Section XXVII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXVII 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 being exiled to the woods, Yudhishthira and his brothers, along with Krishna, lament their misfortune and the harsh treatment they received from their enemies. Krishna expresses his anger towards the wicked-minded Dhritarashtra and his accomplices, who showed no remorse for sending the virtuous Pandavas into exile. He recalls the luxurious life the brothers once enjoyed and contrasts it with their current state of destitution in the forest, feeling sorrow and disbelief at the drastic change in their circumstances. Krishna particularly highlights the distress of Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who are all suffering despite their noble character and skills in warfare.
Krishna questions Yudhishthira's lack of anger towards their enemies, urging him to unleash his wrath and seek vengeance for the injustices inflicted upon them. He reminds Yudhishthira of the valor and prowess of his brothers, especially Arjuna, who has displayed extraordinary feats in battle and deserves better than their current fate. Krishna emphasizes the need for Yudhishthira to stand up against their enemies and reclaim their rightful place in the kingdom, urging him to not let his forgiving nature hinder their quest for justice. He marvels at Yudhishthira's lack of anger, considering it a departure from the typical nature of a Kshatriya, and warns that failure to act may lead to their further downfall.
Krishna's words resonate with Yudhishthira, who realizes the gravity of the situation and the need to take decisive action against their enemies. He reflects on the suffering of his brothers and Krishna, acknowledging their righteousness and the injustice they have faced. Yudhishthira's resolve strengthens as he contemplates the hardships endured by his family and the urgency to restore their honor and rightful place in the kingdom. With Krishna's guidance and support, Yudhishthira begins to channel his anger towards their enemies and prepares to confront them in order to reclaim their kingdom and seek justice for the wrongs done to them.
As the conversation continues, Yudhishthira and his brothers find solace and strength in each other's company, united by their shared determination to overcome adversity and emerge victorious. Krishna's words serve as a catalyst for their newfound resolve, inspiring them to embrace their warrior spirit and confront the challenges that lie ahead. Together, they vow to stand united against their enemies, drawing upon their skills and righteousness to fight for their rightful place on the throne. The bond between the Pandavas and Krishna deepens as they prepare for the battles that will test their courage and resilience, determined to emerge triumphant and restore justice to their 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 XXVII, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXVII, 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 XXVII:
What does Krishna express to Yudhishthira regarding their exile in the woods?
Krishna expresses sorrow and grief over their distress, questioning why Yudhishthira does not show anger towards their unjust treatment in exile.
Mahabharata Section XXVII in daily life:
The story narrates the sorrowful expressions of Queen Draupadi as she converses with King Yudhishthira about their exile and the injustices they faced, focusing on the pain of their current situation in contrast to their once glorious past. From this story, we can draw lessons on resilience, the importance of standing up for justice, and the balance between forgiveness and taking action. In daily life, facing challenges and injustices can be inevitable, but it's crucial to remember the strength we have to overcome adversity. Like the characters in the story, it's essential to acknowledge our feelings of sorrow and grief, yet also look beyond them to find ways to rise above our circumstances.
Draupadi’s speech is a call to action, urging Yudhishthira to remember his duty as a Kshatriya, not just for revenge, but to uphold dharma (righteousness). Similarly, when we face wrongdoings or unfair treatment, it’s important to stand up for what is right, not just for ourselves, but for the greater good. However, Draupadi’s words also highlight the importance of timing and the discernment between when to forgive and when to assert oneself, teaching us that wisdom lies in knowing the difference.
Incorporating these insights into daily life involves embracing resilience in the face of hardships, advocating for justice and fairness, and maintaining a balance between forgiveness and assertiveness. By doing so, we not only honor our self-respect and dignity but contribute to a more equitable and just society. Like the Pandavas and Draupadi, it's through enduring challenges that we often find our true strength and the capacity to effect meaningful change.