Section CXLVIII - Bhishma, Drona, and Vidura's Wise Words for Duryodhana
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXLVIII 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:
After Bhishma spoke about the rightful succession of the Kuru kingdom, Drona addressed Duryodhana, reminding him of the virtuous rule of Pandu who had selflessly handed over the kingdom to Dhritarashtra and Vidura before going to the woods with his wives. Drona urged Duryodhana to follow Bhishma's advice and share the kingdom with the Pandavas, highlighting the importance of righteousness and unity within the family.
Vidura, in his turn, spoke up against Duryodhana's greedy and ungrateful behavior, pleading with Bhishma to intervene to prevent the destruction of their race. He reminded Bhishma of his role in reviving the Kuru lineage and urged him to take action to avert the impending disaster. Vidura also suggested that if Bhishma's wisdom was clouded by the impending slaughter, he should retire to the woods with Dhritarashtra and Vidura to avoid further bloodshed.
The princess of Kasi, alarmed by the potential destruction of the Kuru clan, added her voice to the plea for peace and unity. She condemned Duryodhana's ambitions and reminded him of the rightful succession of the kingdom, calling on Dhritarashtra and Vidura to support the Pandavas in ruling the kingdom lawfully. She emphasized the importance of following the customs of their lineage and the guidance of wise elders like Bhishma in maintaining order and harmony within the family.
The speeches of Drona, Vidura, and the princess of Kasi collectively sought to remind Duryodhana of his obligations to his family and the kingdom. They highlighted the virtues of Pandu's rule, the importance of righteousness and unity, and the consequences of greed and betrayal. Their words were a plea for peace, cooperation, and adherence to the rightful succession in order to preserve the integrity and prosperity of the Kuru dynasty.
Ultimately, the speeches provided a moral and ethical framework for resolving the conflict within the Kuru clan, urging Duryodhana to set aside his selfish desires and embrace his duty as a leader. They emphasized the importance of following the guidance of wise elders and upholding the traditions of their lineage to ensure the stability and prosperity of the kingdom. In doing so, they hoped to avert the impending destruction and restore harmony within the Kuru family.
Full English translation:
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Section CXLVIII, 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 CXLVIII:
What advice did Drona give to Duryodhana about the kingdom?
Drona advised Duryodhana to unite with his brothers, the Pandavas, and share the kingdom. He reminded Duryodhana of the rightful rulership of Yudhishthira and the importance of righteousness.
What did Vidura have to say about Duryodhana's actions?
Vidura criticized Duryodhana for his greed, wickedness, and lack of gratitude towards his family. He urged Bhishma to intervene and prevent the destruction of the Kuru race caused by Duryodhana's actions.
How did the daughter of king Suvala express her concern?
The daughter of king Suvala condemned Duryodhana for his unjust desire for the kingdom and reminded everyone of the rightful succession order of the Kuru dynasty. She urged Bhishma and Vidura to ensure Yudhishthira rules lawfully.
Daily life: Bhishma, Drona, and Vidura's Wise Words for Duryodhana:
The story emphasizes the importance of righteousness, unity, and wise counsel to avert conflict and ensure prosperity. In everyday life, this can be mirrored through prioritizing the well-being of the community or family over personal ambitions, recognizing the value of listening to the voices of experience and wisdom. It highlights the idea that true strength lies in moral integrity and the capacity to make sacrifices for the greater good.
When faced with decisions, especially those that could lead to discord, it's beneficial to consult with those who have a broad perspective and consider the long-term consequences of our actions. Like Bhishma and Vidura, whose advice aimed at preserving harmony and justice, we should seek out mentors who can guide us towards decisions that reinforce unity and peace.
Moreover, the story teaches the importance of adhering to principles and righteousness even when faced with difficult choices. Just as Drona and Vidura encouraged fairness and the sharing of power, we too must strive to resolve conflicts through compromise and equitable solutions. In managing relationships, whether in the workplace or family, acting with integrity, respect for tradition, and fairness leads to lasting and meaningful success.