Mahabharata Wisdom Series: The burden of exile and Yudhishthira's pain

Saunaka's advice to Yudhishthira on life, change and pain on account of Pandavas' exile

Yudhishthira could not bear his subjects following him unto exile. It was not going to be easy for him and his brothers to feed, protect and nurture them during this harsh journey rife with danger. Though he could convince some of them to return, there were still others who insisted on staying with him come what may. He was overcome by this gesture and experiencing grief considering the massive change that occurred in their lives - all thanks to the fated game of dice!

It was at this juncture that the wise Saunaka says to Yudhishthira, "Grief and fears galore afflict everyone night and day, but affect only the ignorant. Wise men like you should never be affected by changes of circumstances that result in poverty, loss of home, kingdom or of one's kith and kin."

Saunaka went on to make Yudhishthira understand that the core reality - the truth of one's being - is unaffected by the ephemeral nature of wealth, youth, beauty and possession.

Deliverance comes by ending duality, the cause of our eternal conflicts. To read my blog post on duality and non-duality, click HERE

Yudhishthira believed that he was responsible and capable enough to bear the brunt of life's miseries. However, his family and people who looked up to him did not deserve this fate. Though his intentions are noble, he must also understand that this experience was necessary for them to experience the duality of victory and loss, whilst performing their dharma... their duty... and yet, learn the way of the realized - to be in the world and yet not bound by it.

The impermanence of life around us, the ceaseless change within and outside of us and the roller-coaster ride of emotions should not baffle us, lest we should undergo relentless imbalance and get deterred on the path of righteousness. Holding on and letting go - this tug of war is the very cause of most of our problems.

Later on in the epic, when Arjuna gets overwhelmed by attachment to his loved ones and a misplaced sense of righteousness, it set the stage for the Song of the Lord, The Bhagavad Gita. And Krishna advised Arjuna along the same lines.