'Mahabharat- Different Versions -Perspectives'

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bheegi

@bheegi

Stunner

+ 5

Posted: 11 years ago

#381

Here is what Dr DP says about Balrama:

On neither side Duryodhana then went to Krishna's elder brother, Balarama. Join me,' said Duryodhana, I was unable to marry your sister and my son was unable to marry your daughter. I have never had the joy of having you by my side. So please fight on my side against my wicked cousins.' Before Balarama could reply, Bhima came before Duryodhana and said, It is Duryodhana who is unrighteous and wicked for it is he who clings to our lands. Join us, Balarama, fight with us, beside your brother. You know your brother is always right.' Balarama looked at the two mighty men before him. Both were his cousins. He had taught them the art of fighting with the mace. With eyes full of sorrow and love, he looked at the two men and said, Such anger, such hate, against your own family. And for what? A piece of land. Let go, Bhima. Let go, Duryodhana. Embrace and become friends.

Enjoy this world together. Eat, drink and dance together. Forget this war, forget the gambling, and let bygones be bygones.' Balarama looked at the two cousins and saw the anger and rage in their hearts. Neither was willing to give up their hatred. Fools. Vengeance will never take away sorrow. It will breed more anger.' Balarama then took a decision. He would fight for neither side. He would instead go on a pilgrimage. As he left he advised his students, If you have to fight, fight by upholding the rules of warfare that I have taught you. Never strike anyone below the waist. Never strike anyone in the back.

Never strike anyone who is unarmed or helpless. Fight among equals and win by upholding the rules. Therein lies glory.'

Balarama's refusal to fight has made him in the eyes of many scholars a form of Shiva, the ascetic, who is indifferent to worldly affairs and feels there is no value to the petty politics of human society. In Jain traditions, he is considered superior to Krishna because he refuses to fight. Hence it is foretold that in his next life he will become a Tirthankara, the supreme being who makes the bridge out of the material world. Krishna will become one much later. In some Buddhist traditions, Balarama is the Buddha, the wise but distant one, who is impatient with man's frailties, while Krishna is Bodhisattva, the wise and compassionate one, who understands and empathizes with the frailties of man.

Pattanaik, Devdutt (2010-08-16). Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (p. 225). Penguin Books Ltd. Kindle Edition.

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246851

Hibernated

Posted: 11 years ago

#382

Oh yeah, abhimanyu maried vatsala, daus daughter and sashirekha krishna mama's daughter.

Duri forgot about how samba is his damad and technically he would ned to side to damad side

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bheegi

@bheegi

Stunner

+ 5

Posted: 11 years ago

#383

Finally found something on Draupadi-Abhimanyu:

Only a few days before the celebrations to mark the beginning of Subhadra's son Abhimanyu had been held in Indraprasth with great pomp and show. Then both Krishnas had come and after blessing Abhimanyu had gone back. While returning, Krishna Vasudev had said in jest, "Krishnaa! Subhadra's son has arrived as this family's eldest son. Do not grieve over this. This is the tradition of the Puru dynasty. Though Gandhari was pregnant first, still, because the sons of the younger sister-in-law, Kunti, were born first, they are shouldering the grave responsibilities of the first-born. You should be glad that your sons will not have to bear the heavy burden of the royal crown." Laughing I said, "Sakha! Despite being born of Subhadra's womb Abhimanyu is my husband's son. Therefore, Abhimanyu is my eldest son. Abhimanyu calls me ma while he calls Subhadra chhoti ma, 'junior mother'. Subhadra has only given him birth but he is growing up in my lap. It is with me that he studies, learns singing, draws pictures. Listening to tales of his ancestors he drops off to sleep in my lap. Subhadra's childishness has not yet gone. Should Abhimanyu insist on anything with her, she teases him all the more. When Abhimanyu weeps, instead of consoling him Subhadra is on the verge of tears. When Abhimanyu chatters away, Subhadra packs him off to me. Now tell me, is he my son or Subhadra's?" Laughing, Krishna said, "What should I say! Abhimanyu is himself going around saying this. The first day his teacher asked him 'What is your introduction?' Abhimanyu said, 'My father is Arjun, maternal uncle is Krishan and mother is Krishnaa " just this is my introduction.' There is no trace of my darling sister, Subhadra there." So Krishna was jesting! Still I said, "Sakha, since birth Abhimanyu has been listening to the history of his clan from my lips. In his dynasty it is the eldest who has the highest status. Not just because of the respect due to age, but it is because of intellect, discrimination and nobility of heart that the eldest was given the highest status. The sons of Madri, Nakul and Sahadev, too, feel proud to call themselves Kunti's sons. Despite enmity between the Kauravs and the Pandavs, in the eyes of mothers Gandhari and Kunti the hundred Kauravs and the five Pandavs are brothers. So how is it unnatural in any way if Abhimanyu introduces himself as 'son of Krishnaa'?" Sakha laughed aloud and left. While leaving, he said, "Sakhi, my heart is not in Dvaraka. I constantly wait for an opportunity to visit Indraprasth. Do not begin the education of your five sons Prativindhya, Shrutasom, Shrutakarma, Shatanik and Shrutakirti together. I will get the chance of coming each time for the ceremony of each one. Then I will not have to make up false excuses before brother Balaram for coming here."

