Section CLV - Yudhishthira seeks advice from Krishna before battle
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLV 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:
Yudhishthira seeks guidance from Krishna on how to proceed in the face of Duryodhana's hostility, and Krishna advises against making peace with the Kauravas. Despite the reluctance of Yudhishthira, the Pandava army is prepared for battle. Yudhishthira expresses concern over the impending slaughter, especially of their elderly and respected preceptors, questioning the purpose of their past struggles. Arjuna reassures Yudhishthira that they have understood the words of wisdom from Kunti and Vidura and emphasizes the necessity of engaging in battle.
The Pandavas, under the leadership of Arjuna, make the decision to go to war despite their reservations about fighting their revered superiors. Yudhishthira, although conflicted, recognizes the inevitability of the situation and the need to confront their enemies. Vasudeva supports their decision to stand against the Kauravas, emphasizing the righteousness of their cause. The Pandavas spend the night with their soldiers in anticipation of the upcoming conflict, determined to face the challenge ahead.
Despite their moral dilemmas, the Pandavas choose to stand firm in their resolve to fight for their rights and honor. Yudhishthira's internal struggle reflects the complexity of their situation, where they must defend themselves against those who were once their mentors. The guidance of Krishna and the support of their brothers strengthen their determination to face the battle ahead. As they prepare for war, the Pandavas are filled with a mix of emotions - from sadness over the inevitable bloodshed to determination to uphold their righteous cause.
The Pandavas confront the reality of having to fight against their own kin, including Duryodhana and his allies who have shown hostility towards them. They weigh the consequences of their actions and acknowledge the difficulty of engaging in battle against their elders and teachers. Despite their reservations, they understand that they must stand up for what is right and just. The stage is set for the epic battle to come, as the Pandavas brace themselves for the challenges ahead with a mix of resolve and uncertainty.
Full English translation:
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Section CLV, 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 CLV:
What advice did Krishna give to Yudhishthira regarding the impending war?
Krishna advised Yudhishthira to prepare for battle as peace was not an option. He warned about Duryodhana's wicked intentions and the need to fight for justice.
How did the Pandavas react to the advice given by Krishna and their decision for war?
The Pandavas accepted Krishna's counsel and decided to engage in battle. Yudhishthira expressed concern about fighting their respected elders but understood the necessity of war for justice.
Daily life: Yudhishthira seeks advice from Krishna before battle:
In daily life, the story teaches us the importance of upholding our values and duties, even in the face of difficult situations. It tells us that sometimes we must make tough decisions, like standing up to wrongdoing, even if it comes from those we respect or care for. The narrative underscores the necessity of seeking wise counsel and reflecting on advice given by those who have our best interests at heart, such as friends and family who guide us with wisdom. However, it also highlights that ultimately, we must make our own decisions, guided by our moral compass and the pursuit of what is just and right. The story encourages us to face challenges with courage and determination, understanding that the path to doing what is right is often fraught with difficulties. It reminds us to gather strength from our support systems but to also be prepared to take a stance based on our convictions, signaling the importance of personal integrity and the pursuit of justice in our lives.