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

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  Never Fall down!   Arjun released an Agni weapon that brightly lit up entire sky. Karna invoked a Varuna weapon that quenched the fire by creating clouds with a Vayavya weapon & then released a favourite weapon of Indra that made thousands of arrows issues forth from his G ā ndiva bow   While being pierced all over, Karna countered Aindra weapon with a Bh ārgava weapon & proceeded to kill many of the foremost Pāncāla warriors. Seeing this, Bhima’s anger blazed up like fire. He chastised his brother by saying: O Arjun, how can you allow these great warriors to be killed within your very sight? Please remember how Karna had insulted Draupadi? Give up your indifference & kill him without delay!   Sri Krsna said: Dear Arjun, you must exert your full prowess now, if need be, you can take help from my Sudarshan Cakra!   After momentarily considering the purpose of his appearance in this world, Arjun replied: Lord, with your permission as ...
Read more
Image
  Make or break!   When Salya agreed to drive Karna’s chariot only on condition that he must be allowed to speak freely whatever he likes, Duryodhana and Karna readily agreed & thus a contract was made. Duryodhana flattered Salya by comparing him to Lord Brahmā, who formerly became Shiva’s charioteer at the time of destroying Tripura   Duryodhana concluded his long talk by saying: Dear Salya, Parasurāma delivered the entire science of weapons to Karna. Therefore, we must intelligently conclude that Karna cannot really be a sutā’s son. He must be the offspring of a demigod born in a Kshatriya family & then abandoned at infancy. Otherwise, why would Parasurāma agreed to instruct him in the complete use of weapons?   Salya replied: I have heard on numerous occasions the story of how Lord Brahmā became Lord Siva’s charioteer. You should not place so much faith in your plans, because even if Arjun is killed, Sri Krsna will exterminate the entire Kaurav...
Read more
Image
Grudge-The heaviest thing to hold! Asvattāma hurriedly yoked horses to his chariot & set out, as Krpa & Krtvarma anxiously followed him. He soon arrived at Pāndava camp & saw a gigantic being with enormous head with flames emanating from his eyes, nose, ear & mouth   Asvattāma fearlessly attacked that awesome being with his celestial weapons but failed in all his attempt. He thought to himself: Krpa had warned me that persons who don’t listen to their elders must lament later. The frustration of my attempt must be due to its inherently sinful nature. I wonder who is this astonishing being that has defeated me. Obviously further exertion on my part will be useless until my destiny is favourable. Let me now take shelter of my worshipful Lord Siva & seek his guidance   Asvattāma got down from his chariot & fervently prayed to Lord Siva offering his body, mind & soul. Lord Siva personally appeared & smilingly said: Dear Asvattāma, there is...
Read more