Hi,
In the Kurukshetra battle, the forces across the entire kingdom of Bharata took sides. While some kings fought on the side of the Pandavas, some others became a part of the Kaurava army. They all participated in the war, except 2 princes. Who were they? And why did they not take part in the Mahabharata war? What are the lessons one could learn from it? Let us take a look at this incident in this week's Monday Motivational story.
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The Only 2 Princes Who Kept Out of the War
(Excerpts taken from The Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari)
As the peace talks failed, and the Mahabharata war was declared, both sides sought alliances of different kings and kingdoms. Accordingly the Kings and kingdoms across the Bharata Varsha were divided. There were only 2 kings who kept out of the war for their own reasons. And, they are 1) Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna and 2) Rukma, the brother-in-law of Krishna who was also the ruler of kingdom of Bojakata.
1) The case of Balarama
Balarama felt, "How can Krishna and I be in the opposite camps? For Bhima and Duryodhana, both of them my pupils, I have equal regard and love. How can I support one against the other? Nor can I bear to see the Kauravas destroyed. I will therefore have nothing to do with this war. This tragedy made me lose all interest in the world and so I shall wander among the holy places." And, he kept himself out of the war.
2) The case of Rukma
Rukma, who had earlier opposed the marriage of his sister Rukmini with Krishna, fought, and defeated in the battle with Krishna, heard of the impending Kurukshetra war and thought that he could take that as an opportunity to support the Pandavas and thereby win back the friendship of Krishna.
He went to Pandavas and said, "oh Pandavas, the enemy forces are very large. I have come to help you. I have the strength to attack Drona, Kripa or even Bhishma. I shall bring you victory. Let me know." Pandavas declined his offer of help saying, "Oh, ruler of Bhojakata, we are not afraid of the enemy forces. We have no need of your help and do not particularly desire it. You may go away or stay on as you like."
Rejected by the pandavas, Rukma became very angry and went to Duryodhana's camp with his army and offered his help to the Kauravas. Duryodhanya also rejected him saying, "Is it not after the Pandavas rejected your assistance that you have come here? I am not in such dire need yet as to welcome their leavings."
Rukma thus put to disgrace by both sides, returned to his kingdom without taking part in the battle.
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Siding or staying neutral? We all encounter situations in our day-to-day life at home and also at work place. We are required to either take sides or stay neutral. The dilemma is "Which way to go? Whom to support? Or to stay neutral?" Deciding on the right course of action in those times is not an easy thing, especially for the honest and good people. As such decisions may have serious consequences, it is important to decide wisely.
What should the approach be? Like Balarama, stay neutral with the inability to decide between the 2 equally justifiable options? Or like Rukma, support one out of self-interest and personal glory and then go to the other only when rejected? Or go by personal attachments and according to one's own desires, irrespective of the justification? Which way to go?
Your views on this are welcome. Please do post your opinions by clicking on the 'comments' section below.
To your continued SUCCESS,
In the Kurukshetra battle, the forces across the entire kingdom of Bharata took sides. While some kings fought on the side of the Pandavas, some others became a part of the Kaurava army. They all participated in the war, except 2 princes. Who were they? And why did they not take part in the Mahabharata war? What are the lessons one could learn from it? Let us take a look at this incident in this week's Monday Motivational story.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Only 2 Princes Who Kept Out of the War
(Excerpts taken from The Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari)
As the peace talks failed, and the Mahabharata war was declared, both sides sought alliances of different kings and kingdoms. Accordingly the Kings and kingdoms across the Bharata Varsha were divided. There were only 2 kings who kept out of the war for their own reasons. And, they are 1) Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna and 2) Rukma, the brother-in-law of Krishna who was also the ruler of kingdom of Bojakata.
1) The case of Balarama
Balarama felt, "How can Krishna and I be in the opposite camps? For Bhima and Duryodhana, both of them my pupils, I have equal regard and love. How can I support one against the other? Nor can I bear to see the Kauravas destroyed. I will therefore have nothing to do with this war. This tragedy made me lose all interest in the world and so I shall wander among the holy places." And, he kept himself out of the war.
2) The case of Rukma
Rukma, who had earlier opposed the marriage of his sister Rukmini with Krishna, fought, and defeated in the battle with Krishna, heard of the impending Kurukshetra war and thought that he could take that as an opportunity to support the Pandavas and thereby win back the friendship of Krishna.
He went to Pandavas and said, "oh Pandavas, the enemy forces are very large. I have come to help you. I have the strength to attack Drona, Kripa or even Bhishma. I shall bring you victory. Let me know." Pandavas declined his offer of help saying, "Oh, ruler of Bhojakata, we are not afraid of the enemy forces. We have no need of your help and do not particularly desire it. You may go away or stay on as you like."
Rejected by the pandavas, Rukma became very angry and went to Duryodhana's camp with his army and offered his help to the Kauravas. Duryodhanya also rejected him saying, "Is it not after the Pandavas rejected your assistance that you have come here? I am not in such dire need yet as to welcome their leavings."
Rukma thus put to disgrace by both sides, returned to his kingdom without taking part in the battle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Siding or staying neutral? We all encounter situations in our day-to-day life at home and also at work place. We are required to either take sides or stay neutral. The dilemma is "Which way to go? Whom to support? Or to stay neutral?" Deciding on the right course of action in those times is not an easy thing, especially for the honest and good people. As such decisions may have serious consequences, it is important to decide wisely.
What should the approach be? Like Balarama, stay neutral with the inability to decide between the 2 equally justifiable options? Or like Rukma, support one out of self-interest and personal glory and then go to the other only when rejected? Or go by personal attachments and according to one's own desires, irrespective of the justification? Which way to go?
Your views on this are welcome. Please do post your opinions by clicking on the 'comments' section below.
To your continued SUCCESS,
With love, Siva
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