Fate!


Next morning, after performing customary religious duties, Pāndavās entered the assembly hall & paid respects to all. When they were seated, Sakuni said to Yudhisthira-Dear king, please fix rules for the friendly game of dice that we are about to play


Yudhisthira said-Gambling is a very low & evil pursuit and is meant for baser class of men. Therefore, I request you not to try & defeat me by deceitful means. Ignoring this, Sakuni simply said-Gambling is a great art like anything else. Let us begin play without further delay. However, Yudhisthira continued to decry gambling as a means for one Kshatriya to conquer another, especially when cheating was employed


Sakuni cleverly argued-O King! You must admit that base motive of gaining victory over another is present in all challenges not just gambling. Even when great scholars challenge one another to debate, the same selfish motive is seen. There is really no difference between gambling & fighting on battlefield. However, if you think that our motive is dishonest, or if you are afraid to accept our challenge, you’re free to abstain from gambling match


Yudhisthira replied-Since you have challenged me, it’s my duty as a Kshatriya to play. In any case outcome of this match is fully in hands of Fate. Tell me who is going to match my stakes & who’ll throw dice?


Duryodhana answered-I’ll put stakes & Sakuni will roll the dice. Yusdhisthira said-It is highly improper to have someone else play on your behalf. Still, since you’re determined to play in that way, let the game begin


Many great kings were there with Dhritrāshtra as head. Vidura, Bhishma, Drona & Kripa sat with cheerless faces. Yudhisthira began the match by betting a strand of beautiful pearls decorated with gold that was produced long ago from churning of the ocean of milk. Duryodhana matched the stake by putting forward a large qty of jewels


Sakuni picked the dice & with devilish air rolled them. When the dice came to rest, he gleefully declared-I’ve won!


Yudhisthira mildly objected saying-It is by cheating that you’ve won. Sakuni don’t be so proud


Because he considered himself already in the grips of Fate, Yudhisthira put forth another wager. He was enchanted now & was poised to lose everything


Gita wisdom explains about 5 factors that determine results of our actions: body, soul, senses, endeavor & destiny. We can either acknowledge fate or say that we make my own destiny. Such statements can inspire to do our best but can also disempower if they make us depressed over results that are not in our control


Only our efforts cannot produce desired result as factors beyond our control play a vital role too. The cumulative of such factors is called fate


Gita declares God to be ultimate controller of everything including fate. Our surrender to him guides us to do what is good & take us away from our ignorant self. We thus grow in our discipline, commitment & character to prepare ourselves for brighter future


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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