धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः


As Arjun once again picked up his bow & arrows to fight, the Pāndava side let out a tremendous roar. All the demigods, sages, Gandharvās & demons appeared in sky to witness the historic battle. Maharāj Yudhisthira then caused a great stir by taking off his armor & putting aside his weapons. Getting down from his chariot, he began walking towards Kaurava army with folded hands


When Arjun saw this, he quickly dismounted & ran towards his elder brother. Other Pāndavās & Sri Krsna followed Arjun while enquiring: O Yudhisthira, what is your intention in abandoning your army & advancing unarmed towards enemy?


Yudhisthira remained silent & proceeded on undeterred. Sri Krsna smilingly said: Dear sons of Pāndu, Yudhisthira approaches Kaurava army so that he can offer his respects to Bhisma, Drona, Krpā & Salya. After doing so, you can rest assured that he’ll return to fighting. It is understood that when fighting with superiors, if one first goes & offers them proper respect, then victory is assured


At this time all warriors in Kaurava army began to speculate thinking: Yudhisthira must be approaching Bhisma out of fear. Because of this, the other Pāndavās are also seeking Grandsire’s shelter


Thinking like this the Kauravas began to criticize Yudhisthira, although at the same time they were curious to hear what he would say. Surrounded by his brothers, Yudhisthira came to Bhisma. While grabbing his lotus feet, he said: Dear grandfather, pls give me permission to fight with you & give me your blessings


Bhisma replied: O Yudhisthira, if you had not come to me in this way, I would have surely cursed you. My dear grandson, I’m very pleased with you & I sincerely wish for your success in battle. I will offer you a benediction, although I think that my words have no value, since I have taken the side of Kauravas, being obliged because they maintained me


Yudhisthira requested: Even though you’ll have to fight against us, I beg you to think of our welfare every day. In addition, pls disclose to me the means whereby you can be killed in this battle


Bhisma replied: O son, I do not see anyone capable of vanquishing me in battle, nor has the appointed time for my death arrived


Yudhisthira accepted these words & once again bowed before Bhisma. He then proceeded, with his brothers, to Dronācharya & offered his obeisances & circumambulated him. All the Kaurava warriors stared at him as if dumbstruck with wonder


Never ever dare to circumvent the tenets of Dharma “dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ”. The Dharma protects those who protect it

 

dharma eva hato hanti dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ tasmād dharmo na hantavyo mā no dharmo hato'vadhīt

He who sacrifices virtue is himself destroyed. & he that preserves it is himself preserved. I, therefore, do not sacrifice virtue, considering that if destroyed, it will destroy us


In modern times, we may fail to follow these guidelines but to our own peril. Tenets of Dharma are sacrosanct


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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