Competence over emotion!

After Gandharva finished his story about sage Vashistha, Arjun requested him to suggest qualified Brāhmana who could become Pāndavas priest. Rsi Dhaumya younger brother of Devala, was recommended. Pāndavās then proceeded towards Utkocaka, where Dhaumya was engaged in performing austerities

Rsi Dhaumya readily agreed to become Pāndavās priest. After ceremoniously selecting him, 5 brothers felt as if their mission to obtain Draupadi had already been accomplished. Indeed they felt so protected under Rsi’s shelter that they considered their kingdom to be as good as recovered. They then departed to Pāncāla & on way met many Brāhmins also going in same direction. On being enquired about their identity, Pāndavās said they were Brahmins coming from Ekacakra

Brāhmins informed about grand festival organized by King Drupada on occasion of his daughter’s Swayamvara. They also described about Draupadi’s exquisite beauty & said, Princes will be coming from all over the world to try & win her hand. These Ksatriyas will distribute vast amounts of wealth to Brāhmanās to get blessings for fulfilling their desire. Why don’t you accompany us to this festival & take advantage of this good opportunity? asked Brāhmins to Pāndavās

While appreciating Pāndavās celestial beauty, Brāhmins remarked-Draupadi might even choose one of you as her husband thinking you to be superior to all Ksatriyās😊

At last Pāndavas reached Drupada’s magnificent capital & took up residence in a potter’s house

Drupada had always desired to give his exceptionally beautiful daughter to Arjun, although he never mentioned this to anyone. He knew about Arjun’s unrivaled strength & skill in archery, so he made a very stiff bow that could be strung by him. He also contrived a very clever target by hanging a fish on the ceiling behind a revolving protective wheel. He declared that only one who could pierce this target could gain hand of his daughter

He thus announced his daughter’s Swayamvara knowing only Arjun would come out successful

A great arena was constructed & richly decorated and surrounding it were numerous 7 story palaces each having 100 doors encircled by high walls & moats. These palaces were meant to house all prominent princes & kings of the world who had been invited for event. Heroic Ksatriyās began pouring in from far-off lands & they included Duryodhana, Karna & many other members of Kuru dynasty

Although Arjun defeated & captured Drupada for his guru Drona but he was still kept in high esteem by Drupada. We need to segregate competence & emotions. We need to appreciate one’s competence & for what purpose it is used. Arjun used his skills to serve his spiritual master & had nothing against Drupada. This was admired by Pāncāla king

This is huge lesson for competence management in business keeping in view one’s aptitude & purpose he can fulfill. It’s not about self but about the large good of the enterprise. Broaden the horizon

Thoughts? #gameoflife