Vedic Wisdom Talks

  Be in control! Duryodhana undeterred from his decision to give up his life, next spread Kusa grass on ground & after purifying himself by touching water, sat down firmly. Dressed in rags, he gave up speech & renounced all other connections with material world. Devoting himself completely to prayer, he was determined to give up his body & thus attain heavenly destination Daityās & Dānavās had been residing in regions below earth ever since demigods defeated them. Understanding Duryodhana’s determination, demons felt that their mission was being hampered & so they began to perform a ritual that would summon Kaurav king. When Brāhmanās poured libations into sacred fire, a ghastly looking goddess emerged from flames before demons awaiting their command Demons ordered: Go to earth & bring Duryodhana here. In an instant, Duryodhana was brought in his subtle body to assembly of demons. He was given respectful welcome & then addressed: O King! If you commit su...

  Acceptance! Duryodhana lamented telling how he was at the mercy of Pāndavās. He said to Karna: I have decided to remain here & fast until death. The rest of you can return to Hastināpur. How could I dare face Bhisma, Drona, Krpā, Asvatthāma, Vidura, Sanjaya & many other superiors? After experiencing such humiliation & defeat, how could I dare show my face before my relatives? I must now admit once and for all that proud & vain persons like me cannot prosper for long Because I had performed so many wicked acts, I’m now being forced to suffer this intolerable disgrace. My only way out is death, for I’m too proud to go on maintaining my wretched existence after being rescued by my enemies Duryodhana turned to Duhsasanā & said: You must go back & rule kingdom in my place. Hearing this, Duhsasanā became very aggrieved & with voice choked in tears, begged his elder brother: Pls give up your morbid intention He fell at his feet, wetting them with his tears ...

  Gratitude! Arjun after gaining upper hand in fight with Gandharva king Chitrasena, said: Free Duryodhana immediately, for that is Maharāj Yudhisthira’s desire Chitrasena said: You should consider that your elder brother has commanded you to free Duryodhana without knowing his evil intention in coming here. Let me bring Duryodhana to Yudhisthira. After I explain the situation, I shall leave the matter up to him Thus Duryodhana was brought to Yudhisthira. After hearing everything from Chitrasena, Yudhisthira said: It is praiseworthy that you captured Duryodhana & didn’t kill him. Now pls release our cousin, along with all his brothers & their wives, if you wish to do what is agreeable to me Kauravas & their wives were set free & with Yudhisthira’s permission, Gandharvas departed to heaven At this time Yudhisthira affectionately said to Duryodhana & his brothers: Dear cousins! Pls don’t ever again attempt to act so rashly. Now you’re free to return to Hastināpur....

  Correction! When Maharaj Yudhisthira came to know about Kauravas' arrest by Gandharva King, he said to his brothers: I would've immediately gone to Duryodhana’s rescue but because of my vow to live an ascetic life in forest, I cannot do so Pls go. First try to gain Duryodhana’s release by means of conciliation. If this proves unsuccessful, use light force. Finally, if even that is not enough to bring Gandharvas to senses, they must be crushed by all means After receiving his elder brother’s command, Arjun vowed to free Duryodhana & so Bhima, Nakul and Sahadev, also prepared to fight. Thereafter, when Pāndavās rushed onto battlefield, Gandharvas enthusiastically turned to fight, being intoxicated by their victory over Kauravas After a light skirmish, Arjun ordered them to release Duryodhana. However, they simply laughed & declared: Except for Indra, King of Heaven, there is no one who can command us. Arjun said: taking wives of other captive is improper & so you mu...