Hari Om Parents
We covered chapters 11 and 12 after our prayers and recitation of Chapter 12 Bhagvad Gita Shlokas.
Mahabharata transcends generations because it brings out human life in all its naked form and shows how people act and react to different experiences. You can analyze the characters, compare and contrast the emotions attitudes and lessons learnt from it are completely relevant in current times.
We did character analysis of all the main characters of the Kauravas and the Pandavas
Chapter 11
Bhishma - Bhishma although an authority of Dharma could not go against the atrocities of Duryodhana and the poor decisions of Dhritarashtra because his vow took precedence which was to always obey the ruling king. Is that justifiable?
Dhritharashtra - Dhritharashtra was too greedy for his son to assume the throne Thus he becomes blind to justice. His attachment to son possessed his mind and clouded his intellect. he tried to the shirk responsibility for his actions by evoking pity from others on account of his blindness
Gandhari - It was her choice to become blind but really did that help. She was also blinded somewhat by love but had constant warned her son that righteousness only wins. Love can be unconditional but not blind
Dushasana - He was just a shadow of Duryodhana and would follow him in whatever wicked plan the elder brother had. His loyalty rose above his individuality.
This shows us that loyalty is good and meaningful only when it is for a noble cause; otherwise, it is useless and creates problems.
Shakuni - His means of avenging the kaurvas. Is it ideal? And who is he to take action against the decision made by his sister. He has caused her more pain that pleasure. SHe lost her 100 sons.
Drona and Drupada both avenging each other for their personal grudges both arrogant in their own rights. Lacking humility and honor.
The cause for the Kauravas' defeat lay in the fact that even though the great leaders knew in their conscience what was right, they could not rise above their own individual weaknesses, attachments, and ambitions, each playing his own game, for his own purpose.
When you have you own agenda when working in a group, you will never be able to work in the common interest and if you dont group never succeeds. Same idea you take to the real world.
We talked about Yaksha Prashnas
What is the highest Dharma - Non-violence is the best Dharma
which Dharma always yields result - Vedic Dharma always yields result
controlling what man does not grieve - Having control of the mind one never grieve
friendship with whom does not decay?" - Friendship with the good would never decay.
Chapter 12
Kunti - Her one mistake stole away from Karna his lineage, maternal love and Kunti had to live with the burden of this secret most of her life. This led to the rivalry between Arjuna and Karna also
Dharmaraja -- His name suggests that he is an epitome of Dharma. But his one weakness caused the destruction of 1000's of lives and brought misery to his family.
One small weakness ends up in a disaster when one crosses the limit!
Arjuna - A great hero still could not get himself to fight against his own blood. Leading to the dialogue between him and Lord Krishna that cover a broad range of spiritual topics, touching upon moral and ethical dilemmas, and philosophical issues that go far beyond the war that Arjuna faces. No matter how many accolades and achievement we have under our belts we are always faced with dilemmas.
A fearless warrior with superhuman strength and a voracious appetite and Heroic son of Arjuna- played key roles in the defeat of the kauravas. Abhimanyu rose to the needs of the war and volunteered to break the complex chakravyuha formed by the kauravas. He did not think twice about putting his life in danger in the face of crisis.
Mahabharata highlights , how and when the human personality reacts when insulted or dishonored, and how long the mind dwells upon it and seeks the destruction of the offender.
Yakshna prashnas that were discussed at length
By giving up what one becomes dear? By giving up arrogance one becomes dear.
By giving up what does one become free from grief? By renouncing anger one becomes free from grief.
By giving up what does one become prosperous? By giving up lust one becomes prosperous.
By renouncing what does one become happy? By giving up greed one becomes happy.
Thank You
Hari Om
Sapna ji and Harish ji
