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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Disunity is the main cause for defeat

 

CHENNAI, FEB. 27. When a country which is known for its military

strength and is believed to be invincible, unfortunately faces

defeat and cracks within its ranks, the main reason will be

differences of opinion among those who command them. Likewise,

when there is an administrative break-down in a nation that has

always stood united, it will certainly be due to divergent views

on policy matters, held by its constituents. This is the reason

why men of vision and wisdom associated with an army taking

leading part during attacks on enemies always appealed for unity.

 

In the Mahabharata, when the wicked Kauravas hatched a

clandestine plot to raid a kingdom as they smelt that the

Pandavas were hiding, there was a sudden spurt in the movement of

enemy's camp. Drona spotted out Arjuna, hitherto not revealing

his identity, ready to display his mastery. Drona's appeal not to

continue the fight was ridiculed by Karna who was always itching

for confrontation in spite of his previous failure to face the

Pandavas. The teacher of archery as well as others who were quite

aware of the ability of Arjuna and Bhima to rout the opponents,

urged the Kauravas, particularly Karna, who spurned the appeal

stating that he was least scared of Arjuna or anyone. ``Those who

are afraid, need not fight''. Ultimately, they all agreed to

combine and avert the impending disaster. It was then Arjuna

showered special darts making all enemies lay temporarily

unconscious. He told his men not to go anywhere near Bhishma as

he would not be affected by his dart, which could prove

ineffective before those who had not been immersed in family

life. The grandsire was a celibate.

 

In his lecture, Sri K.P. Arivanandam explained that the Virata

king, not realising who the Pandavas were though they were in his

employ for one year, hurled insults at the eldest and when others

were about to take action, Yudhishtira counselled them patience.

``Gratitude should be demonstrated to one who gave one meal and

even his numerous mistakes should be forgotten. Only those who

lack courtesy will forget the shelter given even for a long time

but get annoyed even if there was just one mistake. Let us not

retaliate as the king has given us asylum for one year. Let us

forgive him for he does not know what he is saying and doing''.

 

After the ``five employees and the lady attendant'' revealed who

they were, the king tendered profuse apology, was elated at their

real status and was prepared to offer his daughter to Arjuna who

however said that she was his student in fine arts and so as her

teacher he would not marry her. His son, Abhimanyu took her

hands.

 

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