Tolerate or Act!

Draupadi said to Bhima: Oh! How painful it is for me to see the foremost of chariot warrior & bowmen, Arjun, capable of conquering entire world, now dressed like a woman, with braided hair, bangles & earrings. Nakula & Sahadev are also forced to accept menial position & what to speak of me, for I must accept miserable life of a servant

I’m only able to maintain my wretched life by clinging to hope that we'll soon regain our prosperity, but this also uncertain, for we're playthings in hands of destiny. Which other woman could bear to live so miserably, despite being surrounded by so many powerful husbands, brothers & other relatives? Look at my blistered hands. These hands would formerly grind sandalwood into paste only for my mother-in-law, Kunti, but now they labor to service others

While showing Bhima her hands, Draupadi broke down & cried. As he held her hand, Bhima also cried. Finally, after controlling himself, he said: Dear Draupadi! When I saw Kicaka kick you, I decided to exterminate entire race of Matsyas. However, being restrained by Yudhisthira, I controlled my anger & desisted from doing anything in retaliation. Still, I felt that my pent-up rage would burn my body to ashes. Indeed, that I’ve not yet taken revenge against Duryodhana, Sakuni, Duhsāsana & Karna is like a spear piercing my heart

But Draupadi, you should refrain from criticizing Yudhisthira so harshly. If he were to ever hear you speak like this, he would certainly commit suicide. Console yourself by remembering how there were many glorious & chaste women in past who had to suffer greatly while following their righteous husbands. Just consider Sita, the consort of Lord Vishnu! You must be patient & wait for the little time that remains to pass

Draupadi said: It was only due to frustration that I indulged in criticizing Yudhisthira. She then explained to Bhima how Kicaka repeatedly accosted her & concluded by saying: After last incident, he will surely try to punish me next time we meet. My dear husband, pls kill wicked wretch without further delay. Otherwise, if I’ve to again endure such an insult, I’ll surely give up my life

Draupadi buried her head in Bhima’s chest & he consoled her. He then said: Arrange for a meeting with Kicaka tomorrow night at the newly constructed dancehall. That place is deserted after dark & so if you lure Kicaka there, I’ll kill him without fail

One can be humble to tolerate mistreatment done to him, but when it comes to abuse of others, showing humility is not recommended. Especially when we know that someone is exploiting a weakling, who cannot safeguard himself, we have responsibility to use our resources, skills & power to prevent it at any cost

A devotee tolerates everything on himself but when it comes to blasphemy of the Supreme Lord & his pure devotees, he acts decisively to safeguard it. A perfect example is Sri Hanuman & how he used all his might in service of Lord Rām to decimate Rāvan

Thoughts? #gameoflife