Pratibha Ray ( ). Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi (Kindle Locations 3119-3128). . Kindle Edition.

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@DrModel

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 11 years ago

#384

Shakuni's serpent eyes flickered for a moment. He said with rare urgency, "You must reach Dwaraka before Arjuna does and ask Krishna to support you in the war. Take your swiftest horses, go now!" Within the hour, Duryodhana swept toward the ocean-city.

Meanwhile, Arjuna went along with no doubt in his mind that Krishna would join the Pandavas. How would the love the Blue God bore his cousins allow him to fight for the Kauravas? Arjuna did not hurry, but went in faith and arrived in fabulous Dwaraka only after Duryodhana did. It was early morning. The city of dreams lay languid on a sea tinted with the colors of a new day. Arjuna took his chariot across the bridge that led into Dwaraka; the city was just beginning to bestir itself. Still rubbing the sleep from their eyes, some Yadavas came out of their homes to worship the sun. They saw Arjuna, shouted his name in surprise and waved.

He arrived in Krishna's palace and a guard brought him to a waiting room. He saw Duryodhana sat there already, grinning smugly at him. "Greetings, cousin! Whatever brings you to Dwaraka, young Arjuna? Could it be the same thing I have come for? But I came before you and I will speak to Krishna first."

In his chamber, Krishna lay asleep. At the head of his bed stood an exquisite chair carved from dark rosewood. Duryodhana crossed to it and sat down. Arjuna went slowly to the foot of the Blue Lord's bed and stood there, his eyes shut and his hands folded to the sleeper. Duryodhana fidgeted in his chair. He looked scornfully at his cousin; Arjuna stood motionless at Krishna's feet, in prayer. Finally, Krishna opened his eyes, yawned and saw Arjuna at the foot of his bed.

"Arjuna!" he cried. "When did you come?" "Just now, my Lord." Krishna was all smiles. As he rose, there was a cough behind him. He turned to see Duryodhana, sitting stiffly in his chair. The Kaurava said, "Krishna, I came before Arjuna and it is only just that you hear me first." Krishna said softly, "How nice to see you, Duryodhana. And I am glad to hear you speaking of justice today!" He scratched his cheek thoughtfully. "Yet, when I awoke, it was Arjuna I saw first. Well, I must be fair to both of you, since you have come so far to seek my advice or help, or...what is it you have come for?"

Duryodhana said, "Krishna, we mean to have war between us. There is no point pretending otherwise, since both of us are mustering armies. I have come to ask you, Krishna, to fight for the Kaura-vas. And I came before he did." Krishna turned questioningly to Arjuna, who inclined his head to say that he, also, had come for the same reason. Duryodhana went on smoothly, "Krishna, they say you favor neither the Pandavas nor the Kauravas. It is only dharma you join the one that came to you first. The rishis all say you are the greatest man in the world. You must not violate dharma."

