Geethartha Chinthane 49: Dhritarashtra’s ultimate gain

Team Udayavani, Sep 29, 2024, 10:46 AM IST

No Acharya has written a commentary on the first chapter of the Gita, as everyone knew it reflected Arjuna’s despondency. The first verse is spoken by Dhritarashtra. The phrase “Dhritam Rashtram enaha” carries the implication: “the one who is responsible for protecting the nation.” It suggests that the protector of the nation is asking what his sons are doing.

What if leaders like the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Ministers, who are supposed to safeguard the country, state, and society, are more concerned with the welfare of their own children and families? Dhritarashtra, too, ignored the advice of Sage Vyasa, who offered him divine sight to witness the war. Instead, the divine vision was given to Sanjaya, who narrated the events, which Vedavyasa later recorded.

Previously, when asked to prevent the war, Dhritarashtra responded with a fatalistic view, saying, “What can I do? Everything is in God’s hands” (Sarvam vashe), reflecting a Vedantic perspective.

The first verse of the Bhagavad Gita reads: “Dharmakshetre kurukshetre samaveta yuyutsavah, mamakah pandavaschaiva kimakurvata Sanjaya.” It is said that one should not commit sin in a place of righteousness (Dharmakshetra). Dhritarashtra, aware of the Pandavas’ commitment to righteousness, calculated that they might not want to fight, and if they backed down, it would benefit his own sons.

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

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