Section XXXIII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XXXIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Bhimasena, filled with anger, confronts King Yudhishthira and urges him to abandon their life in exile and reclaim their kingdom from the deceitful Duryodhana. He points out that their kingdom was unjustly taken from them through a game of dice and that it is their duty as warriors to fight for what is rightfully theirs. Bhimasena emphasizes the importance of pursuing virtue, wealth, and pleasure in balance, and encourages Yudhishthira to use his strength and energy to acquire sovereignty. He advises the king to adopt the ways of the sun, which sustains and protects like a king should, and to understand that sometimes the use of strategy and alliances is necessary to defeat a powerful foe.
Bhimasena highlights the importance of using one's might and courage in battle, rather than relying solely on information or numbers. He urges Yudhishthira to fight for their kingdom like a strong man would, and to consider the consequences of leading a life of feebleness and despair. He reminds the king that virtue, wealth, and pleasure are interconnected, and that a balance of all three is necessary for a successful and fulfilling life. Bhimasena advises Yudhishthira to seek the blessings of Brahmanas and to perform sacrifices to atone for any sins committed in the pursuit of dominion.
Bhimasena praises Yudhishthira for his adherence to truth and righteousness, and reminds him that even sins committed in acquiring power can be purified through sacrifice and charitable acts. He encourages the king to listen to the praises of the people and to take action to reclaim their kingdom from Duryodhana. Bhimasena urges Yudhishthira to march upon Hastinapura with his brothers and allies, using his strength and the skill of his warriors to defeat their enemies and regain their lost prosperity. He emphasizes the power of their weapons and the support they have from allies like the Srinjayas and the Vrishni race, urging Yudhishthira to have confidence in their ability to succeed.
Overall, Bhimasena's impassioned speech serves as a call to action for Yudhishthira, reminding him of his duty as a warrior and a king to fight for justice and reclaim what was stolen from them. He emphasizes the importance of balance in pursuing virtue, wealth, and pleasure, and encourages Yudhishthira to use his strength and allies to defeat their enemies. Bhimasena's words inspire Yudhishthira to take action and lead his brothers and allies into battle to regain their kingdom and rightful place on the throne.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section XXXIII, have a look at the following articles:
Section XXXIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Section XXXIII:
What advice did Bhimasena give to the king regarding their lost kingdom?
Bhimasena advised the king to abandon the life of ascetics and reclaim their kingdom by using their might and courage in battle, along with the help of their allies. He emphasized the importance of pursuing virtue, wealth, and pleasure in a balanced manner.
Mahabharata Section XXXIII in daily life:
The story from the epic Mahabharata, where Bhimasena encourages King Yudhishthira to reclaim their kingdom, highlights the importance of balance and assertiveness in life. Bhimasena argues that sticking solely to virtue without pursuing wealth or happiness can lead to unnecessary suffering and diminish one's ability to do good. He suggests that a wise person should strive for a balance between virtue, wealth, and pleasure to lead a fulfilling life. This teaches us that while being virtuous is commendable, we must also actively pursue our goals and defend our rightful place in the world.
In our daily lives, we can apply this lesson by not shying away from rightful aspirations due to excessive humility or fear of confrontation. Assertiveness, when guided by moral values, can help us achieve our objectives and ensure we do not end up in situations where we are taken advantage of. Furthermore, the emphasis on balancing different aspects of life urges us not to neglect our well-being in pursuit of a single-minded goal, be it career-driven wealth or altruistic virtue.
Lastly, the call to action and reliance on one's strengths and the support of allies teaches us the importance of community and teamwork. Just as Bhimasena offers his strength to support Yudhishthira's cause, we too can achieve greater success by collaborating with others who complement our skills and share our objectives. This story encourages us not to passively accept our circumstances but to take charge and work towards a balanced, fulfilling life.