Section XXXVII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXXVII 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:
Yudhishthira, after receiving knowledge from Vyasa, instructs Arjuna to go on a journey to meet Indra and acquire celestial weapons to defeat Dhritarashtra's sons. Arjuna, armed with the Gandiva bow, sets out on his quest, receiving blessings from Krishna and other celestial beings along the way. His journey leads him to the sacred mountain Himavat, where he encounters an ascetic who reveals himself to be Indra and offers Arjuna a boon. Arjuna, steadfast in his purpose, requests to learn all the celestial weapons.
Despite Indra's attempts to dissuade him, Arjuna remains determined to acquire the celestial weapons to avenge the wrongs done to his family. Indra then instructs Arjuna to first seek the sight of Lord Shiva before he can receive the weapons. Arjuna, dedicated to his quest, begins a period of asceticism to prepare himself for the eventual meeting with Lord Shiva. Through his unwavering focus and determination, Arjuna sets himself on a path that will lead him to the ultimate power and strength needed to fulfill his destiny.
Arjuna's journey symbolizes his unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice, as he prepares himself to face the challenges that lie ahead. The support and blessings he receives along the way underscore the importance of unity and brotherhood in his quest. The encounter with Indra and the subsequent guidance from Lord Shiva demonstrate the divine intervention that plays a crucial role in Arjuna's ultimate success. As Arjuna delves deeper into his spiritual and physical training, he exemplifies the qualities of a true warrior - disciplined, focused, and fearless in the face of adversity. Ultimately, Arjuna's journey is not just a physical one but a spiritual and moral quest that will test his character and determination to uphold righteousness and justice.
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 XXXVII, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXXVII, 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 XXXVII:
What did Yudhishthira tell Arjuna in private?
Yudhishthira instructed Arjuna to seek all celestial weapons from Indra to defeat their enemies.
What did Arjuna encounter on his way to see Indra?
Arjuna encountered an ascetic who turned out to be Indra and offered him a boon.
What did Arjuna request from Indra/Sakra?
Arjuna requested to learn all the celestial weapons from Indra/Sakra.
What was Sakra's response to Arjuna's request for celestial weapons?
Sakra told Arjuna to first obtain a sight of Lord Siva before receiving the weapons.
Mahabharata Section XXXVII in daily life:
The story of Arjuna's quest teaches the value of seeking wisdom and strength to achieve one's goals. It emphasizes that in life, like Arjuna, we sometimes face situations that demand from us not just physical strength but also wisdom and the ability to seek guidance from those more experienced or knowledgeable. This can be paralleled to seeking mentorship or learning from the wisdom of others in our own lives, illustrating how growth often requires humility and the willingness to learn.
Arjuna's journey also signifies the importance of dedication and resilience. Despite being a skilled warrior, he recognizes the need to acquire further knowledge and abilities to overcome future challenges. This teaches us that no matter how skilled or successful we are, there is always room for improvement and new learning. The pursuit of continuous growth and the willingness to face challenges head-on can lead to achieving our goals.
Moreover, the story shows that achieving our desires often requires hard work and sacrifices, symbolized by Arjuna's willingness to leave his brothers and undertake a difficult journey. It teaches us to be ready to step out of our comfort zones and face uncertainty for the sake of growth and achieving what is just and right.
Lastly, Arjuna's quest is not just for personal gain but for the greater good of his family and kingdom. This reminds us that our efforts and achievements are not just for our own benefit but should also aim to positively impact those around us. By focusing on the greater good, we find deeper motivation and meaning in our pursuits.