Section CXXXII - Motherly Advice to Yudhishthira: Reclaim Lost Kingdom
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXXII 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:
Kesava informed Kunti of the events that transpired in the assembly of the Kurus. Kunti advised Yudhishthira to focus on his duties as a Kshatriya and not to let his virtue diminish. She narrated the story of King Muchukunda, who rejected a gift of Earth and chose to rule through his prowess. She emphasized that a king's duty is to protect the people and ensure justice through the proper application of the penal code.
Kunti also reminded Yudhishthira of the importance of upholding kingly duties to set the right era and earn merit. She explained how a king's actions can influence the different ages, with righteous deeds leading to heaven and unrighteous deeds resulting in sin and punishment. Kunti urged Yudhishthira to follow the example of his ancestors and engage in activities that befit his lineage, such as generosity, strength, bravery, and leadership. She highlighted the significance of ruling with compassion and strength, as this is the true mark of a royal sage.
Kunti advised Yudhishthira to use various means to regain his rightful share of the kingdom, including conciliation, devising strategic alliances, offering gifts, using force if necessary, and employing wise tactics. She emphasized that as a Kshatriya, Yudhishthira's duty was to protect the people in distress and maintain order in the kingdom through his strength and leadership. Kunti urged him to not let his merit diminish and to ensure that he and his younger brothers do not meet a sinful end due to inaction. She encouraged Yudhishthira to take decisive action to reclaim what was rightfully theirs and uphold the honor of their lineage.
Full English translation:
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Section CXXXII, 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 CXXXII:
About King Yudhishthira's Responsibilities
What are the duties of a Kshatriya king according to Kunti's advice? How does the king affect the era according to the story? What is the consequence of a king causing the Kali age to set in?
The Role of Kshatriya Kings
How does Muchukunda's story emphasize the duties of a Kshatriya? What advice does Kunti give Yudhishthira regarding his royal responsibilities? What happens when a king properly applies the penal code in his kingdom?
Importance of Upholding Duty
Why does Kunti advise Yudhishthira to focus on his Kshatriya duties? What does Kunti suggest Yudhishthira do to regain his lost kingdom? How does Kunti emphasize the significance of a king's righteous conduct?
Daily life: Motherly Advice to Yudhishthira: Reclaim Lost Kingdom:
The story shared revolves around the advice given by Kunti to her son, emphasizing the importance of understanding and fulfilling one's responsibilities according to one's role and capabilities in life. In the context of daily living, this can be interpreted as encouragement to actively embrace and execute our duties, whether they be familial, professional, or societal. Kunti's counsel underscores the merit in exerting oneself to safeguard and enhance the well-being of those under one's care or influence, stressing that leadership and protection are intrinsic to certain roles.
The narrative also highlights the significance of striving for justice and the betterment of one's community or domain through rightful actions. For instance, if one is in a position of authority or influence, it is crucial to foster environments where fairness and growth can flourish. This can apply to everyday scenarios such as work settings, where one's decisions can impact the team's success and morale.
Moreover, Kunti addresses the value of overcoming challenges through perseverance and ethical conduct, suggesting that, regardless of one's station in life, acting with integrity and courage leads to respect and success. This wisdom can inspire individuals to navigate personal and professional hurdles with determination and moral clarity, ensuring that one's actions contribute positively to the broader community.
In essence, the story calls for a conscientious effort to recognize and act upon one's duties with dedication, and to approach challenges with a combination of wisdom, valor, and ethical considerations in order to achieve a meaningful and fulfilling life.