Section CLX - Kurukshetra Battle: Destiny vs. Free Will vs. Past Lives
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLX 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:
After the soldiers were arrayed in battle formation, King Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya to give him a detailed account of the happenings in both the Kuru and Pandava camps. He expressed his helplessness in controlling his son Duryodhana, who was inclined towards deceit and gambling despite knowing the consequences of war. Sanjaya reminded the king that fault should not be entirely attributed to Duryodhana, as individuals who commit wicked acts bring upon themselves their own downfall. He explained the upcoming slaughter in battle, including the loss of powerful warriors and beasts, as a result of the unfolding events dictated by fate.
Sanjaya emphasized that humans are not always the sole agents of their actions, as some believe that everything is predestined by the gods, while others attribute actions to free will or past karma. He urged Dhritarashtra to accept the impending destruction as a consequence of the choices made by individuals and the unfolding events orchestrated by destiny. Despite the knowledge of the impending calamity, the sons of Pandu bore their injuries quietly, looking up to the king for guidance. Sanjaya implored the king to understand the complexity of human actions and their consequences in the grand scheme of destiny.
Full English translation:
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Section CLX, 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 Mahabharata, Section CLX:
What did Dhritarashtra ask Sanjaya about the troops on the field of Kurukshetra?
Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya to provide detailed information about the Kuru and Pandava troops on the field of Kurukshetra. The king expressed his concerns about the consequences of war and his inability to restrain his son Duryodhana.
Daily life: Kurukshetra Battle: Destiny vs. Free Will vs. Past Lives:
This passage underlines the importance of personal responsibility and the consequences of our actions. Dhritarashtra's lamentation over his inability to control his son Duryodhana, despite understanding the disastrous implications of war, highlights a crucial aspect of moral responsibility. Sanjaya points out that blaming fate or external forces for one's misdeeds is unjust. Instead, it is essential to acknowledge one's role in their actions.
In daily life, this teaches us to take ownership of our decisions and their outcomes. It reminds us that while we may not control every circumstance, how we respond to situations, make choices, and face the consequences is within our realm. Understanding that challenges and setbacks are often results of our actions can empower us to act more thoughtfully and ethically. Recognizing our agency in shaping our lives encourages us to cultivate patience, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility, eschewing the tendency to blame fate or others for misfortunes.