Independence!

At the completion of Bhisma's appointment ceremony, brahmanas were given abundant charity & they gave benedictions to the new commander. Thereafter vast Kaurava army departed for Kurukshetra. After arriving there, they set up camp on a grassy plain


When King Yudhisthira understood that Kaurava army had arrived after having installed Bhisma as their commander-in-chief, he called for his brothers & Sri Krsna. Just then, Lord Balarama arrived at the Pāndava camp, along with many of the Yadav heroes, Akrura, Gada, Samba, Uddhava, Pradyumna & Carudesna. Balarama looked like Mount Kailas dressed in blue silk. Upon seeing Him, assembled kings quickly rose up from their seats to worship Him


Thereafter, Balarama sat down on the same couch with Yudhisthira. After everyone else was seated, He said: Dear Kings, although I’m not happy to see these preparations for war, I must admit that fighting is unavoidable. I repeatedly solicited My younger brother, Krsna, to give equal aid to both Kauravas & Pandavas, but since He disregarded My words and dedicated Himself to you, I can understand that you will come out victorious


As for Me, I could not think of casting My glance upon the world without Krsna & so I follow His directions in all respects. I have equal affection for both my disciples-Bhima & Duryodhana-and so I will now set out on an extensive tour-of holy places of pilgrimage along the River Sarasvati, so I can avoid this fratricidal war. If I were to stay & witness this great battle, I would never be able to remain indifferent and thus would certainly break My vow of non participation


Let Me offer My blessings to all of. you. I hope that after the war, I will be able to see you again, hale and hearty. After conversing with assembled kings for some time, Lord Balarama took permission from Pandavas & departed on His pilgrim’s journey


Soon thereafter, Rukmi, the son of Bhismaka, arrived at the Pandavas' camp. Rukmi had become very accomplished in the use of weapons & had received celestial Vijaya bow from Indra, which was equal to Arjuna's Gandiva bow. When Sri Krsna kidnapped his sister, Rukmi chased Him, vowing to either kill Him or else never return to his capital.  Rukmi was defeated by Sri Krsna & put to shame and so he did not return to Kundina, but instead founded city of Bhojakata


Rukmi entered Pāndava camp along with his army, consisting of one akshauni, in hopes of getting the chance to display his prowess in such a way that even Sri Krsna would be impressed. Yudhisthira immediately got up to welcome Rukmi


We all have our reasons to participate for a cause or to stay away from it. But one basic tenet for our decisions should be the adherence to Dharma. We may be driven by base emotions driven by kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobh (greed), moha (attachment), mada or ahankar (pride) & matsarya (jealousy), but let’s be free from these negative characteristics & be real Independent


Happy Independence Day!


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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