Reading Notes Week 7: Narayan's Mahabharata Part C

Krishna and Arjuna on the Battlefield. This image is greatly significant and is presented in many Hindu households.
Source: Flickr

Although a small story in the beginning of Part C, the instance when Duryodhana was attempting to show off his riches to the Pandava brothers was one lesson that must be known. He went thinking that his wonderous festivities would taunt them and invited them to his camp he made. However, the message itself caused issues and led to the capture of Duryodhana and his men. This is what some would call "karma". For every action made, there is a received action given back, whether it is a consequence or a blessing. That solely depends on the action that is conducted. Here is was a consequence. He wanted to seem superior, strong, and invincible when in reality he just looked silly and petty. In the end, the Pandava brothers were kind enough to still care for their cousins and provide them with the help they need. This just shows how important it is to remain humble, kind, and non-competitive. Here the competition lay within jealousy and a kingdom. The aftermath of these consistent actions is seen also from when Duryodhana attempted to burn down the house that the Pandava brothers were in before. These are just lessons that pose as reminders that what one does comes right back to them in one way or another. Sometimes it comes back quickly, other times much later down the road. This small story reminds me of the Jataka tales and how foolish Duryodhana is just like the turtle in one story, the crane in another story, and the sailors in the Goblin story. This story can also post as a Jataka tale in a way.

Bibliography:

The Mahabharata: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic by R. K. Narayan. Literary source.