THE MAHABHARATAM : 17. - Swami Advayananda

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Sunday, May 22, 2022. 18:00.

Prelude to the Bhagavad Geeta :

Meditation on the Bhagavad Geeta.

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18 Episodes : 

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Episode 1: How the Writing Began

Episode 2: The Story of Bhishma

Episode 3: Amba Seeks Revenge on Bhishma

Episode 4: The Story of Vidhura

Episode 5: The Story of Queen Kunti

Episode 6: The Young Princes Grow Up Together 

Episode 7: The Development of Karna 

Episode 8: The “Wax Palace”

Episode 9: The Pandavas Enjoy Some Peace!

Episode 10: Draupadi’s Swayamwaram

Episode 11: The Pandavas Settle in Indraprastham

Episode 12: The “Gambling Match”

Episode 13 : The De-Robing of Draupadi 

Episode 14: The Twelve Years in Exile 

Episode 15: The Thirteenth Year Incognito 

Episode 16: Krishna’s Peace Mission

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Episode 17: The Choice – Krishna or His Army 

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Duryodhana was very keen to get a larger army that Yudhishthira. He sought victory through numerical supremacy at all costs.


An example of how Duryodhana operated is given here:


King Shalva, the brother of Madri, had the largest army, fifteen miles long. He was 

taking his army to join the Pandavas. On the way, Duryodhana arranged for his entire army 

to be well fed and well served. Shalva thought that this help was coming from Yudhishthira 

and wanted to give some presents in return. Duryodhana came to meet him instead. Shalva 

was in a quandary. “What can I do for you?” Duryodhana said, “Well, if you are pleased with 

our hospitality, you can join us.” Shalva said, “Yes”, but he wanted to see the Pandavas.

When he met with Yudhishthira, he was told, “You have given your word. You can 

remain with Duryodhana. We will not need you.”


The above example illustrates the radical difference between the two leaders in this 

war. Duryodhana stood for ruthless unscrupulousness, while Yudhishthira was a model of 

righteousness and fairness. He wanted quality, not quantity.


The same test came up again when the leaders Arjuna and Duryodhana went to Sri Krishna 

for His support. Duryodhana was anxious to get Krishna’s army, the Narayana Sena, 

for the war. He went in with Arjuna into Krishna’s chamber. Krishna was asleep. Duryodhana 

sat on the golden chair behind Sri Krishna’s head; Arjuna sat humbly at the feet of 

Sri Krishna, on the floor. When Krishna awoke, His eyes fell on Arjuna first.


Duryodhana spoke first, “Krishna, I came first. Kindly give me whatever I ask for.”

Sri Krishna, the all-knowing Lord of the Universe, replied, “But I saw Arjuna first. He 

shall have the first preference. You can choose either Myself unarmed, or My army. I shall 

not fight in this war.” 


Arjuna humbly asked for Sri Krishna. To him the Lord was all he wanted, He was 

more important than His army.


Duryodhana was thrilled at this choice of Arjuna. He was overjoyed that he will now 

have the entire Narayana Sena on his side, and Arjuna will have a defenseless Krishna.

At that point Balaram told Duryodhana, “You are the idiot, Duryodhana. You do not 

know wherever my Brother is there will be victory.”


*****

Episode 18: Karna & Kunti 

To be continued ...


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