Disunity is the main cause for defeat

CHENNAI, FEB. 27. When a country which is known for its military strength and is believed to be invincible, unfortunately faces defeat and cracks within its ranks, the main reason will be differences of opinion among those who command them. Likewise, when there is an administrative break-down in a nation that has always stood united, it will certainly be due to divergent views on policy matters, held by its constituents. This is the reason why men of vision and wisdom associated with an army taking leading part during attacks on enemies always appealed for unity.

In the Mahabharata, when the wicked Kauravas hatched a clandestine plot to raid a kingdom as they smelt that the Pandavas were hiding, there was a sudden spurt in the movement of enemy's camp. Drona spotted out Arjuna, hitherto not revealing his identity, ready to display his mastery. Drona's appeal not to continue the fight was ridiculed by Karna who was always itching for confrontation in spite of his previous failure to face the Pandavas. The teacher of archery as well as others who were quite aware of the ability of Arjuna and Bhima to rout the opponents, urged the Kauravas, particularly Karna, who spurned the appeal stating that he was least scared of Arjuna or anyone. ``Those who are afraid, need not fight''. Ultimately, they all agreed to combine and avert the impending disaster. It was then Arjuna showered special darts making all enemies lay temporarily unconscious. He told his men not to go anywhere near Bhishma as he would not be affected by his dart, which could prove ineffective before those who had not been immersed in family life. The grandsire was a celibate.

In his lecture, Sri K.P. Arivanandam explained that the Virata king, not realising who the Pandavas were though they were in his employ for one year, hurled insults at the eldest and when others were about to take action, Yudhishtira counselled them patience. ``Gratitude should be demonstrated to one who gave one meal and even his numerous mistakes should be forgotten. Only those who lack courtesy will forget the shelter given even for a long time but get annoyed even if there was just one mistake. Let us not retaliate as the king has given us asylum for one year. Let us forgive him for he does not know what he is saying and doing''.

After the ``five employees and the lady attendant'' revealed who they were, the king tendered profuse apology, was elated at their real status and was prepared to offer his daughter to Arjuna who however said that she was his student in fine arts and so as her teacher he would not marry her. His son, Abhimanyu took her hands.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Miscellaneous
Previous : Solution to puzzle 6988
Next     : dated February 27, 1951: Attacks on Red China's
           bases