The Mahabharata's contributions to science, political science, psychology, and the humanities are vast. The article elucidates the epic's influence on statecraft and the philosophical concept of 'effortless living' as expounded in the Vedas and Taoism.
Following the epic Mahabharata battle, Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows. Dharmaraja came to him with many inquiries about Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kāma (desires), and Moksha (liberation or nirvana). Dharmaraja asked a political question: "How can one subdue a powerful enemy?"
Bhishma responded with a tale. The great Ocean King Varuna (Jala-tattva Abhimani Deva), the master of all the rivers, was filled with joy when rivers rushed toward him from far and wide, eager to unite with him. One day, the Ocean King became curious as it observed the rivers arriving with their forceful currents, which uprooted enormous trees and swept them away.
He called out to the rivers and asked, "O mighty rivers, you come to me with such enthusiasm, tearing up the largest trees from your banks and bringing them to me. But I’ve noticed something strange – no matter how strong your floods are, you never bring small saplings. Why is that? Do you consider them worthless? Do you admire them? Or is there some hidden fear that keeps you from touching them? I wish to know the reason."
River Mandakini (a tributary river goddess of river Ganga), gently responded to the Ocean’s question. "My dear master, there is a deep reason behind this. The great trees you see along our banks stand tall and proud. They are rooted in arrogance, refusing to bend or bow before our floods. So, we uproot them and carry them away, for their pride makes them vulnerable."
"But the saplings stand apart. They thrive along our shores, yet they recognize the flood's might. As the waters swell, they bow deeply, embodying humility. Once the flood subsides, they stand tall again, unharmed. These saplings have mastered the art of adapting to the ever-changing forces of nature and time. They bend when necessary and stand tall when conditions are right. It is their humility that spares them from harm.
Bhīshma imparted one last teaching: "As these saplings demonstrate, one should withstand an adversary's force with humility. Those who do not yield, akin to the towering trees, will be torn from their roots and annihilated."
Philosophical Connections:
The Upanishads have echoed this sentiment with the phrase - अनुगच्छेतु प्रवाह: (Especially flow with the current). It suggests that one should manage what is within one's control and gracefully accept and adapt to what is not.
Charles Darwin's theory posited that animals capable of rapidly adapting and evolving in response to changing environments thrived, while those that were slow to adapt and evolve faced extinction.
Lao Tzu, in the Tao Te Ching, describes this as 'living with the Tao,' which means existing in harmony with natural forces. It entails adapting, evolving, and coexisting with the uncontrollable by managing what is within our control.
Failing to heed higher authority or attempting to control or resist the uncontrollable and inevitable can lead to obsolescence, much like the fate of towering trees. Conversely, living in harmony with natural forces, obeying higher authorities, and adapting to the inevitable allows one to continue thriving.
श्रीमध्वेशकृष्णार्पणमस्तु
Reference: Bhoori Shanti Parva of Mahabharata, Chapter 114.
Please Like, Comment, Share and Subscribe to us!
Thank you so much!
YaDu,
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually.
Comments