Section XXIX - Krishna's Appeal for Peace and Righteousness in Battle
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXIX 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 this passage, Krishna expresses his desire for peace and prosperity for both the Pandavas and the sons of Dhritarashtra. He emphasizes the importance of work and duty in achieving success and righteousness, citing examples of gods and celestial beings who attained their positions through their actions. Krishna also discusses the duties and responsibilities of the four castes, highlighting the importance of upholding Dharma and righteousness in fulfilling one's role in society.
Krishna criticizes the actions of the sons of Dhritarashtra, particularly their treatment of Draupadi during the game of dice and their harsh words towards the Pandavas. He points out the injustice of the Kurus seizing the rightful shares of the Pandavas and the lack of intervention by the elders to prevent wrongs from being committed. Krishna expresses his willingness to personally intervene and negotiate for peace between the two factions, hoping to avoid a destructive war and bring about a resolution that is in accordance with righteousness.
Krishna acknowledges the deep-rooted enmity between the Pandavas and the Kurus, likening Duryodhana to a big tree of evil passions and the Pandavas to a tree of righteousness. He warns against cutting down the forest with its tigers, symbolizing the destruction that would come from eliminating either side completely. Krishna emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and harmony, with the Pandavas serving as a protector of righteousness within the corrupt Kuru court.
Krishna appeals to Sanjaya to convey his messages accurately and effectively to Dhritarashtra, urging the king to consider the consequences of continuing down the path of conflict. He highlights the courage and integrity of the Pandavas, who are willing to serve their cousins despite being capable of engaging in battle. Krishna hopes that Dhritarashtra will heed his counsel and make the right decisions to avoid further bloodshed and ensure a just resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Despite the tense situation and deep-seated animosity between the two sides, Krishna's words carry a message of hope and redemption. His call for peace, righteousness, and the protection of Dharma resonates throughout the passage, underscoring the importance of upholding moral values and virtues in times of turmoil. Through his wise counsel and guidance, Krishna seeks to navigate the complex web of relationships and loyalties, ultimately aiming to avert a catastrophic war and restore harmony and justice among the warring factions.
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 XXIX - Krishna's Appeal for Peace and Righteousness in Battle, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXIX, 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 Mahabharata, Section XXIX:
What is Krishna's desire for the sons of Pandu and King Dhritarashtra? Krishna wishes for the prosperity and success of both parties, advocating for peace. How does Krishna view the importance of work in the world? Krishna believes that work is essential for success and the functioning of the world. What does Krishna think about the behavior of the Kurus in the council-hall? Krishna criticizes the Kurus for allowing the mistreatment of Draupadi in the council-hall. What is Krishna's plan to resolve the conflict between the Pandavas and Kurus? Krishna intends to personally speak to the Kurus and advise them on righteousness. How does Krishna compare the Pandavas and the Kurus? Krishna likens the Pandavas to a tree of righteousness and the Kurus to a forest. What does Krishna hope will happen once he interacts with the Kurus? Krishna hopes that the Kurus will heed his advice and work towards peace.Daily life: Krishna's Appeal for Peace and Righteousness in Battle:
The story shared above paints a vivid picture of the importance of striving for peace and the practice of duty bound by righteousness. It eloquently stresses that every action, whether in pursuit of personal goals or for the greater good, should be grounded in ethical principles and moral virtues. This ancient narrative, while set in a time of kings and battles, offers timeless guidance that can be adapted to our daily lives.
In our personal and professional lives, we continuously face choices that test our values and morals. The key takeaway from this story is the emphasis on the power of work and duty performed with good intentions and moral integrity. Just as Krishna advocates for the prosperity of all parties involved, suggesting a path of non-violence and peace, we too should seek resolutions in our conflicts that benefit not just ourselves but everyone involved.
At the heart of the story is the principle that true success and fulfillment come from actions that are righteous and beneficial to others. Similar to how various characters in the story strive for their goals through virtuous means, we should also approach our ambitions and relationships with honesty, empathy, and fairness.
Moreover, the narrative sheds light on the importance of understanding our roles and responsibilities, akin to the delineated duties for different castes. In modern terms, it encourages us to recognize our place in various ecosystems—be it family, work, or society—and to fulfill our duties to the best of our abilities for the collective welfare.
The emphasis on work, as illustrated through the deeds of gods and mortals, underlines the idea that earnest effort is fundamental to achieving both earthly and spiritual goals. This encourages us not only to be diligent in our endeavors but also to choose paths that are harmoniously aligned with our inner values and societal norms.
Lastly, the story fosters the notion that seeking advice and wisdom from those more knowledgeable or in leadership positions can lead to sound decisions. However, it also serves as a reminder that such guidance should always be weighed against the scales of morality and righteousness. Thus, in navigating the vicissitudes of life, we must strive to embody the virtues of kindness, justice, and diligence, ensuring our actions contribute positively to the world around us.