Section XXIII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXIII 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:
After the departure of the chief of the Dasharhas, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and the twins, along with Krishna and their priest, went into the forest. They were accompanied by a retinue of twenty attendants and Princess Indrasena on a car, followed by citizens and Brahmanas of Kurujangala who praised and lamented the departure of their beloved king. Yudhishthira felt for his subjects like a father for his children, and they in turn expressed their love and concern for him as their righteous king. The citizens questioned why he was leaving them and the splendid city of Indraprastha, built by Maya and guarded by the gods, to wander in the forest.
Arjuna, knowing the ways of virtue, explained to the people that the king's decision to live in the forest was a strategic move to take away the good name of his enemies, who wished harm upon him despite his virtuous deeds. He instructed the Brahmanas to approach the ascetics and seek their blessings and support for their journey, while emphasizing the importance of unity and righteousness. The Brahmanas and other orders, understanding Arjuna's words, saluted him and the other princes before returning to their homes with heavy hearts, bidding farewell to their beloved king.
The departure of Yudhishthira and his brothers into the forest marked a significant turning point in their lives, as they prepared to face the challenges and fulfill their destiny. The citizens and Brahmanas, though saddened by their departure, understood the importance of their mission and pledged their support and blessings for their success. Yudhishthira's decision to leave behind the comforts of his palace and the love of his people showcased his commitment to righteousness and sacrifice for the greater good of his kingdom.
As Yudhishthira and his brothers ventured into the forest, they carried with them the hopes and prayers of their people, who trusted in their righteousness and divine guidance. The support and affection of the citizens and Brahmanas would serve as a source of strength and encouragement for the princes as they faced the trials that lay ahead. Their journey into the unknown symbolized their unwavering faith in dharma and their determination to restore justice and righteousness to the kingdom.
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 XXIII, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXIII, 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 Section XXIII:
Why did Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, and Krishna go into the forest?
They went to live in exile and fulfill their duty as warriors.
What did the princes distribute before leaving for the forest?
They distributed gold, clothes, and kine to Brahmanas and others.
How did the citizens of Kurujangala feel about the princes leaving?
They felt sorrowful and expressed their love and admiration for them.
Mahabharata Section XXIII in daily life:
The story depicted reminds us of the value of generosity, leadership, and the impact of choices on others. In daily life, this can be implemented by always being considerate and generous towards those around us, similar to how the protagonists in the story distributed gifts among the Brahmanas. Just like Yudhishthira and his brothers, we should strive to lead by example, showing kindness, fairness, and integrity in all of our actions.
Moreover, the story illustrates how decisions can affect an entire community, seen through the citizens' reaction to their leader's departure. It teaches us to think about the wider implications of our choices, not just for ourselves but for the community and people who look up to us. It's essential to communicate and reassure those affected by our decisions, aiming to leave a positive impact.
Lastly, the encouragement to approach challenges with a strategic mindset, as Arjuna suggested, is noteworthy. Facing difficulties with a plan that aligns with our virtues and goals can lead to overcoming obstacles in a manner that brings out the best in us and benefits those around us. This approach can be applied in various aspects of life, encouraging resilience, strategic planning, and a focus on the greater good.