Section CXXIX - Dhritarashtra and Gandhari plead for peace to Duryodhana
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXIX 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:
King Dhritarashtra, upon hearing of Duryodhana's folly and impending calamity, instructed Vidura to bring Gandhari to court. Gandhari, possessing wisdom and foresight, chastised Duryodhana for his lust for power and his disregard for his well-wishers' advice. She urged him to make peace with the Pandavas, emphasizing the futility of battle and the importance of conquering his own desires and passions before seeking rulership over the earth.
Gandhari warned Duryodhana that his disobedience and acts of deceit would only strengthen his enemies and lead to his downfall. She advised him to seek the protection of Krishna and the Pandavas, acknowledging their invincibility and the futility of engaging in battle with them. She reminded him of the tranquility and prosperity that had followed the peaceful cession of half the kingdom to the Pandavas, urging him to give them their rightful share and avoid further conflict.
She implored Duryodhana to end the persecution of the Pandavas and quell the wrath and avarice that consumed him, warning him of the dire consequences if their anger was provoked. Gandhari appealed to his sense of reason and compassion, advising him to rule justly and generously in order to secure his own happiness and the stability of his kingdom. She highlighted the self-control and wisdom of the Pandavas and the consequences of provoking their wrath.
Gandhari emphasized the importance of heeding the counsel of wise and learned friends, cautioning Duryodhana against letting his desires and ambitions blind him to reason and virtue. She stressed the significance of conquering his own self before attempting to conquer others, and urged him to relinquish his avarice and seek peace with the Pandavas. With great wisdom and foresight, Gandhari sought to guide Duryodhana towards a path of reconciliation and harmony, aiming to avert the impending disaster and secure a future of peace and prosperity for all.
Full English translation:
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Section CXXIX, 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 CXXIX:
How did Gandhari try to advise Duryodhana to make peace?
Gandhari advised Duryodhana to conquer his senses, listen to wise counsel, and share the kingdom with the Pandavas to avoid destruction and attain happiness.
Why did Gandhari criticize Duryodhana's actions?
Gandhari criticized Duryodhana for his lust for power, disobedience to elders, and wrongful path. She urged him to control his passions, make peace with the Pandavas, and share the kingdom for prosperity and peace.
What advice did Gandhari give to Dhritarashtra regarding Duryodhana?
Gandhari advised Dhritarashtra to control Duryodhana's avarice, wrath, and lust for power, encouraging him to listen to wise counsel, conquer his senses, share the kingdom with the Pandavas, and avoid destructive battles.
How did Gandhari emphasize the importance of self-control and wisdom in ruling a kingdom?
Gandhari highlighted the significance of conquering one's senses, seeking wise counsel, and avoiding wrath and lust for power to rule a kingdom successfully. She urged Duryodhana to heed the advice of elders, make peace with the Pandavas, and share the kingdom for prosperity.
Daily life: Dhritarashtra and Gandhari plead for peace to Duryodhana:
The story highlights the importance of controlling one's passions, such as lust and anger, to maintain peace and prosperity. Gandhari's advice to her son, Duryodhana, emphasizes that wisdom and self-control are essential for effective leadership and the preservation of one's kingdom or, in modern terms, one's personal and professional life. She warns against the destructive consequences of unchecked desires and urges moderation and the heeding of wise counsel.
In daily life, this narrative can inspire us to reign in our impulses and consider the long-term effects of our actions. By listening to those who have our best interests at heart and by balancing our desires with a sense of duty and ethics, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and build harmonious relationships both in our personal and professional spheres. Gandhari's call for peace and cooperation underscores the value of collaboration over confrontation, suggesting that sharing and compromise can lead to mutual success and happiness.
Furthermore, the story reminds us that the quest for power or material gain, driven by greed and envy, often leads to one's downfall. Instead, cultivating virtues such as patience, humility, and discernment can guide us towards making decisions that are beneficial for ourselves and for those around us. By embracing these principles, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the well-being of our community, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.