it. He offers to play on Duryodhana's behalf, confident in his own abilities to win Yudhishthira's kingdom and prosperity. Duryodhana agrees to Sakuni's plan but insists that Sakuni should present it to Dhritarashtra, the king of the Kurus. Duryodhana is hesitant to take on this task himself.
Sakuni believes that his skill at dice is unmatched in the three worlds and promises to win Yudhishthira's possessions for Duryodhana. He convinces Duryodhana to ask Yudhishthira to play a game of dice, knowing that Yudhishthira will find it difficult to refuse. Duryodhana agrees to let Sakuni represent their plan to Dhritarashtra and assures him of the success of their strategy. Both Duryodhana and Sakuni are confident in their ability to defeat the Pandavas through cunning and manipulation.
In conclusion, Sakuni's plan to defeat Yudhishthira through a game of dice sets the stage for the events that will ultimately lead to the great war of Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The greed and jealousy of Duryodhana, coupled with Sakuni's deceitful tactics, will have far-reaching consequences for both families and the kingdom of Hastinapura. The stage is now set for a dramatic showdown between the two factions, with the outcome hanging in the balance.
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 XLVII - Sakuni's Plan to Defeat Yudhishthira in Dice Game, have a look at the following articles:
Section XLVII, 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 XLVII:
How did Sakuni suggest Duryodhana defeat Yudhishthira?
Sakuni proposed a game of dice, knowing Yudhishthira's weakness for it. He was confident in his own skill at dice, believing he could win Yudhishthira's kingdom for Duryodhana.
Why did Duryodhana agree to Sakuni's plan?
Duryodhana saw the opportunity to gain Yudhishthira's kingdom through Sakuni's expertise at dice. He believed this was a way to defeat the Pandavas without risking the lives of their allies.
What role did Sakuni play in the plot to defeat Yudhishthira?
Sakuni was the mastermind behind the plan to defeat Yudhishthira in a game of dice. He was confident in his skills and believed he could win Yudhishthira's kingdom for Duryodhana.
Daily life: Sakuni's Plan to Defeat Yudhishthira in Dice Game:
The story from the Mahabharata highlights the consequences of jealousy and the pursuit of victory through underhanded means. It shows how Duryodhana, driven by envy towards his cousins, the Pandavas, seeks to undermine them not through direct confrontation or by improving himself, but through deception and exploitation of weaknesses. Sakuni, his uncle, suggests exploiting Yudhishthira's fondness for dice, a game he isn't skilled at, to defeat him.
In daily life, this narrative reminds us of the importance of achieving goals through fair and just means, emphasizing personal growth and integrity over deceit. It serves as a caution against letting jealousy drive our actions towards others. Instead of seeking to harm or undermine others out of envy, it's more fulfilling and ethical to concentrate on our own path and improvement.
Furthermore, the story underlines the value of recognizing and accepting our limitations or weaknesses, much like Yudhishthira’s poor skills in gambling, and being cautious of situations where they might be exploited. Ultimately, it teaches us that true success comes from self-improvement, ethical conduct, and fostering positive relationships rather than pursuing victory at the expense of others’ downfall.