Yudhisthira's Wisdom: Lessons from the Mahabharata

Literal Comprehension

This narrative is drawn from the Mahabharata, one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It recounts events that allegedly took place some 2,800 years ago. The writing of this epic, however, occurred centuries later, possibly spanning from the Vedic period (about 2,500 years ago) to the early Gupta period (about 1,700 years ago). According to Hindu tradition, the author is Vyasa.

While hunting for deer in the forest, the five Pandava brothers grow thirsty. Exhausted, Yudhisthira, the eldest, sends one brother to search for water. When this brother fails to return, Yudhisthira sends his other brothers one at a time, but they too fail to return. Then Yudhisthira goes to search for his brothers. He finds a beautiful pool, but alas, near it he finds his four brothers prostrate on the ground, either dead or unconscious. Unknown to Yudhisthira, they have all ignored a Yaksha’s admonition not to drink water before answering his questions. Despite his overwhelming thirst, Yudhisthira obeys the Yaksha. Moreover, he correctly answers the Yaksha’s philosophical queries. Pleased with Yudhisthira's wisdom, the Yaksha agrees to revive one of the brothers. Yudhisthira bases his choice entirely on moral considerations, not on his own selfish needs and predilections.

The Yaksha reveals himself as Yama (the god of justice and righteousness), tells Yudhisthira how pleased he is with his uprightness, restores his four brothers to him, promises him protection from future hardships, and gives him some useful advice on where to go next.

Interpretation

The story may be trying to convey the importance of patience, obedience to divine principles, wisdom, and right conduct. Without these characteristics, the Pandava brothers would have been lost. The philosophical portion is, of course, of great interest, with reflections on concepts such as desire and courage.

Critical Thinking

For the critical thinker, this story is a veritable goldmine. Here are a few examples of what skeptics might say about this charming tale:

• Are there gods out there? If so, what is the evidence for their existence?
• Can we truly say that patience and right conduct are always rewarded on this earth?

Assimilation

This story brought forth many associations for me. It led me, for instance, to ask again: which view is right – the one which extols desire, or the one which holds it to be the source of much suffering and evil?

OR

As I read this story, it reminded me of an incident that once took place in my village. When I was there, a hut caught fire. Many people gathered, and they heard a small baby crying inside the burning hut. But nobody was ready to help. Ultimately, I ventured to get into the hut and saved the life of the baby. This story has encouraged and inspired me to get involved in selfless service.