Geethartha Chinthane 40: Shakunis are more dangerous than Duryodhanas

The origin of Gita Upadesha also lies in Shakuni’s jealousy. Shakuni’s character is far worse than Duryodhana’s in the entire Mahabharata. There are many Shakunis in the world. Shakuni’s role in politics is enormous. He misguided Duryodhana by suggesting that he could win the kingdom without engaging in war, using deception and trickery instead.

Jealousy is difficult to overcome, and it affects even good people. Arjuna withdrew from the war due to his lack of jealousy (nirmatsarya). The root cause of jealousy is ego. In fact, not just jealousy, but lust, anger, greed, infatuation, and arrogance—all arise from ego. The final product of this is jealousy. Ego is the foundation of the Arishadvairi (the six enemies). If a person can let go of the final enemy, jealousy, they can become a perfect gentleman. However, letting go of it is extremely difficult.

The root of Sita’s abduction (Sitapaharana) lies in this same idea. Shurpanakha felt jealous upon seeing Sita and incited Ravana, which led to the tragic events in the Ramayana. Once jealousy takes root in a person, it is very difficult to reverse. Just like curdled milk cannot be turned back into milk, jealousy cannot be easily undone.

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

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