Krishna nodded gravely at Duryodhana and the Kaurava smiled as if he already had what he wanted; and if Krishna joined him, the Pandavas would be finished! He would have won the war before it began. He would not be surprised if Yudhishtira abandoned the thought of fighting and went back into the jungle for another twelve years. Sending him here was a masterstroke of Shakuni's. Krishna said gently, "Duryodhana, I don't doubt you came before Arjuna; but when I opened my eyes, I saw Arjuna first. To be fair, I cannot turn either of you away. So I will offer you a choice."

Duryodhana began to protest, but now Krishna's tone brooked no argument, "Moreover, Arjuna is younger than you are, Duryodhana and he must have the first choice." Again, Duryodhana wanted to speak and again Krishna would not let him. "Listen to the choice I offer before you protest. I feel you will both be pleased with my offer. Can you agree to trust me? For once the choice is made, it will bind all three of us. I promise it will be fair to both of you: a choice after your own hearts and neither of you shall be disappointed. Will you trust me?"

Arjuna nodded at once and, after some hesitation, Duryodhana did as well. "Make your offer, Krishna." Krishna said, "On one hand, I offer myself, just me mind you and I will carry no weapons during your war, nor strike a blow regardless of who wins or loses. On the other hand, I offer an aksauhini of Yadava warriors1 and they shall bear arms and fight for one of you. Arjuna, you choose first." Arjuna did not hesitate. "This is the easiest choice I ever had to make. I choose you, Krishna! Who else do I need in this world, or the next?" Duryodhana had to restrain himself, so he did not laugh aloud. On one hand, an unarmed Krishna who would not strike a blow and a formidable legion of Vrishni heroes on the other: if he had the first choice, he would certainly have chosen the Yadava warriors. What could Krishna do if he did not fight? It was a laughable choice and what was more, the fool of a Pandava had made it for him. "Krishna, are you sure you will not fight?" "I swear it, Duryodhana." "Arjuna has chosen and I am content," said the Kaurava.

He could not keep the glee out of his eyes and Krishna smiled to see it. Duryodhana thanked Krishna quickly and hurried away, thinking his war as good as won, since the Pandavas' most dangerous ally would not carry a weapon or fight for them. He was so overjoyed he ran straight to his master Balarama. "My lord!" cried Duryodhana, kneeling before his old guru. Balarama raised him up. "Duryodhana, I am glad to see you. Have you heard how I defended your cause at Upaplavya?" "I have heard, my lord and I thank you! I have come to tell you how much what you said there has helped me." "How is that? Krishna and Satyaki are against you." "Arjuna and I saw Krishna together. He said he would be fair to both of us. He offered us a choice and asked Arjuna to choose first." "I told you he favors the Pandavas." "Oh no, my lord! In this instance, he has been entirely fair. In fact, Arjuna made a foolish choice and Krishna smiled at me as if to say, Now you have what you want, Duryodhana!'"

"What was the choice he offered?" Duryodhana laughed, "On one hand, himself and he will bear no arms, nor strike a blow during the war, whatever its outcome. And on the other, a legion of Vrishni warriors who will fight!" A knowing look had crept into Balarama's eye. He said softly, "And Arjuna chose Krishna?" Duryodhana cried, "I would have chosen the aksauhini, even if I had chosen first." "I feared as much," said Balarama with a sigh. "It was no choice he offered you." But Duryodhana was too excited to notice his master was not enthused.

There was such pity in Balarama's voice, which Duryodhana in his jubilation did not notice. The Kaurava embraced his guru and strode out to his chariot to ride back to Hastinapura with his wonderful news2. How pleased Shakuni would be! When Duryodhana had gone, Balarama sat very still for a long time and a tear glistened in his eye. He rose and poured himself a bowl of wine. There was no doubt now that there would indeed be war and blood would flow in scarlet streams. It would be Krishna's great yagna, the one he had been born for and he would cleanse the earth with it. Balarama drained the bowl and set it down. He whispered, "Oh, my brother, how are your ways. Choice! What choice did you offer? You knew both their hearts. The only choice you offered Duryodhana was his death."

Menon, Ramesh (2006-07-20). THE MAHABHARATA: A Modern Rendering, Vol 2 . iUniverse. Kindle Edition.

