Section XXXVIII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXXVIII 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, at the command of Yudhishthira, set out to meet Sakra and Sankara armed with his celestial bow and sword. He entered a dense forest alone, where he encountered various celestial beings and engaged in rigorous austerities, subsisting on minimal food and eventually air alone. The earth smoked from the intensity of his tapas, prompting the Rishis to petition Mahadeva to intervene.
Mahadeva reassured the Rishis, expressing knowledge of Arjuna's desires and intentions. He instructed the Rishis not to worry or interfere, assuring them that he would fulfill Arjuna's wishes that day. Despite the difficulty and pain caused by Arjuna's ascetic practices, Mahadeva acknowledged the warrior's determination and commitment, showing a deeper understanding of Arjuna's motivations and aspirations.
Arjuna's intense tapas and unwavering dedication impressed the celestial beings and even caused the heavens to herald his presence with conchs and drums. The mighty warrior's solitary journey through the daunting forest and his austere practices demonstrated his exceptional strength, perseverance, and connection to the divine realm. His pursuit of meeting the gods and engaging in tapas for a higher purpose showcased his noble character and readiness to face challenges with courage and resolve.
The story highlights Arjuna's exceptional qualities as a warrior and devotee, his willingness to undergo hardship and sacrifice for his goals, and the divine recognition and support he receives for his endeavors. It also underscores his deep spiritual beliefs and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his duties and desires, even in the face of immense challenges and obstacles. Arjuna's encounter with Mahadeva and the celestial beings reflects his profound connection to the divine world and his readiness to seek guidance and blessings from higher powers in his life's journey.
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 XXXVIII, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXXVIII, 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 XXXVIII:
What were the austerities performed by Arjuna in the forest?
Arjuna subsisted on air alone, standing on his toes, for four months after strict regimen of fruit-eating. His hair turned the color of lightning due to frequent bathing rituals.
Why did Arjuna perform these austerities?
Arjuna's intention was not for earthly rewards like heaven or prosperity. The god Sankara assured the worried Rishis that he would fulfill Arjuna's desires.
How did the Rishis react to Arjuna's intense asceticism?
The Rishis were concerned by the intense asceticism of Arjuna. They sought the intervention of the god Sankara to understand and possibly stop Arjuna's penance.
Mahabharata Section XXXVIII in daily life:
Arjuna's pursuit for divine weapons through determined effort and unwavering focus in the story teaches us about the importance of commitment and perseverance in achieving our goals. Like Arjuna entering the forest and undertaking rigorous austerities, we should face challenges head-on, armed with our skills and determination. This story emphasizes that setting a clear objective and dedicating oneself to it, despite obstacles, is crucial in realizing one’s aspirations.
In everyday life, this means dedicating time and effort to our goals, much like Arjuna's disciplined practice and austerities. It's about understanding that great achievements require sacrifices and continuous effort. Arjuna's story also highlights the significance of clarity in our intentions. Just as Arjuna had a clear goal in mind, we should also be precise about what we want to achieve and stay focused on it.
Moreover, the support from higher beings in Arjuna's journey illustrates that seeking guidance from mentors or people we admire can provide us with the encouragement and knowledge necessary to advance. In essence, the story of Arjuna teaches us about the power of perseverance, clear objectives, and seeking support when needed, to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.