Vedic Wisdom Talks

  Constitutional position   Great sage Mārkandeya arrived & Lord Krsna, Pāndavās & all brāhmanās got up from their seats to receive him. The illustrious sage even though was 1000’s of years old, appeared like a young man. As the sage was seated, Krsna requested him to narrate him some ancient histories to instill moral sense in listeners   Yudhisthira said: I’m perplexed about how wicked sons of Dhritrāshtra are prospering & we’re suffering even though we act righteously. Pls explain what part God plays in man’s happiness & distress, for it seems to me that they are simply fruits of one’s endeavors. I would like to understand the concept of Karma. Are reactions to our work enjoyed in this life or life thereafter? If reactions are meted out in future life, how could there ever be cessation to the cycle of action & reaction and its resultant birth & death?   The sage replied: Your questions are most praiseworthy & I’ll answer the...

  Source! Nahusa said: After being awarded post of Indra, I soon became proud. Just imagine! I was constantly served by brahmarsis, demigods, Yaksas, Gandharvās & Apsarās. I was so powerful that anyone upon whom my gaze fell would become diminished in prowess. At my command 1000’s of brahmarsis once pulled my chariot & while going I happened to touch great sage Agastya with my foot Enraged by this offense, the sage cursed me to fall from heaven & accept this horrible body of a serpent. As I fell, I begged him for forgiveness & he kindly informed that I would be delivered by meeting you. Dear Yudhisthira! your answers to my questions were correct & so I must thank you for your mercy upon me. It is possession of Brahmanical qualities & not birth in a Brāhmanā family that is cause of salvation. Nahusa then gave up his snake body & instantly returned to heavenly planets Pāndavās continued to dwell happily at Visākhayupa forest. Soon Sri Krsna & Mārkandey...

  Pride! Hearing Yudhisthira, the serpent challenged: If one’s varna (caste) is to be determined by qualities alone & not by birth, then no distinction could be made between persons until their qualities are properly understood Yudhisthira said: Yes, that is a fact. Until one is initiated by a bonafide spiritual master, he must be considered a Sudrā, no matter how exalted his birth is. Hence, one’s personal qualities must be determining factor while ascertaining his social status. Swāyambhu Manu said: Anyone from a lower mixed caste who has become purified by reformatory process is superior to one born in a Brāhmanā family but has fallen from the conduct suitable for his order Serpent said: As you have answered my questions very nicely, I’ll not eat your brother Yudhisthira said: Nahusa! Since you’re well acquainted with Vedic knowledge, tell me what one should do if he desires to be freed from the miseries of material existence Snake said: One who gives charity, speaks truth ...

  Dharma! Bhima captive in the coils of snake said: Dear Nahusa! I know that destiny is supreme & so I don’t grieve about myself but feel sorry for my poor brothers. When they find that I died, they’ll certainly lose enthusiasm to regain their kingdom. And my helpless mother, who is now living amongst evil sons of Dhritrāshtra, will also give up all hope As Bhima lamented about his cruel fate, Yudhisthira observed inauspicious omens & became exceedingly anxious. He fearfully enquired from Draupadi about Bhima, & learned that he had gone off to forest alone that day. YUdhisthira immediately set out with sage Dhaumya following Bhima’s footprint While going thro’ forest, Yudhisthira saw 1000’s of deers and lions that were killed by Bhima & easily ascertained his brother’s path. Finally, he saw that within a mountain cave, Bhima was caught by gigantic snake. Asking Bhima what has happened, his brother said: This snake has captured me for his food Yudhisthira said to sna...

  Humble! Hearing wonderful exploits of Arjun, Yudhisthira said: I consider myself fortunate to have you back & feel as if I’ve already conquered entire earth. Pls show us celestial weapons you’d used to kill Nivāta kavacas Arjun showed his weapons one after another. However, because so many celestial weapons assembled in one place, the earth became oppressed with its weight & began to tremble, water of seas became turbulent & shine of Sun became dim. All creatures were affected & prayed for their lives Lord Brahmā, Lokapālās & even Lord Sivā came while Vāyu showered heavenly flowers on Arjun. Sage Nārada said: Arjun! Don’t invoke these weapons without adequate reason. Infact, even with reason these shouldn’t be employed unless absolute necessary, for such a rash act could destroy entire 3 worlds Nārada then said to Yudhisthira: Dear King! be assured that you’ll have opportunity to see when Arjun uses them against his enemies in battle. After thus prohibiting Ar...