Post by jksivan on Sept 13, 2013 19:37:44 GMT 5.5
Dear Children,
74 ‘’ME OR MY FORCES? ‘’
You know in a family, all relatives and friends are known to everyone. Supposing due to internal difference, dispute or disinterest, the family splits into two groups, then what happens is an embarassment to join necessarily any one of the groups because of necessity as one cannot be without friends or relatives in any society.
This is exactly was the position for Kauravas. Dhuryodhan approached all the friendly kings and relatives to join him in the ensuing battle with Pandavas. Some joined the Pandavas. So the war would be a big event with all involved in either side. Dhuryodhan worked fast and was trying best to get the support of most and was visiting every one of them to enlist their inclusion.
It was a hot after noon. Dwarka being close to the sea, radiated the heat much and there was heat in the air. There were not many on the roads due to the hot sun. Cattle roaming in the streets, were resting under shades and trees.
Krishna was resting in his palace. He instructed Rukmini ‘’I feel sleepy. Don’t allow anyone to meet me till evening’’ Rukmini sent many back, who came to see him to come back in the evening.
Krishna had aready accepted the request of Dhuryodhan to visit him long ago permitting him to come any day at Dwarka . He also had asked Arjun to meet that evening. As told earlier, both Pandavas and Kauravas were meeting various kings and princes to join and help them win the war against the other. Arjun and Dhuryodhan were planning to seek the support of Krishna as he is known to both and related too.
Arjun visited Dwarka and learnt from Rukmini that Krishna was sleeping. He being very close to Krishna, entered his bed room and waited there for Krishna to wake up. Dhuryodhan too was there before Arjun. Dhuryodhan was waiting for Krishna to wake up already and was sitting in a chair close to the head of Krishna lying in the bed. Arjun was seated in the leg side of the cot in a seat facing the bed. Arjun was observing the charming Krishna lying in the bed sleeping and his mind was full of thoughts of Krishna’s association with him and the help and assistance Krishna gave the Pandavas. He was thankful and grateful for Krishna supporting them. He never cared for Dhuryodhan and ignored his presence. He treated Dhuryodhan like a mosquito or fly which does not receive our attention.
It was an awkward moment for both Arjun and Dhuryodhan sitting together silently. Time was running out and both waited for Krishna to wake up.
Within a short time Krisma woke up. As he was lying straight his eyes met the face of Arjun seated near his leg and noticed Arjun’s eyes looking straight at him. Krishna smiled at him.
‘’Hello Arjun. When did you come?. I am sorry to have slept for long as I was very tired today. Were you waiting for long ?”
Dhuryodhan made his presence felt by clearing his throat. Krishna turned to his right and saw Dhuryodhan seated there at the top of the bed. Krishna turned to his right and noted Dhuryodhan. ‘’Oh Dhuryodhan, when did you come. Why both of you did not wake me up.?
‘’I was the first to come here Krishna to meet you?’’ said Dhuryodhan
“ I am glad at least both of you are together and like minded in meeting me here ‘’ said Krishna. Tell me what is the matter.
‘’Krishna you don’t need to be told that there is going to be a battle between us. I came here to seek your help to Kauravas.
‘’What brought you here Arjun?
‘’It is for same Krishna.’’
Krishna addressed Dhuryodhan ‘’Dhuryodhan you both are close to me and now it is an embarraasment for me to decide which side I should align myself. I cannot be with both is n’t it? So I think I will follow your own formula. I will also split my side into two like you, ie., my Narayani forces for one side and me alone for the other side as I want to oblige both of you. I will not be with my forces if it is preferred.
One more important thing to remember. If I am opted for one side, I will not handle any weapon as I cannot fight with any of you. So I will be just there that is all. You have to decide who wants my entire Narayani forces and who prefers me alone without participating in the war.’’
‘’Now let me ask Arjun whom I have seen first in this room what would he liked to have, my Narayani forces or just myself without handling any weapon.’’
‘’Arjun, think very carefully and answer, giving me your preference, my entire Narayani forces or just me alone without using any weapon’’
‘’Krishna, what is there to think in this. I don’t need any forces to fight with Kauravas. Our Pandava forces are more than enough. I want only you Krishna and nothing else.’’
‘’Arjuna, don’t be emotional or hasty. This is a serious matter of war. Exercise your option correctly. If I come alone what I can do other than just drive your chariot, without handling any weapon. If you opt for my entire Narayani forces, it will add strength to your own forces. Think once again.’’
‘’I am not hasty or emotional. I am very clear in my mind. You alone with me is more than enough’’
“Ok, Arjun, I am with you. It means Dhuryodhan can have all my Narayani forces to fight for him against Pandavas. Are you happy Dhuryodhan?’’
‘’Dhuryodhan was immensely happy. ‘’What a fool this Arjun is in preferring an unarmed single person in lieu of a well trained Narayani forces. I am glad Arjun stupidly opted and saved the army for me” thought Dhuryodhan, and very happily he got up thanking Krishna for giving his entire forces to Kauravas and returned back.
Arjuna did not find any word to thank Krishna for agreeing to be with Pandavas All he could do was to embrace Krishna wetting Krishna’s shoulders with his grateful tears.
More than anybody Krishna was extremely happy as he was afraid whether Arjun would prefer his forces instead of him. Krishna was glad and completely relieved when his loving devotee and best friend had rightly exercised his choice to keep Krishna with him.
Arjuna took the proper and correct decision is n’t it children? Is not faith in Krishna mightier than the combined strength of all around Him.?