Boast!
After Uttarā’s request, Arjun (as Brhannala) went to Bhuminjay (Uttara), who said: With you as driver, Arjun had subjugated all king’s of earth. Sairindhri (Draupadi), who served Pāndavās in the past, has also spoken of your expertise in maneuvering chariot. I would like you to act as my driver so that I can defeat Kurus & retrieve our cows
Arjun jokingly said: O Prince! How could I possibly drive your chariot in battle? If you want a song or dance, I’m ready to entertain you
Uttara said: Whether you’re a singer or a dancer-whatever you may be-for now pls take reins & drive my chariot
Then, just to enjoy & have some fun, when Arjun took armor handed to him, he fumbled with it, as if he had no idea how to wear it. Thus, Uttara had to put armor on Brhannala while all palace ladies laughed with great delight
When he was about to go, Uttarā & her friends requested Brhannala: After defeating Kurus, bring back their fine garments so that we can decorate our dolls. Arjun smiled & said: I shall gladly do so if Uttara is able to defeat those great heroes
As Uttara & Brhannala were about to set out, Brāhmanās & elderly ladies blessed them while circumambulating the chariot. Both set out where Kurus were
Kuru army was like a vast great ocean, under protection of Duryodhana, Karna, Krpā, Bhishma, Drona & Asvattāma. When Uttara saw all these great personalities his hairs stood on end due to fear. He told Arjun: I’m about to faint. I can't dare fight with such great warriors. My father has taken the army to battle Trigartas, leaving me alone. I’m a mere boy, without much military training & unassisted by any soldiers. Pls turn back at once!
In response Arjun chided Uttara saying: Why do you look so pale with fear? It was you who asked me to become your chariot driver to battle the Kurus. Remember how bravely you spoke in front of palace ladies. If you return home without rescuing your cows, everyone will laugh at you. At least I cannot return empty-handed, after being highly praised by Sairindhri. I don’t want you to become a coward & so I will take you in the midst of Kuru warriors
Uttar was so afraid that he replied: I don’t care if the Kurus steal our cows or even kill them. I don’t care if everyone laughs at me for being a coward, but I’m not going to fight. He then jumped from chariot, threw his bow & ran away as fast as he could. Brhannala ran after while reminding that death on battlefield is preferable to such cowardly act
When people have desire to show-off, their pride makes them dependent on others to be praised. Even if they are praised, their pride becomes like an insatiable fire, with praise acting like a fuel which makes fire blaze more thereby tormenting one with more dissatisfaction. They end up not being able to do anything as they should & can’t find happiness in whatever they do
Boasting takes one away from analyzing their skills & keeps them in dark. They are in for a big surprise when time comes
Thoughts? #gameoflife
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