Dhritarashtra symbolises the dilemma of the jivatma who is caught in the web of worldly aspirations and is unable to choose the right path, said Sri C. L. Ramakrishnan in a lecture.
Dhritarashtra’s mind is troubled by the way things are shaping and he seeks Vidhura’s advice. He knows what is right and wrong, but is anxious because he has forsaken dharma. He is aware of the strength of the Pandavas and of the unfairness in Duryodhana’s claim to the throne. But his main problem is that his attachment to Duryodhana is so powerful that it eclipses his good sense.
Vidhura explains to the king that sastras urge people to give up all desires since they engender attachment. All attachment should be avoided since it is the cause of all sorrow. In this context, an exchange between a disciple and his mentor is often quoted. The disciple argues that when discouraging all desires, sastras also encourage the desire to remain detached. How can this be justified? The mentor explains with an illustration. If a thorn has pierced one’s foot, it is removed only with the help of another sharp item like a thorn. But once the hurting thorn is removed, both are thrown away. Likewise, when the longing to be free of desire is strong, it helps one to transcend the pull of desires that makes one remain in samsara. But Dhritarashtra, being worldly-minded, wishes to hold on to the kingdom and is wrongly guided by Sakuni and Duryodhana.
When a ruler is advised by a wrong person it harms not only the king, but the kingdom and the innocent subjects as well, unlike instances when an individual’s act does not affect others — as when one takes poison or when an arrow is targeted at a specific being.
0 comments:
Post a Comment