The Mahabharata Reading, Pages 133-179 Part D

R.K. Narayan's The Mahabharata
A shortened modern prose version of the Indian Epic

This week, I am continuing reading the Mahabharata, from R.K. Narayan's translation ("A shortened modern prose version of the Indian Epics). 

Krishna reveals the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield, just before the battle begins. Arjuna does not want to slay his kin, but Krishna advises him that they have already set their karma, and Arjuna will only be the instrument to bring their karma forth. 

The God declared, "I am death, I am destruction. These men who stand before you are already slain through their own karma, you will be only an instrument of their destruction." (p148)

I'm not actually sure what my reaction is to this statement. I understand that the Mahabharata is one of the great Indian Epics, setting forth some of the principles of Hinduium for a lot of people. This quote certainly underlines the necessity and facts of karma, that it is already deicded by the person whom will be affected by it.... But, that completely cuts out negotiating power, people changing their minds..... It predestines it. Accepting the fact that predestiny is determined by the actor themselves, and no other forces imposing upon them is difficult to accept. 

Krishna displays his Vishvarupa(Universal Form)
to Arjuna on the battlefield,
revealing the Bhagavad Gita

The idea of the Vishvarupa is so cool! I enjoyed looking at all the artistic depictions trying to portray Krishna showing the vision of himself as God, as everything, the creator, the destroyer, it all. It certainly is mind boggling, but such a neat concept to try and wrap my brain around. 

"It is all known as the gift of the goddess Lakshmi, and he who spurns such a gift offends the Goddess. Remember, we can never see wealth acquired without some harm or injury to others." (p172)

"When the eldest brother is mad, all those who follow him are also compelled to become mad." -Draupadi (p173)

• It's like the English phrase: When Mama Ain't Happy, Ain't Nobody Happy

Bhramastra: this was interesting. It's like a magical power that can be called during times of extreme need. Except in Karna's case, as he was cursed to forget it in the time of his most need... and so he died.