False Ego!

Dhritrāshtra liked the idea of going to Dvaitavana, but he said: As Pāndavās are staying there, it would be better to send someone else. Otherwise, if you go there, Duryodhana will surely offend them. Just try to understand how powerful Pāndavās are, & any attempt to harm them will result in your own destruction

Sakuni argued: We have no intention to see them, and actually we would avoid the vicinity where they stay, so there is no chance for any misconduct. At last, Dhritrāshtra granted permission to go to Dvaitvana

Without delay Duryodhana happily set out, accompanied by Sakuni, Karna, Duhsāsana & many other brothers, 1000’s of ladies & a large army as well. Altogether, the party consisted of 8000 chariots, 9000 horses, innumerable foot soldiers, merchants, hunters and various classes of servants

When they approached Dvaitvana, Duryodhana setup camp at a distance from the lake where Pāndavās were staying. From there counting of cattle was conducted. When this was accomplished, the Dhārtarāshtrās & their soldiers began to revel in forest. Numerous cowherd men & virgin girls personally served Duryodhana. In return he gave them much wealth & food

Thereafter Duryodhana & his associates engaged themselves in hunting deer, buffalo, boar & other wild beasts and killed many of them. Finally, when they came to the lake, Duryodhana ordered his men to construct some pleasure houses on shore. However, when those men approached lake to begin construction, a host of Gandharvas forbade them saying: King of Gandharvas have come here to sport in the water accompanied by many Apsarās. Therefore, you cannot advance any further. Turn back!

The men returned & reported matter to Duryodhana, who became enraged hearing how the execution of his orders is hindered. So, he sent some soldiers to drive away Gandharvas. When they reached & warned not to interfere in their work, Gandharvas just laughed & harshly said: Duryodhana must be mad if he thinks he can order celestials like his menial servants. Leave from here if you hope to keep your lives

Duryodhana hearing the message, was inflamed with anger & ordered his army to attack. After receiving command, the army set out to encounter Gandharvas. On seeing the Kaurava army approach, Gandharvas reported the matter to their King Chitrasena, who ordered his soldiers to go & punish Kauravas

As warriors of Kaurav army saw Gandharvas approach, they panicked & began running away inspite of Duryodhana’s presence

When a person is driven by his false ego & his companions also boost the same, it’s a heady recipe for disaster. We see this behavior causing fall of so many leaders. Our internal impressions of creating a false picture of self, impels us to our various actions

Real ego is that we are eternal servitors of the Supreme Lord Krsna & He is our benevolent and potent protector. By understanding this relationship, we can get away from the false ego, and be humble in our actions

Thoughts? #gameoflife