Geethartha Chinthane 39: The importance of being unenvious

Krishna says that because of His love for Arjuna, He will reveal a secret matter (guhyatamam). Krishna mentioned that it is a secret, yet He announced it publicly. How can this be? It is important to understand that merely stating something is different from giving upadesha (spiritual instruction).

Arjuna’s lack of envy (nirmatsara = non-jealousy) is another reason for Krishna’s love. Krishna said, “I am telling you this because you are nirmatsari (unenvious).” But what is matsara (jealousy)? Matsara means ‘being troubled by others’ progress’—”Mattah sarateti matsarah” (jealousy arises when one feels that someone is surpassing them).

When Manthara teased Kaikeyi about Rama’s coronation, Kaikeyi initially remained unmoved. She was happy about Rama becoming king. However, Manthara planted the seeds of jealousy by asking, “Who will be the next queen mother (rajamathe)? Kausalya. What recognition will you get then?” Hearing this slander, Kaikeyi’s mind became disturbed. Previously, she was non-jealous, but this changed, and she became envious.

Similarly, when the Pandavas performed the Rajasuya Yaga, Duryodhana’s role was that of an accountant. The immense wealth he witnessed created jealousy in Duryodhana, which eventually led to the events of the Mahabharata.

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