This Powerful Story From Mahabharata Shows Why Yudhisthira Was A Real Genius

Mahabharata, one of the two major epics written in Sanskrit is said to be one of the most influential scripture that laid the base for modern day Indian society. Apart from the narrative of the great war, it is a source of some of the greatest teachings and philosophies that can be applied to the lives of modern men too.

One of the most influential characters from this great scripture is of Dharma-Raj Yudhisthira. He is known for his unflinching attitude towards truth and moral duty. One such incidence which depicts Yudhisthira’s prowess and knowledge of Dharma (Moral Duty) is “Yaksha Prashna”.

Here’s what happened:

– The story goes that during their exile, Pandavas came across a  Brahmin whose “Arani”(wooden blocks to light fire) were stolen by a deer.

– The Pandavas took it upon themselves to retrieve the Brahmin’s Arani. During the search, Yudhisthira asked one of his brothers (Nakul) to fetch some water for him. While searching for water Nakul came across a beautiful lake.

– When he tried to drink water from the lake, a “Baka” (Crane) appeared and told him that the water from the lake can not be taken unless he answers all his questions, or the water will turn into poison.

– Nakul drank the poisoned water anyway and died. Same thing happened with rest of the Pandavas who came in search of their brothers.

– At last Yudhisthira came and acknowledged the crane’s request. The crane asked him several questions on religion, philosophy and several topics.

Let’s have a look at some of the deepest philosophical questions and answers which Yudhisthira gave (we’ve skipped the religious questions)

1.

Yudhisthira: “A true bath consists in washing the mind clean of all impurities”.

 

2.

Yudhisthira: “Charity consists in protecting all creatures”.

 

3.

Yudhisthira: “Desire is due to objects of possession”.

 

4.

Yudhisthira: “Envy is nothing else than grief of heart”.

 

5.

Yudhisthira: “The mother is weightier than the earth; the father is higher than the heaven”.

 

6.

Yudhisthira: “The mind is fleeter than the wind; and our thoughts are more numerous than grass”.

 

7.

Yudhisthira: “The friend of a traveler is his companion. The physician is the friend of one who is sick and a dying man’s friend is charity”.

 

8.

Yudhisthira: “Pride, if renounced makes one lovable”.

 

9.

Yudhisthira: “By renouncing desire one becomes wealthy; and to renounce avarice(extreme greed) is to obtain happiness”.

 

10.

Yudhisthira: “Anger is the invincible enemy”.

 

11.

Yudhisthira: “Covetousness (desire of someone else’s possessions) constitutes a disease that is incurable”

 

12.

Yudhisthira: “He is noble who desires the well-being of all creatures, and he is ignoble who is without mercy”.

 

13.

Yudhisthira: “One who cooks his own food (is not dependant on anyone), is not a debtor (does not spend more than he can afford), does not have to leave home to make in order to earn his livelihood (does not over endeavor for material things) is truly happy”.

 

14.

Yudhisthira: “True happiness comes as a result of contentment”.

 

15.

Yudhisthira: “He is honest that desires the well-being of all creatures, and he is dishonest who is unmerciful”.

Fact Source

Doesn’t matter if you’re religious or not, these answers are golden words which can help you a lot whenever you feel lost in life.

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