Geethartha Chinthane - 87: Kunti as a model of courage for women

Kunti embodies courage that serves as an ideal for all women. By addressing Arjuna as Partha—son of Pritha (Kunti)—Krishna subtly reminds him of his mother’s strength and sets an example of the bravery children must possess. This choice of words conveys Krishna’s message that true children of Kunti should be valorous, not cowardly.

So, what defines Kunti’s courage? When her husband Pandu died in the forest, Kunti, despite the challenging situation, showed resilience. She led her young children back to the palace, and later, when they faced the defeat of the dice game, she accompanied them into exile, guiding and supporting them along the way. After the kingdom was restored, Kunti could have lived comfortably in the palace, yet when Dhritarashtra decided to go to the forest, she too chose the forest path, prioritizing duty over personal comfort.

Kunti’s life is a testament to selflessness, performing each duty in its due time without any selfish motives. Addressing Arjuna, Krishna implies, “Why do you speak like one who lacks courage? Let go of this weakness of heart.” He explains that while this may seem trivial, even small things—whether planets or deities—carry their own significance. Similarly, minor weaknesses, if not overcome, can appear greater than they are, making them obstacles.