Wise Counsel

“Success” – the word brings bundle of emotions with it. We are familiar with the saying “Success is a journey and not a destination”. Most if not all work extremely hard to succeed, but once its achieved not everyone knows how to handle. Some are extremely matured to handle it on their own, some may turn to good advisors and others don’t even know what to do. While its easy to get advice, its difficult to accept and implement. An interesting story in Mahabaratha that deals with how success obscures and also on implementing the right advice.

War or Peace – Hectic Parleys

After pandavas completed their 12 years exile and 1 year agyathavas, they expected to get their kingdom back, however they knew that it would not be easy. While they were trying to make peace with Duryodhana they were also preparing for the eventuality. 

Parasurama’s Advice

As a last attempt at peace Krishna himself decided to go to Hastinapur. After he spoke in the court of Dritharashtra on the need for peace, Parasurama who was present there spoke “O King! Listen to the example I am going to cite. Do not entertain any doubt about it not being true. When you have heard it, decide what is best for you.” He started to narrate the story of Dambhodhava.

Story of Nara Narayana

Dambhodbhava was a valorous king and conquered almost the whole earth. Every day he would ask “is there anyone who is equal to me or superior to me?” Though people around him advised not to be egoistic he was so drunk on power and victory he believed nobody can match him.

One day some ascetics told him “O King! There are two men Nara and Narayana who have fought battles in many lives. There is no way that you will be their equal. Please go and fight them.”

The king gathered a large army and marched towards Mount Gandhamadana where Nara and Narayana lived. He approached them and enquired about their welfare. They offered him fruits, drinks and asked about the purpose of his visit. He expressed his desire to fight and defeat them.

Nara said that the hermitage and the region has no place for desire or anger and requested him to leave the place. The king refused to budge. He commanded his army to prepare for an attack. He showered the place with arrows and his army surrounded the place. Nara not only countered the arrows with blades of grass but also sliced the eyes, ears and noses of the soldiers. The king saw the sky full of grass. He realized his mistake, fell at Nara’s feet and prayed for salvation.

The deed accomplished by Nara was great, but Narayana was superior to him because of his many qualities. Nara and Narayana are Arjuna and Krishna.

The advice

Parasurama continued “O King! Make peace with the Pandavas, strive for peace and do not set your mind on war. Your lineage is extremely revered on earth. Let it continue that way. Think about what is best for you”.

Please note that Prarsurama first asked Dhuryodhana to listen carefully and then choose what is best for him. What does it mean?

I can advise you as to what is good and what is not. However only you can choose either to follow or ignore. As an Advisor I’m fully aware of the fact and not attached to the outcome.

In the above story, out of ignorance King Dhambodbhava believed that he was the greatest warrior on earth and nobody could match him. It was the ego that led him to challenge Nara. When his desire for the battle was not accepted he was furious (anger) and believed that he could overpower Nara with his strength and that of his army (delusion). Finally when it dawned on him he realized his mistake out of ignorance and prayed for salvation.