Geethartha Chinthane 52: Root of war — selfishness and bias

Team Udayavani, Oct 2, 2024, 4:20 PM IST

Just as a doctor diagnoses diseases by collecting samples of phlegm, blood, and urine, the mental state of a person can be understood from the words they speak. If the former is a physical condition, this is a mental one. The word “maamakaha” reveals Dhritarashtra’s mentality.

This is where the root of all wars lies. The mindset of “they are mine” and “I don’t like them” forms the foundation of conflict. When the war preparations were complete, Duryodhana ran directly to Dronacharya (Drishtvaatu Pandavanikam Vyuedham Duryodhanastada Acharyamupasangamya Raja Vachanamabraveeth- Gita 2). He should have looked at his own army, but instead, he focused on the Pandavas’ forces. He even referred to his own army as “that army.” All of this indicates his mental state.

In reality, Duryodhana was not a king but merely a prince. Dhritarashtra was the actual king. Yet, Duryodhana claimed kingship for himself. When there were senior leaders like Bhishmacharya by his side, why did Duryodhana choose to approach Dronacharya now?

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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