Section LXXVIII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXVIII 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:
In the story, Nala, the ruler of the Nishadhas, set out with a small group to the country of the Nishadhas with the intention of reclaiming his lost wealth and kingdom through a game of dice or combat against his brother Pushkara. Pushkara, confident of his success, agreed to play again and ended up losing everything he had staked, including his kingdom and the princess Damayanti, to Nala. Despite his victory, Nala showed mercy towards his brother and granted him his life and a portion of the kingdom, displaying his fraternal love and forgiveness.
Nala comforted his brother Pushkara, expressing his affection and granting him permission to return to his own town with his followers and kindred, as they parted ways with mutual respect and gratitude. Pushkara, filled with joy and gratitude towards Nala, left for his town accompanied by a large force and obedient servants, while Nala continued to shine with beauty and righteousness like a second Sun. Upon returning to his palace, Nala reassured and comforted his citizens, who were overjoyed at having their ruler back and celebrated his return with great happiness and admiration.
The people of the city and country expressed their immense joy and gratitude towards Nala for returning and restoring peace and prosperity, likening their feelings to the gods obtaining their leader for a hundred sacrifices. Nala's benevolence and compassion towards his brother, as well as his ability to win back his lost kingdom and wealth, solidified his stature as a righteous and beloved ruler among his subjects. The story highlights themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the bond of brotherhood, showcasing Nala's virtues as a just and merciful king.
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 LXXVIII, have a look at the following articles:
Section LXXVIII, 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 LXXVIII:
Nala won back his kingdom and reunited with his brother Pushkara?
Yes, Nala won back his kingdom and reconciled with his brother Pushkara.
What did Nala offer Pushkara after winning the game?
Nala offered Pushkara his life, his portion of the kingdom, and affection.
How did the citizens feel about Nala's return to the kingdom?
The citizens were overjoyed and grateful, comparing Nala to a godly leader.
Mahabharata Section LXXVIII in daily life:
This tale narrates a profound lesson on forgiveness and restoration after conflict, poignant for daily life application. The story revolves around Nala, a king who, despite suffering betrayal and loss at the hands of his brother Pushkara through gambling, chooses a path of forgiveness and reconciliation after reclaiming his wealth and kingdom. Through his actions, Nala illustrates that holding onto anger and seeking revenge only perpetuates suffering. Instead, by forgiving Pushkara and even providing for him, he fosters peace and unity, reflecting the strength and character of a wise and compassionate leader.
In daily life, this narrative encourages us to approach conflicts with a mindset geared toward resolution and healing rather than fostering resentment. It's a reminder that even in moments of immense personal betrayal, the choice to forgive and extend kindness can lead to a more fulfilling and peaceful existence. By prioritizing relationships and mutual well-being over the satisfaction of retribution, we can create environments where everyone thrives. Nala's story, therefore, isn't just a lesson in forgiveness but also a call to recognize the transformative power of compassion and empathy in healing and rebuilding after conflicts, fostering a more harmonious and supportive community.