Geethartha Chinthane 58: Good Deed & Bad Deed — Traits of gentleman and evil

Team Udayavani, Oct 8, 2024, 10:20 AM IST

Duryodhana refers to the distant Pandava army as “this army” (idam) and the closer Kaurava army as “that army” (tat). He tells his leaders that his own army is inadequate and their strength is insufficient, implying that he alone is the leader. Duryodhana’s mindset is akin to, “All the good is because of me, and all the bad is because of you.”

The attitude of a gentleman, however, is: “If something is good, it is due to the Guru and God, but if something is bad, it is due to us.” This contrast reflects the nature of good men versus evil persons.

Duryodhana instructs his men to protect Bhishmacharya, the commander-in-chief, showing that he lacked personal concern for Bhishma. He appointed Bhishma as general only because of his seniority, not affection. In reality, Duryodhana was closer to Dronacharya than to Bhishma. Duryodhana was also aware that Bhishma leaned towards the Pandavas.

Despite his advanced age, Bhishma was the greatest warrior of his time. His primary goal was the protection of the throne and the Kaurava dynasty. After hearing Duryodhana’s words, Bhishma blew his conch, signaling the start of the battle. Immediately, Krishna and Arjuna also blew their conches, confirming that the Kauravas had declared war first.

The one who initiates a conflict is often seen as the aggressor, and this was proven when the Kauravas began the war through Bhishma’s conch.

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

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