Vedic Wisdom Talks

  Are we deluded? As Duryodhana suggested to downplay Lord Krsna’s visit to Hastinapur, Bhisma argued: Dear Dhritrāshtra! You should receive the Lord with greatest respect & be ready to execute whatever instructions He may give. Because Krsna’s will is infallible, it behooves you to follow it voluntarily. If you disobey Krsna, you’ll have to suffer the consequences & thus end up lamenting the rest of your life   Duryodhana said: We cannot follow Krsna’s advice, for I’m unwilling to go through’ life sharing my kingdom with the Pāndavās. Pls listen as I now disclose to you the plan I have devised. When Krsna arrives tomorrow, we will take Him captive and hold Him as our prisoner. When the Pāndavās and the Vrsnis hear of this, they will have no alternative but to surrender to us   There was a stunned silence!   This crazy idea was very painful for Dhritrāshtra to hear. Becoming very agitated he implored: My foolish son! Never dare mention such a thing again! Krs...

  If it’s not what it should be! When Dhritrāshtra heard from spies that Krsna had departed for Hastināpur on behalf of Pāndavās, his hair stood up on end with wonder & delight. He ordered Duryodhana to make all possible arrangements for Lord’s reception. At this time, he described Krsna as master of demigods & the creator, maintainer & destroyer of cosmic manifestation. He knew that if Lord Krsna was pleased, all his aims would be accomplished but if He was displeased, he would certainly suffer grave consequences Duryodhana had great pavilions erected & stocked them with an abundance of every conceivable enjoyable object At this time Dhritrāshtra said to Vidura: Tomorrow Krsna will arrive & I’ll give Him a vast amount of wealth, including 16 golden chariots. I'll send all my sons out of city to greet Him, with an exception of Duryodhana, & will provide Dushasana’s palace for His residence, as it is superior even to Duryodhana’s Vidura said: It is very encou...

  Auspiciousness!   As Sri Krsna came far, He requested Maharāj Yudhisthira to turn back to Upaplavya. The king circumambulated the Lord & began to depart. Proceeding a short distance further, Arjun said: Dear Lord! If Duryodhana respectfully honors You & returns half the kingdom to Yudhisthira, I’ll be happy to forgo fighting with Kurus. But if Dhritrāshtra’s son acts otherwise, I hereby vow to exterminate all the Kshatriyās who oppose us on field   Hearing this, Bhima let out a ferocious shout embodying his great delight at Arjun’s heroic words, as well as the rage he felt at the mention of Duryodhana’s name. When assembled warriors heard this terrifying sound, they trembled with fright & their horses and elephants passed stool and urine. Arjun embraced Krsna bidding Him farewell & after taking permission, he also turned back. Dāruka urged on the horses, so that Krsna’s chariot soon left behind everyone that followed Him   While going to Hastināpur,...

  Rituals! It was month of Kārtik & agricultural fields were full of crops. After giving Arjun assurances that he would try his best to bring about a peaceful settlement with Kauravas, Sri Krsna retired for the night. Rising early next morning, He heard auspicious sound of brāhmanās chanting Vedic hymns. After performing customary activities of bathing, dressing decorating Himself & smearing perfume, the Lord worshiped Sun-god & Agni Krsna touched tail of a bull, offered His obeisances to Brāhmanās, circumambulated sacred fire & cast His glance upon auspicious articles that has been purposefully placed within view. After finishing His morning duties, Krsna ordered Sātyaki: Bring My chariot after stocking it with My conch, disc, mace & other weapons, for even wicked persons Like Duryodhana, Karna & Sakuni, shouldn’t be neglected, even by those who are more powerful Sātyaki had his attendants bathe Krsna’s 4 horses-Saivya, Sugriva, Meghapushpa & Balāhaka. ...

  Don’t lose faith! Sātyaki applauded Sahadev’s words & said: Dear Krsna! When I first saw Pāndavās dressed in rags & deerskin at the beginning of their exile, I urged that we immediately attack Kauravas & take back Yudhisthira’s kingdom by force. At that time, You had advised us to be patient & wait. Now that long cherished opportunity has arrived, we should give up this useless talk of peace Hearing this, all assembled warriors let out a loud roar of approval. Draupadi felt very distressed listening to Yudhisthira & Bhima’s mild words, but when she heard Sahadev’s & Sātyaki’s response, her wrath became aroused. With great agitation she turned to Krsna & said: O Lord! Even though Yudhisthira begged for a meagre 5 villages, wretched Duryodhana gave no reply. I don’t want to accept such a deprecating peace! We should fight for our rightful kingdom because it is just as sinful to spare someone who deserves to die as it is to kill an innocent person. Oh, ho...