Section LVIII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LVIII 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:
Vrihadasva narrates how Kali, accompanied by Dvapara, encountered the celestial guardians returning from Damayanti's Swayamvara where she had chosen Nala as her husband. Indra informed Kali that Damayanti had already chosen Nala with the approval of the gods due to his virtuous qualities and righteous conduct. Kali, feeling wrathful, decided to curse Nala and take away his kingdom, seeking Dvapara's help in achieving this goal. Despite the gods' warning about the consequences of cursing Nala, Kali was determined to carry out his plan and bring harm to Nala and his wife. The story sets the stage for the conflict and challenges Nala and Damayanti will face in the future due to Kali's malevolent intentions.
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 LVIII, have a look at the following articles:
Section LVIII, 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 LVIII:
Who did Damayanti choose as her husband at the Swayamvara?
Damayanti chose Nala as her husband at the Swayamvara ceremony.
Why did Kali want to possess Nala and deprive him of his kingdom?
Kali was filled with wrath as Damayanti chose a mortal (Nala) as her husband.
Mahabharata Section LVIII in daily life:
This tale underscores the importance of virtue and the danger of envy and retribution. In our daily lives, it teaches us to admire and seek qualities like truthfulness, rectitude, and harmony with all beings, as exemplified by Nala. Just as Nala’s virtues earned him the favor of the celestials and protected him against curses, incorporating such virtues into our lives can safeguard us against negativity and bring us closer to achieving our best selves.
On the flip side, the story cautions against letting feelings of envy, like those Kali harbored, drive our actions. Kali’s attempt to curse Nala despite his virtues only turns the curse upon himself, illustrating how malicious intentions ultimately harm the instigator. Therefore, we are reminded to tackle life's disappointments and grievances without resorting to spite, understanding that our negative actions have consequences, not just for others, but for ourselves as well.
Embracing the qualities of patience, understanding, and integrity, while avoiding the pitfalls of envy and vengeance, can vastly improve our interactions and relationships, making our lives more fulfilling and peaceful.