________________
32
The path to spiritual enhancement
deceit and treachery finally leading to a gory war. And history will tell us that the tragic outcome of war is always destruction.
Krşņā approaches Duryodhana and stands before him as a messenger. He who was no ordinary mortal, whose mere frown could cause deluges, sets aside his power and like an ordinary man, he stands as a messenger and begs Duryodhana for a pact of peace.
There have been many great politicians and many great speeches, but that rendering by the Blue God was exceptional. Preserved in history for posterity, it is something to be read and contemplated upon by all politicians and leaders.
In that speech of wisdom, Krşņā sheds light on how one must live one's life and what one must make of one's life. He pleads with Duryodhana, "It is my deepest wish that the Pāņdavas remain safe. It is also my earnest wish that the lives of the Kauravas achieve greatness. These palaces of gold are not meant to be razed down to ashes. If my words are not heeded, rivers of blood will flow; if you brothers begin to slay each other, then remember what I say today - my eyes shall shed more tears than all the blood you will spill on the battlefield. So Duryodhana, even if you cannot give the Pāņdavas their due, at least give them five small villages. The five Pāndavas will listen to me and live their lives peacefully.”
Such are the great moments in history. The Pāņdavas were ready to accept just five villages out of that dynasty for whose expansion they had once battled and won over the world. With just so little, they would manage their lives, not aspiring for more.
In this manner, a limit is set on desires. Those Pāndavas who had lived in palaces of gold were now willing to reside in a hut. On the other hand stands Duryodhana entangled in his web of desires, not content with his own dynasty, not content after coveting the dynasty of another.
It is true that whoever is possessed by the demon of possessiveness becomes a madman. Once possessed, the demon
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org