Edited by DrModel - 11 years ago

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Pooja Menon

@pooja-menon

Trailblazer

+ 7

Posted: 11 years ago

#385

Originally posted by: bheegi
Finally found something on Draupadi-Abhimanyu:
Only a few days before the celebrations to mark the beginning of Subhadra's son Abhimanyu had been held in Indraprasth with great pomp and show. Then both Krishnas had come and after blessing Abhimanyu had gone back. While returning, Krishna Vasudev had said in jest, "Krishnaa! Subhadra's son has arrived as this family's eldest son. Do not grieve over this. This is the tradition of the Puru dynasty. Though Gandhari was pregnant first, still, because the sons of the younger sister-in-law, Kunti, were born first, they are shouldering the grave responsibilities of the first-born. You should be glad that your sons will not have to bear the heavy burden of the royal crown." Laughing I said, "Sakha! Despite being born of Subhadra's womb Abhimanyu is my husband's son. Therefore, Abhimanyu is my eldest son. Abhimanyu calls me ma while he calls Subhadra chhoti ma, 'junior mother'. Subhadra has only given him birth but he is growing up in my lap. It is with me that he studies, learns singing, draws pictures. Listening to tales of his ancestors he drops off to sleep in my lap. Subhadra's childishness has not yet gone. Should Abhimanyu insist on anything with her, she teases him all the more. When Abhimanyu weeps, instead of consoling him Subhadra is on the verge of tears. When Abhimanyu chatters away, Subhadra packs him off to me. Now tell me, is he my son or Subhadra's?" Laughing, Krishna said, "What should I say! Abhimanyu is himself going around saying this. The first day his teacher asked him 'What is your introduction?' Abhimanyu said, 'My father is Arjun, maternal uncle is Krishan and mother is Krishnaa " just this is my introduction.' There is no trace of my darling sister, Subhadra there." So Krishna was jesting! Still I said, "Sakha, since birth Abhimanyu has been listening to the history of his clan from my lips. In his dynasty it is the eldest who has the highest status. Not just because of the respect due to age, but it is because of intellect, discrimination and nobility of heart that the eldest was given the highest status. The sons of Madri, Nakul and Sahadev, too, feel proud to call themselves Kunti's sons. Despite enmity between the Kauravs and the Pandavs, in the eyes of mothers Gandhari and Kunti the hundred Kauravs and the five Pandavs are brothers. So how is it unnatural in any way if Abhimanyu introduces himself as 'son of Krishnaa'?" Sakha laughed aloud and left. While leaving, he said, "Sakhi, my heart is not in Dvaraka. I constantly wait for an opportunity to visit Indraprasth. Do not begin the education of your five sons Prativindhya, Shrutasom, Shrutakarma, Shatanik and Shrutakirti together. I will get the chance of coming each time for the ceremony of each one. Then I will not have to make up false excuses before brother Balaram for coming here."

Pratibha Ray ( ). Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi (Kindle Locations 3119-3128). . Kindle Edition.

This is soo sweet 😃

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@DrModel

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 11 years ago

#386

Arjuna and Duryodhana personally travelled to Dwaraka to enlist Krishna's help. They both reached his chambers at the same time. Krishna was fast asleep. Without a word, Duryodhana seated himself on a richly wrought seat placed at the head of Krishna's bed . Arjuna took up his position at the foot of the bed and stood there respectfully. Positioned thus, the cousins did a thorough job of pretending the other did not exist. When Krishna woke, Duryodhana spoke up first. Krishna! War is inevitable between us and our cousins. I have come to seek your help. And let me inform you that I was here first. You are related to us both and it behoves you not to show any prejudice or partiality in this matter. Therefore, knowing your greatness and unblemished conduct, I ask that you grant my request first.'

Krishna spoke softly. Duryodhana , while it may be that you came first, the fact remains that I saw Arjuna first. Secondly, custom dictates that the youngest speak first, so I will have to allow him first choice. But you were correct in saying that I have to treat you both equally, so this is what I have decided. One of you can have the mighty Yadava army, while I offer only myself to the other. And I must inform you that I shall not pick up a weapon or take part in the actual fighting, as I refuse to fight those who are related to me by blood. Now the time has come for you to choose. Arjuna, you have the first choice.' I choose you, Krishna,' Arjuna said without the slightest hesitation. Duryodhana's face, which had been distorted with molten rage, turned gleeful. And I choose your army!' he said quickly.

