Section V - Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya about the elements and Sudarsana island
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section V 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:
Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya to describe the names of rivers, mountains, provinces, and other earthly elements in detail. Sanjaya explained that all things in the universe are made up of the five elements - space, air, fire, water, and earth - each possessing specific attributes. He elaborated on how these elements interact and combine to give rise to living creatures with bodies. Sanjaya then proceeded to describe the island of Sudarsana, a circular landmass filled with rivers, mountains, cities, trees, and various crops, surrounded by the salt ocean, and visible in the lunar disc.
The elements exist independently in their natural state but combine to give rise to creatures with bodies. The island of Sudarsana is described as circular in shape, surrounded by water, and filled with diverse landscapes like mountains, cities, trees, and crops. Its appearance in the lunar disc is compared to seeing one's reflection in a mirror. The rest of the island is briefly described, with its parts resembling a peepul tree and a large hare, surrounded by deciduous plants.
Sudarsana is a beautiful and diverse island, filled with natural beauty and resources, surrounded by water and visible in the lunar disc. Its circular shape, diverse landscapes, and surroundings make it a unique and captivating place. The island is a reflection of the interconnectedness of the natural elements and the beauty of the universe. Dhritarashtra listens attentively as Sanjaya paints a vivid picture of the island's natural wonders.
Full English translation:
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Section V, 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 V:
What are the five elements in the universe according to Sanjaya?
The five elements are space, air, fire, water, and earth with respective attributes sound, touch, vision, taste, and scent. They exist independently or together in creatures.
Can you describe the island of Sudarsana mentioned in the story?
Sudarsana is a circular island with rivers, mountains, cities, trees, crops, and wealth surrounded by the salty ocean, seen in the lunar disc resembling two peepul trees and two large hares amidst deciduous plants.
Daily life: Dhritarashtra asks Sanjaya about the elements and Sudarsana island:
The story tells us about the wisdom shared by Sanjaya with King Dhritarashtra concerning the elements that make up the universe and the inherent complexity of nature. It teaches us about the interconnectedness of everything, where elements such as space, air, fire, water, and earth each possess unique attributes but also share qualities with one another. This illustrates the principle of unity in diversity, where everything in nature is linked and dependent on each other for existence.
From this, we can learn to appreciate the complexity and beauty of nature in our daily lives. We are reminded to respect the environment and understand our place within it, as we too are made up of these elements. The story encourages us to exercise humility when faced with nature's vastness and mysteries, acknowledging that not everything can be understood through reason alone.
Implementing these lessons, we can foster a deeper connection with the natural world, acting with more conscientiousness towards the preservation of our environment. It teaches us to see beyond the surface, to recognize the intricate web of life that sustains us, and to cultivate gratitude for the natural world, which mirrors the complex and interconnected nature of our own existence.