Consensus!

Drupada asked Yudhisthira to consult Kuntidevi & Dhrstadyumna & after all 3 reach a conclusion, marriage ceremony of Draupadi can be performed tomorrow. Thereafter as 3 discussed the matter, Vyāsdev arrived & all stood up in respect. Drupada then humbly asked him about marriage of his daughter-Is it ok that Draupadi marries all 5 Pāndavās without incurring any sinful reaction? Is such marriage sanctioned according to principles of religion?

Vyāsdev said-It is a fact that scriptures never enjoin a girl marrying more than one husband. Nor such practice is socially acceptable. Still, I would like each of you to give opinion on the matter. Drupada said that he considers such a marriage as sinful & he cannot think of any instance in present, past or future when such ever happened. Dhrsta also expressed his strong disapproval. Yudhisthira then said-In Puranās we find story of Jatilā, who married seven sages. Also, one sage daughter had married ten Pracetās

Those who know science of morality know that obedience to one’s superior is always meritorious. Of all superiors, mother is the foremost & since she has sanctioned this marriage, I consider it to be virtuous, said Yudhisthira. Kunti said-I’ve ordered my 5 sons to share whatever they’ve received in charity & thus I favor this marriage so that my words may not prove false

After letting all to speak their mind, Vyāsdev said to Drupada-What Yudhisthira has said is correct. In private, I’ll explain to you how the practice of a girl marrying many husbands was established & how it is eternally applicable. They then went to a private room & the sage related some ancient histories & gave Drupada the spiritual vision whereby he could see the Pāndavās in their original form as Indras of previous millennium with golden helmets & untarnished ornaments. Witnessing divine revelation, Drupada felt great joy

Vyāsdev also explained how in previous life, Draupadi was a sage’s daughter, had worshipped Lord Shivā & got benediction of obtaining 5 husbands in next birth. Drupada was thus convinced that his daughter has been ordained by higher authority to become common wife of all Pāndavās & happily assented to the marriage

In an auspicious constellation of Pusyā occurring on the same day, all arrangements were quickly done, sacrificial arena was prepared, citizens came & the marriage was solemnized amid the fire sacrifice performed by sage Dhaumya. Drupada gave gifts to Pāndavās of many chariots, elephants, horses, maidservants & great deal of wealthy

When there is difference of opinion, we need to listen to all parties intently. There should not be any forceful implication of self-views in such situations, however true & principled it could be. Here sage Vyāsdev used his authority to listen to all & then based on scriptural evidence & facts, got approval of all concerned tuned to higher principles

This has huge implications in business or otherwise, where a coherence of thoughts must be evolved among warring factions & a consensus decision can then arrive with no ill feelings from anyone. The Manager has to lead with examples & facts for approval

Thoughts? #gameoflife