Section LXXII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXII 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:
Nala, a skilled charioteer, accompanies King Rituparna on a journey. When the king's garment falls off the chariot, Nala calculates the distance and deems it impossible to retrieve it. The king challenges Nala to count the leaves and fruits of a Vibhitaka tree, showcasing his impressive mathematical skills. Despite initial doubts, Nala successfully counts the leaves and fruits, earning the king's admiration.
Impressed by Nala's abilities, the king agrees to exchange his horse knowledge for Nala's dice-playing skills. As Nala learns the art of dice, the evil spirit Kali is expelled from his body, ending years of affliction. Kali begs for mercy and promises to bring fame to Nala if spared from a curse inflicted by Indrasena's mother, leading Nala to forgive him. Kali then disappears into a Vibhitaka tree, and Nala continues his journey towards the Vidarbhas.
Freed from Kali's influence, Nala experiences great joy and confidently drives the chariot towards his destination. The Vibhitaka tree, once revered due to Kali's presence, falls out of favor after Nala's encounter. With a renewed sense of purpose, Nala moves forward, leaving behind the troubles caused by the evil spirit. As Kali retreats to his abode, Nala, now liberated from his torment, continues his journey as a skilled and empowered charioteer.
Overall, the story highlights Nala's exceptional talents, his ability to overcome challenges, and his eventual liberation from the curse of Kali. Through displays of intelligence and forgiveness, Nala emerges as a heroic figure capable of navigating difficult situations and achieving personal growth. The exchange of knowledge with King Rituparna symbolizes a mutually beneficial arrangement that leads to both characters finding resolution and moving forward with renewed purpose.
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 LXXII, have a look at the following articles:
Section LXXII, 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 LXXII:
Does Nala successfully recover his garment that dropped from the chariot?
Nala is unable to recover his garment as it is dropped far away. He continues on his journey without it.
What skill does Nala demonstrate with the Vibhitaka tree?
Nala shows his proficiency in calculation by accurately counting the leaves and fruits of the tree branches.
How does Kali, the evil spirit, affect Nala?
Kali afflicts Nala with his poison until Nala learns the science of dice, causing Kali to leave his body.
What happens to the Vibhitaka tree after Kali leaves?
The tree falls into disrepute as Kali's presence had tainted it. Nala continues his journey with joy.
Mahabharata Section LXXII in daily life:
The narrative weaves a tale around Nala, a monarch tested by fate, and his encounter with King Rituparna, offering profound lessons applicable to our daily lives. The story underscores the importance of humility and the willingness to learn from others, regardless of the situation one might find themselves in. Nala and Rituparna's exchange of knowledge illustrates the virtue of recognizing one's limitations and the power of collaborative growth. This teaches us that acknowledging our gaps in understanding and seeking knowledge from those around us can lead to personal improvement and unforeseen benefits.
The narrative also subtly points out that life is filled with unpredictable moments and challenges, much like Nala's journey and the incidents he encounters along the way. The dropping of the garment and the interaction with the Vibhitaka tree serve as metaphors for the unexpected trials life throws our way. These moments require us to adapt, make quick decisions, and sometimes, take leaps of faith based on our skills and the knowledge we've acquired from others.
Moreover, the story emphasizes the value of facing our problems head-on and dealing with our inner demons, represented by Kali's presence within Nala. Nala's eventual liberation from Kali’s influence, after gaining new knowledge, is symbolic of how personal growth and learning can help us overcome our struggles, leading to a reinvigoration of our lives.
Incorporating these teachings into our daily lives involves embracing the journey of continuous learning, fostering humility, and being open to the lessons imbued in our challenges. By doing so, we cultivate resilience, enhance our skills, and navigate life's uncertainties with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism.