Virtue!


Damyanti expressed her profound love & said to Nala-If you reject me, I’ll give up my life. Nala said-How you could choose a mere mortal like me when you have chance to marry one of the chief demigods? You should better turn your heart towards them. I’m not equal even to the dust of their feet. If you displease them, then doom surely awaits both of us. If you accept one of them, you’ll be able to enjoy opulence of heaven to your heart’s content


Which woman in her right frame of mind wouldn’t select Agni, Indra, Varuna or Yama as her Lord? said Nala


As tears began falling from her lovely eyes, grief-stricken Damyanti said: O King of Earth! After respectfully bowing down to these gods it is you alone whom shall I choose & I say this with all eagerness. She trembled standing with folded hands


Nala said-You may certainly do as you please. Since I’ve promised to act as a messenger for the demigods, it wouldn’t be befitting for me to try & act on my own behalf this time. When seeking my own interest is in harmony with virtue, I’ll do something & not otherwise. I also advise you to act in the same manner


Damyanti said choked with emotion: I see a way in which you can act & still remain untouched by sin. Simply attend my Swayamvara in the company of demigods. I’ll then choose you of my own volition & so there’ll be no chance for anyone to blame you


Nala returned to the place where the demigods were waiting. They asked-Have you seen Damyanti, the most beautiful maiden? What message she gave for us? Pls tell truthfully what happened when you met her. Nala said-As you ordered, I entered Damyanti’s residence unnoticed. Although I spoke earnestly on your behalf, she had already dedicated her mind & heart to me. She told me to come with demigods in the Swayamvara & in the presence of all, she’ll select me as her husband & so none’ll be able to blame me


This is what took place between me & Damyanti & so now everything depends upon your goodwill, said Nala


Soon after, King Bhima summoned all kings at an auspicious time in the arena of his daughter’s Swayamvara. All heroic Kshatriyas enthusiastically participated & took their seats. They strutted like lions with handsome faces & fine features. But when princess Damyanti entered the arena, her dazzling beauty stole away their eyes & hearts. They were rivetted & could not move due to her enchanting vision


As Damyanti glanced around, she saw 5 persons who exactly resembled her beloved Nala. Her mind became confused because all five looked exactly the same. It was a test of her love


Virtue is followed even when no one is watching. It is less of preaching & more of following and living accordingly. We may like to be virtuous but sometimes our inner conditioning prevents us to act so. Let’s not deride ourselves but encourage & assist ourselves to persistently persevere.


Krsna says

śanaiḥ śanair uparamed buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā

ātma-saṁsthaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā na kiñcid api cintayet


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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