Krishna himself wondered aloud if Arjuna had done the wise thing in choosing him over his army. Are you absolutely sure that you made the right choice Arjuna?' Without a doubt!' came the sanguine reply. With you on our side, there is no way we can lose. Duryodhana is a fool not to realize that. And since you will not be taking part in the actual fighting, will you consent to be my charioteer? It has long been a fond hope of mine.' So be it! It will be as you wish.' Replied Krishna, knowing that it was destined to be so. The battle is already won! I can feel it in my bones!' exclaimed Arjuna.

Krishna only smiled at his friend's childlike exuberance, and was secretly sorry that he could not spare him the anguish that was to follow, as the price of victory. But Arjuna was right about one thing. Krishna would have a pivotal role to play in the outcome of the battle of Kurukshetra, and it was he who controlled the ebb and flow of the war. Long before the battle commenced, Krishna began to set in motion events that were intended to influence the outcome of the battle in favour of the Pandavas . Bhoomi Devi had complained about the burden of sin she was carrying, and Lord Vishnu had agreed to take on the form of an avatar and walk on earth in order to offer her surcease from suffering. Thus, it was Krishna's task to root out the evil that had become almost invincible, and thus ensure victory for the Pandavas, who represented all that was noble in this epic clash between good and evil.

Chandramouli, Anuja (2013-03-05). ARJUNA Saga Of A Pandava Warrior-Prince. Leadstart Publishing Pvt Ltd. Kindle Edition.

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@DrModel

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 11 years ago

#387

It may be wondered why the Lord did not will Duryodhana into agreeing for peace. As has been said before, human beings are free to experience the effects of their past karma, and the Divine will not deliberately thwart the exercising of their free will. Of course, the Lord did his best to make Duryodhana listen to reason, as will be seen, but when he refused to do so, it became apparent that the course of dharma was at cross-purposes with that of peace. Therefore, war became a necessity.

Shakuni was fully aware of Krishna's prowess and urged Duryodhana to go to Dwaraka to solicit his support. Yudhishtira dispatched Arjuna to Dwaraka at the same time for the same purpose, since it was necessary to make a formal request for the Yadava forces. It so happened that the cousins arrived at the same time at Dwaraka.

The all -knowing Lord was prepared to meet them. He retired to his couch and informed his attendants that he was not to be disturbed. A seat was placed at the foot of the bed and one at the head. Duryodhana arrived a few seconds before Arjuna, and thinking Krishna to be asleep, he took the seat at the head of the couch, as befitting a great monarch. Arjuna came in soon after and stood patiently at the feet of the Lord, meditating on him. Naturally, when Krishna opened his eyes, he saw Arjuna first. "Ah, Arjuna! What brings you here?" he asked. At this, Duryodhana loudly announced his presence, so Krishna turned to him and said, "Are you also here? To what do I owe the honor of these visits?" Duryodhana declared, "I have come to ask for your help in the impending war . Both Arjuna and I are equally related to you, but since I was the first to arrive, you should pledge your support to me." The Lord smilingly replied, "I do not doubt your word, O King, that you were the first to arrive, but it so happened that I saw the son of Kunti first. But have no fear. I shall undoubtedly lend my support to both ofyou, since I am equally related to both, as you have just claimed. Satyaki is determined to support the Pandavas, and I do not know what my elder brother intends to do. For my own part, I can promise to give the Yadava army led by Kritavarma to one side, while I myself go to the other." Duryodhana interrupted before Arjuna could open his mouth. "That is not fair. Everyone knows of your superhuman feats. The side you fight on will surely win, so you should promise not to take up arms during the battle." Krishna looked highly amused at this unfair suggestion, and he laughingly turned to Arjuna and gave him first choice. "Choose, O mighty-armed one! Do you want me alone and unarmed or do you want the crack regiment of the Yadava forces led by our general Kritavarma? The first choice is yours, for I have seen you first. Moreover you are the younger of the two." Arjuna unhesitatingly chose the Lord, and Duryodhana, equally happy, accepted the army. He had a few anxious moments while Krishna was speaking and before Arjuna made his choice, but the Pandavas were always quixotic and never knew how to grab an opportunity! He took a hasty farewell of both of them and went to solicit the support of his guru.

