A different way!

Mārkandeya Rsi narrated many ancient histories to Yudhisthira

He said: One day Indra came to visit sage named Vāka, whose āsrama was on the shore of eastern ocean. Vāka immediately stood up, welcomed him with respect, offered arghya, nice carpet to sit & fruit and roots to eat. In conversation, sage said: Dear Indra! Anyone who doesn’t have to associate with wicked persons & who can maintain himself simply without much endeavor, can experience true happiness

One who doesn’t have to depend on others for his livelihood is happy. If one is self-sufficient, cooks for himself, & then eats after feeding a guest or a Brāhmanā, he experiences great happiness & becomes freed from all sinful reactions. After conversing with sage on various topics, Indra departed feeling satisfied by knowledge received

There was a king of Kuru dynasty named Suhotra, who once went to visit great sages in forest. While returning home, he happened to meet King Sibi-son of Usinara, travelling on the road in opposite direction. The road was too narrow for both chariots to pass & because they were equals in terms of age & other qualifications, neither Sibi nor Suhotra would move aside to yield the right of way

Sage Nārada appeared on scene & asked: O Kings! Why’re you both blocking way, refusing to move aside for other?

Suhotra & Sibi said: It is proper etiquette that one should give right of way to superiors. However, as we appear equal in all respects, neither of us are willing to move aside

Sage said: I’ll recite some verses from sastra & give my opinion. Wicked persons behave harshly even towards superiors, whereas those who are elevated conduct themselves very mildly, even dealing with those who are sinful. Since a noble person behaves virtuously, even towards those who are degraded, why shouldn’t he do so when dealing with those who’re good? An exalted person regards other person’s qualities & services, to be 100 times greater than they actually are. In this way he only sees good in others

The way to conquer a mean-minded person is to give him charity. A liar is won over by truth, a sinful person is conquered by forgiveness & a dishonest person’s heart is softened by honesty

My dear Suhotra! Apart from this, you should know that King Sibi’s greatness exceeds yours. Since both of you are large hearted, one of you should voluntarily move aside, giving up all sense of false pride

As sage became silent, Suhotra moved his chariot off the road, giving Sibi right of way & while doing so praised him highly. Both Kings continued their journey & Sibi had high regards of Suhotra

There is always other way than to react as per emotions. It takes more courage to keep false ego under control & follow dharmic injunctions

Bhagvad Gita emphasizes that life’s ultimate purpose is to raise our consciousness to the spiritual level, free from mortality & misery attached to matter. Then we can be different in our approach & would be peaceful too

Thoughts? #gameoflife