Saturday, March 10, 2012

YUDISHTHIRAS’S WISDOM


LITERAL COMPREHENSION: 
These experts have been taken from the MAHABHARAT. One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Recounting events that allegedly took place some 2.800 years ago. The writing of this epic took place centuries later, possibly spanning from the vedic period (about 2500 years ago) to the early Gupta period (about 1700 years ago) According to the Hindu tradition, the author is YAKSHA.
While Hunting for deer in forest, the five Pandava brothers grow thirsty. Exhausted Yudhisthira, the eldest sends one brother to search for water. When this brother fails to return, Yudhisthira sends his other brother one at a time , but the too fail to return. Then Ydhisthira goes to search for his brother He finds a beautiful pool but alas, hear it he finds his four brothers prostarate on the ground either dead or unconscious. Unknown to Yudhisthara, they have all ignored a Yaksha’s admonition not to drink water before answering his question. Despite his overwhelming thirst, Yudhisrthira obeys the Yaksha. Moreover, he correctly answers the Yaksha’s philosophical queries. Pleased with Yudhisthira wisdom, the Yaksha agree to revive one  of the brother, leaving Yudhisthira bases his choice entirely on moral considerations, not on his own selfish need and predilections. The Yaksha reveals himself as a Yama (The god of justice and righteousness) , tells Yudhistra how pleased he is with his uprights, restores to him for bother promises him protection from future hardships, and gives him some useful advice on where to go next.

Interpretation: 
The story may be trying to tell us something about the importance of patience, obedience to gods, wisdom and right conduit. Without these characteristics, the PANDAVA brothers would have been lost. 
The Philosophical portion of course of great interest, with reflections on such concepts as desire and courage. 

Critical Thinking: 
For the critical thinker, this story is a variable good mine. Here are a few examples of what skeptics might say about this charming tale. Are there gods out there. If so, what is the evidence for their existence? Can we truly say that patience and right conduct are rewarded on this earth? 

Assimilation: 
This story brought for me many associations. It led me for instance , to ask again, which view is right the one which extols desire, or the one which holds it to be the source of much sufferings and evil? 

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