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 & vowed: The earth may one day split in two, sun may lose its splendor, moon may lose its coolness, ocean may dry up, but I shall never rule kingdom without you


Karna tried to cheer up Duryodhana saying: Tears are useless because they will never help anyone. Pāndavās were only doing their duty, for they are subordinate rulers, living within your jurisdiction. Thus, your grief is childish. Because Pāndavās are your slaves, they should've immediately joined you in fighting against Gandharvas. That they failed to do so is a grievous fault on their part

 

It is not uncommon for a great hero to first crush his enemy & then later on to be put into difficulty. If, at that time, he is rescued by his own men, what is surprising? Don't lament as previously we had vanquished Pāndavās, but they didn't give up their lives. Why then you think to do so? Indeed, if you fast until death others will ridicule you & your name will become infamous. Pls give up your grief & very soon memory of your defeat will be forgotten

 

However, Duryodhana was unmoved by Karna’s words & did not even attempt to reply. He could not tolerate an insult & remained determined to fast until death


Sakuni said: Why you should foolishly let all wealth, opulence & power go to waste? Why lament uselessly? If you feel obliged to Yudhisthira, then establish friendship with him. Give him back half of the kingdom in exchange of favor he has shown to you


Duryodhana became more discouraged hearing Karna & Sakuni’s talks. Filled with unbearable shame & despair, he again begged them to leave him & return back


In response all said that without Duryodhana they'll not return home


To prod someone up & falsely console him against the Dharmic principles, is a great disservice for the person. If one is a well-wisher, a real friend, then he should speak the truth and give guidance for elevation not infamy


It is better to have faith to embrace reality with all its reality, than to cling to the false comfort of a painless fantasy


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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