Krishna, Dharma, and the Mahabharata I Thought I Knew

Image
Krishna and Arjuna at Kurukshetra When I was growing up, I used to listen to so many stories from our epics and mythology—whether it was reading Amar Chitra Katha books or listening to my paati narrate tales of bravery and valor, the purpose of the divine, and the importance of adhering to dharma. Stories of Shiva and Vishnu found their way into my life through various forms. As a child, it was fascinating to see the power wielded by the Gods. And the message I took away was very simple: if you are devoted to the Gods, no harm can befall you. The Mahabharata, Ramayana, Nala-Damayanti, tales of Muruga and Ganesha, Draupadi, the Pandavas, the Kauravas—the army of characters was endless. To say they fascinated me would be a big understatement. I have read the Mahabharata many times, through various authors, and listened to many narrations of it. Every single time, I walk away with a new meaning. Kri...

When..

When the twilight hour leaves you weary,
And you're left with little time to hurry;
Life with its issues unfolds; is it dreary?
The dour highlights of yesterday unfurls!!

When close ones laughed at 'ur slangs,
Now no more to feel your pangs;
When friends to share 'ur pain; no longer the same,
And no more remember 'ur name!!

When the day before, you understood,
What it takes from life and then withstood;
But the tough nature of life that it is,
You realise that it was all amiss!!

When you had immense pleasure to win,
And celebrated with wine and gin;
When the streak of wins continued; and then a loss,
And in a go, you're no longer the boss!!

When you were always there in the hunt,
To please everyone with 'ur stunt;
When then had to fulfill everyone's grunts and whims,
And no longer could bear the brunt; your grims!!

When you thought you had too long to live,
And ofcourse, you had everything to give;
When you stand today with nerves of steel,
Is this all you have? And how does it feel!!

When you could talk with people at lengths,
And delight them with 'ur wits; drive 'em to fits;
When no longer you talk; you listen,
And the bliss of solitude glistens!!

When life was an easy ride; you were brash,
There was never a fall; never a crash!!
When the ease of life had to halt; the sheer pace,
The mature face had to falter in the race
When it still continues; the learning,
It just dawns; you no more have the yearning!!

Comments