Geethartha Chinthane 57: Duryodhana's mental collapse

When one has morality, impatience does not arise. The Pandavas possessed only truth and integrity. They approached the battle with the mindset that it was a righteous struggle for a noble cause. However, Duryodhana, lacking morals, displayed confusion, fear, and instability without the courage to face his challenges. On the Pandava side, even the elders and young ones stood out as leaders, while Duryodhana saw his own leaders as unreliable and ineffective.

It is difficult to manage without a leader, and it is equally challenging if everyone tries to lead. Duryodhana’s state, as shown in the verse “Madarthe tyaktajeevitaha” (those who have come to sacrifice their lives for my sake), is pitiful.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 10, Duryodhana says: “Aparyaptam tadasmakam balam Bhishmabhirakshitam, paryaptam twidam etesham balam Bhimabhirakshitam.” Here, Duryodhana admits that the army under Bhishma’s protection is inadequate, while the army under Bhima’s protection is sufficient.

Even though Duryodhana knew that Bhishma had a soft spot for the Pandavas, he still chose him to lead the army. Despite this, Duryodhana still finds Bhishma’s leadership inadequate. Rather than saying that the Pandava army was led and protected by their commander Dhrishtadyumna, Duryodhana credits Bhima as the source of their strength and protection.

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

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