Geethartha Chinthane 50: Attachment ensnared Dhritarashtra

The Pandavas were born in the forest, while the Kauravas were born in the palace—this was the argument of the Kauravas. It is akin to the current debate on citizenship. “Why should you have the empire?” they asked. According to the Upanishadic statement ‘Udaracharithanam tu vasudhaiva kudumbakam’ (For the noble-minded, the entire world is a family), the ruler of the nation should have lived by this principle. Aren’t those who voted for the Prime Minister or Chief Minister equal to those who didn’t? It is improper to mix Vedanta with worldly affairs.

Because the danger lies in using Vedanta as a means of escape when something wrong is done. Dhritarashtra did the same. His intention was to avoid responsibility. Did he not selfishly ask, “Who won?” during the dice game. According to the laws of that time, the word of the king was final. Dhritarashtra, despite everything, was still the king. He was aware that his word could be the final one. The Pandavas, though younger and righteous, were under his control. Earlier, Dhritarashtra gave the kingdom of Indraprastha, though reluctantly, after stating that he wouldn’t grant the entire empire to the Pandavas.

The word ‘Mamakah’ (mine) has been used carefully in the Gita. In the context of charity, it is said ‘Idam na mama’ (this is not mine). Letting go of attachment (mamakara) is extremely difficult, and it was this attachment that bound Dhritarashtra.

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

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