Dharmaraj

Satyaki observed Krishna as the latter was advising the Pandavs about adhwamedh yagna and couldn’t help but notice Krishna’s immense respect for Yudhishthir. Krishna was affectionate towards all the Pandavs, especially his close friend and cousin Arjun. However, despite his strong disapproval of some of Yudhishthir’s actions, like the game of dice, Krishna always held him in high esteem.

Later, when Satyaki, Arjun and Krishna were alone, Satyaki asked Krishna, ‘I always wanted to ask as to why you refer to Yudhishthir as Dharmaraj? Is it to spur him on out of the depression he seems to be slipping into after the war? Or, is it because he was born with the blessings of Dharmadev?’

‘It’s because Krishna thinks only Yudhishthir follows the Dharmic principles,’ quipped Arjun sarcastically.

‘None of them. It’s because I’ve observed his actions for years,’ replied Krishna. ‘And there’s no doubt that Yudhishthir treads on the path of Dharma, even in times of adversity like a war. During the Mahabharata war, what did the warriors do after the day’s battle was over?’ Krishna asked them.

‘We gave ourselves a much-needed rest; what else? What with the battle sapping our energy?’ Satyaki replied. ‘Of course, we had the following day’s strategy to discuss,’ added Arjun.

‘Any idea what Yudhishthir did other than that?’ Krishna asked. When Satyaki and Arjun shook their heads, Krishna explained, ‘He’d go to the battlefield and inspect the casualties caused during the day. He checked on the soldiers who fought bravely during the day. Not just his soldiers, but Yudhishthir also checked on the well-being of enemy soldiers. In hard-fought conflicts like these, we are invariably so bitter towards our adversaries that we fail to empathise with their problems. Not Yudhishthir. He’s deeply empathetic, a trait that is born out of wisdom and is the backbone of Dharma. How else can you align with the cosmic wave and help maintain the universe’s equilibrium and harmony without knowing how other hearts beat? After all, the enemy soldiers were merely performing their duties. That acknowledgement sets Yudhishthir apart. Hence the title of Dharmaraj.’

As Satyaki and Arjun mulled over the words of profound wisdom, we too have a lot to learn from this short conversation. We must also hope that, even in moments of strife, wisdom dawns upon us and we’re able to empathise with others, irrespective of whether they stand with or against us.

Blurb:

We must hope that, even in moments of strife, wisdom dawns upon us and we’re able to empathise with others, irrespective of whether they stand with or against us.