Adversity!

Commanded by Dhritrāshtra to bring Pāndavās back, Vidura went without delay to Pāncāla, with many gifts for King Drupada, his daughter & Pāndavās. Upon his arrival he first went to see the King & after talking for some time, went to see Pāndavās. Sri Krsna was present with Kunti devi & her sons, and they all worshipped Vidura with great respect. Vidura explained how he had come on behalf of Dhritrāshtra & presented them valuable gifts

In presence of Sri Krsna, Kunti & her sons, Vidura relayed Dhritā’s message to Drupada-It is with great pleasure that I congratulate my nephews to establish alliance with Pāncālas. I request you to kindly grant them permission to return to Hastināpur, for we all are very eager to see them. Drupada said-I’m happy that Dhrita has adopted such friendly attitude. If Yudhisthira wants to return, I gladly grant him permission

Yudhi said-Dear Father-in-law, we’re completely dependent upon you, hence it is up to you to order us as you deem fit. Krsna intervened & said-It’s my desire that Pāndavās return to Hastināpur at once so that they make their rightful claim to their paternal kingdom. Still, we must abide by decision of Drupada who knows codes of morality well. Drupada whole heartedly agreed & Pāndavās soon departed

When Dhritrāshtra was informed that Kunti & her sons had reached outskirts of the city, he sent his sons along with Drona & Krpā to welcome them. Pāndavās slowly entered Kuru capital & overjoyed citizens came out in huge numbers for their welcome. Entire city was alive with excitement as everyone crowded to have a glimpse of Pāndu’s sons

Pāndavās first went & worshipped Dhritrāshtra & Bhisma. After some rest Dhrita summoned Pāndavās to royal court & made proposal-I wish you to go to Khāndavaprastha & rule half of Kuru Kingdom from there. In this way there would be no opportunity for any disagreements between you & your cousin brothers. Yudhisthira happily accepted his uncle’s proposal & shortly together with Sri Krsna went to Khāndavaprastha which at that time was almost like a desert

Not discouraged, Pāndavās in short time converted the place into a veritable heaven. Vyāsdev came & showed them how to select a sacred place to perform auspicious rituals & under his direction, Pāndavās laid out dimensions of their capital & began constructing high walls, moats, numerous palaces, gates, fortifications, turrets upon walls manned by soldiers equipped with weapons. Finally, they constructed their own palace & filled it with every imaginable opulence

When the city was completed, many Brāhmanās came to reside there, attracted by piety of Pāndavās. Many merchants arrived for good prospects, skilled artisans flocked & the city flourished day by day. Indraprastha & Pāndavās gained fame far & wide

We all’re advised to seek opportunity in adversity. But what if we have gone thro’ a catastrophic upheaval so that we’re overwhelmed when faced with adversity?

If we can’t see adversity itself as opportunity, still we may seek some opportunity within that adversity or find some chance that may emerge thro’ that adversity. What we seek has a better chance of finding. This attitude is both realistic & optimistic. Realistic because we don’t deny the problem, & optimistic because we don’t deny ourselves chance to look for some positives within the negative of problem

Thoughts? #gameoflife


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