After Duryodhana had left, Krishna asked Arjuna, "Why did you choose me when you knew I was not going to fight?" Arjuna replied, "My Lord, I only want you beside me, driving my chariot. Then I can face the entire world and even the celestials themselves!" Krishna smiled and blessed him, and thus it came to pass that though the Lord did not take up arms during the war, he took the reins of Arjuna's chariot into his capable hands and led the Pandavas to victory, in the great Mahabharata war that was to come.

Vanamali (2012-05-22). The Complete Life of Krishna: Based on the Earliest Oral Traditions and the Sacred Scriptures Inner Traditions Bear & Company. Kindle Edition.

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@DrModel

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 11 years ago

#388

Duryodhana went straight to the head of the bed and sat down, but Arjuna remained at Krishna's feet, standing with palms folded and gazing at his face with tears of affection in his eyes.

After a while Krishna awoke. As he opened his eyes he saw Arjuna, who bowed to him in love. Then Krishna sat up and saw Duryodhana by his head. He immediately welcomed both visitors. After honoring them, he inquired why they had each come. Duryodhana replied, "It is well known that you are equally disposed toward both myself and Arjuna. I have come here to seek your assistance in the war that will soon be fought among us. Indeed, O killer of Madhu, I arrived before Arjuna and thus it is only right that you assist me rather than him. This is the practice of good men, and you, Krishna, are the best of men." Krishna looked smilingly at Duryodhana. "I accept that you arrived first, O King, but I saw Arjuna first. Therefore, I think I will help both of you. Scripture ordains that one should help the youngest first, so I will first offer my assistance to Arjuna. I have an army of one million soldiers known as the Narayanas, all equal to me in battle. Let one of you take them and let the other take me alone. But I will not fight. Indeed, I plan to leave my weapons aside during the entire battle. O son of Kunti, what do you choose?" Without hesitating Arjuna chose Krishna. Duryodhana could hardly conceal his joy. Arjuna's sentimentality had overpowered his reason. He had forsaken Krishna's invincible army in favor of Krishna himself, who would not even fight. What a mistake!

In Krishna's chamber, Arjuna and Krishna were alone. Krishna asked, "Why did you choose me rather than my army, especially knowing that I will not fight?" Tears flooded Arjuna's eyes as he replied. "There is no doubt that wherever you are there will be victory. If you desired, you could slay all the Kurus. In your presence, O foremost among men, I too will be able to kill them all. You are the most famous and illustrious person in the world, and I will attain a similar fame by gaining victory in this war. O Krishna, it has long been my desire that you act as my charioteer. Please fulfill my desire, if you find it acceptable." "It is fitting, O son of Kunti, that you measure yourself against me," Krishna replied. He placed a jeweled hand on Arjuna's shoulder. "I shall gladly act as your charioteer. Let your desire be fulfilled."

Dharma, Krishna (2008-10-05). Mahabharata (pp. 418-420). Krishna Dharma. Kindle Edition.

Edited by DrModel - 11 years ago

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guenhwyvar

@guenhwyvar

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 11 years ago

#389

those were all beautiful . thanks Doc Mod

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@DrModel

Rocker

+ 3

Posted: 11 years ago

#390

@shyamu - my fav paragraph though is THIS with the highlighted words being SO true IMO (full citation on previous page)

When Duryodhana had gone, Balarama sat very still for a long time and a tear glistened in his eye. He rose and poured himself a bowl of wine. There was no doubt now that there would indeed be war and blood would flow in scarlet streams. It would be Krishna's great yagna, the one he had been born for and he would cleanse the earth with it. Balarama drained the bowl and set it down. He whispered, "Oh, my brother, how are your ways. Choice! What choice did you offer? You knew both their hearts. The only choice you offered Duryodhana was his death."

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'Mahabharat- Different Versions -Perspectives' - Page 39

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