Against our nature!

As Sri Krsna expressed his desire to go to Hastinapur to make one last appeal for peace with Kauravas, Bhima said: Pls don’t make Kauravas feel that we are threatening them. Duryodhana is very easily angered & so he should be approached very gently. It is exceedingly difficult to make peace with such an arrogant & deceitful person. He has the heart of a thief & is intoxicated with pride because of his wealth and influence. He is always hostile towards us & enjoys speaking harshly, criticizing others

Duryodhana lacks foresight, is difficult to appease, is wicked & incapable of being taught anything. Indeed, he is so stubborn that he would rather give up his life than change his opinion. I share Yudhisthira’s feelings, that it would be better to rule an insignificant kingdom as Duryodhana’s subordinate than annihilate the entire Kuru dynasty

These mild words from Bhima were highly out of character, and so they were as unexpected as cold fire or weightless mountains. In response, Sri Krsna laughed out loud for some time. Seeing Bhima in a forgiving mood, Krsna wanted to stimulate his anger

Krsna said: O Great Hero! Do you remember how you delighted in fighting & killing others on numerous occasion? Remember how you could hardly sleep at night & would suddenly wake up while remembering the insults your brothers & Draupadi had tolerated? Being unable to sleep due to pent-up rage, you would sit up all night with your head between your knees. Sometimes, like madman, you would utter angry exclamations breathing hotly

Always waiting for chance to take revenge against Kauravas, you mostly kept to yourself all these years. From time to time, you were seen sitting with contracted brows, biting your lip in anger. While doing so, you would repeatedly laugh aloud. Once while seated with your brothers, you suddenly picked up your mace & vowed-As sure as Sun rises & sets, I’ll kill Duryodhana! How is that the same Bhima now speaks so mildly about peace? Acting like a eunuch who is afraid of Kauravas doesn’t suit one who is supposed to be a great hero

Bhima was incapable of tolerating an insult. Prodded by Sri Krsna, his real nature immediately reawakened

He responded: O Krsna! Don’t doubt my prowess. Even Indra could not extricate himself after coming within my grasp

Our real nature can never be subdued. Results of our actions depends both on Destiny & our exertion. When one’s enthusiasm for action slackens, success is hampered. It is for this reason Krsna spoke like this to Bhima to drive away any doubt or depression from his mind

Huge lessons for us when we also behave against our nature & against the will of the Supreme Lord. We should abide by His directions

karmendriyāṇi saṁyamya ya āste manasā smaran

indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā mithyācāraḥ sa ucyate

One who restrains the senses of action but whose mind dwells on sense objects certainly deludes himself and is called a pretender

Thoughts? #gameoflife