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Source: thThe Hindu

(http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/06/27/stories/2002062700290800.htm)

 

Miscellaneous

-

Religion

 

 

Singular instance of divine grace

 

 

 

 

CHENNAI

JUNE 27

 

.. The nature of the different ages (Yuga) has been elaborated in the Puranas.

Time is described as a cyclic process and Dharma, which is the basis for the

functioning of the universe, waxes or wanes according to the Yuga. The Bhagavata

Purana highlights this right at the outset in the context of Lord Krishna's

departure from the world when the purpose of His incarnation was over, after

which Kali Yuga set in. Though Arjuna was the dearest friend of the Lord, even

he was unable to understand His divine nature fully and had taken Him for

granted during their time together. He recalled the privileges he had enjoyed

and also His countless acts of grace only when it became obvious that Krishna

had left the Earth for good.

 

Yudishtra had sent Arjuna to meet Lord Krishna and their relations as He had

returned to Dwaraka after the Mahabharata war. Even after several months had

elapsed Arjuna had not returned and Yudishtra started worrying. At last when

Arjuna came his face had lost its usual lustre. When Yudishtra enquired he burst

out in anguish briefing him of the events that had happened in Dwaraka after

Krishna left, "Befriended by Him, I was able to cross on a chariot all alone the

boundless and unfathomable ocean of the Kaurava army... Keeping Him in front of

me (as my charioteer), He stole away by His very look the lifespan, the heart,

as well as the strength and vigour of the great warriors. Securely placed as I

was in His arms, the missiles of unfailing power hurled at me by my preceptor,

Drona and others like Bhishma, Karna, did not even touch me. Stupid as I was, I

chose for my charioteer the Lord, whose lotus feet are adored by noble souls for

redemption from birth and death, and who !

surrenders to His devotees His very Self... In His unlimited greatness He put up

with all my faults, fool as I was, even as a friend or a father his own son."

 

In his discourse, Sri Ravi Sharma said when Arjuna contemplated on the singular

grace showered on him by Lord Krishna and remembered His enunciation of truth,

the Gita, his mind became peaceful. Hearing from Arjuna all that had happened

Yudishtra resolved to ascend to heaven and duly installed their heir Pareekshit

on the throne. Soon after the Pandavas renounced the world the sings of Kali age

also became visible and it was left to Pareekshit to subdue Kali.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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