Dharma

Reading the Mahabharata by the Tungabhadra - Day 14

Day 14 of reading the Mahabharata - reflecting on the tragic tales of Bhishma and Abhimanyu, questioning the choices that led to their fates and the cruel nature of duty and honor.

My very first introduction to the Mahabharata was one of two comics, from Amar Chitra Katha, bought at the railway station in Mumbai, over twenty years ago. It was either the story of Karna or the story of Abhimanyu, I cannot recall which one it was. I remember reading both when I was younger and being enthralled with the battles they fought. Both, naturally are tragedies, extremely famous. ...

Reading the Mahabharata by the Tungabhadra - Day 5

Day 5 of reading the Mahabharata - reflecting on dharma versus organized religion, reading of the Pandavas’ exile and their plans for revenge, the scope and expanse of this epic.

I do not believe in religion, I despise the organized rituals that exist today. That is not Sanathana Dharma. Dharma is subtle, it is imbued into the blood of people such as Prahalada and Bali. It runs through the veins of Markandeya, and it is in the pillars of the sabha Maya built for Dharmaraja. The Mahabharata’s scope and expanse is mindblowing. What words can I use to explain how the powerful Bhima had to stay his hand angry at Duhshasana? I am not bard enough to explain the rage of the otherwise calm and reserved Sahadeva. ...

Reading the Mahabharata by the Tungabhadra - Day 4

Day 4 of reading the Mahabharata - reflecting on dharma and adharma, questioning how the heroes knew right from wrong, reading of the dice game and Arjuna’s exile in a ruined temple.

How we ruin ourselves. Mankind has always fallen flat on its face when faced with the questions of Dharma. Dharma isn’t difficult to comprehend, adharma is just easier. Then, did the maharathas of the Mahabharata know Dharma? As I stand at the edge of the temple, I read out the names of the sons of Dhritarashtra to the wind, those sons of Kuru found adharma easier. I read of Arjuna’s exile, and his interpretation of Dharma. I read of the son of Dharma himself, as he gambled away his wealth, his brothers and their wife, Krishna Panchali, to the wiles of the Prince of Gandhara, what then was his interpretation of Dharma? ...