"Since you both are related to me, I cannot help just one of you. There are 2 options- pick the one you like for yourselves. First option is my army (Narayani sena) with all their weapons and devices and the second one is me (Narayan - another name for Krishna), unarmed and will not fight." Thus spoke Krishna addressing it to Arjuna in the presence of Duryodhana.
Both the parties started preparing for the war after the royal priest had left Hastinapura and when Sanjaya was on his way to Upaplavya. It was only Yuddhistira who was still hoping for peace.
Both the parties had send messages to their friends and supporters requesting their confirmation on the impending war. The son of Subbala, Shakuni, then instructed Duryodhana, "The Dwaraka army (narayani sena) is very strong. They are related to us just like they are to Pandavas and they are our political allies as well. You should personally go and meet Krishna and get their support for the war."
Thus instructed, Duryodhan left for Dwaraka. At the same time, Arjuna too had left for Dwaraka to gather support for his cause.
Duryodhana reached the palace of Krishna before Arjuna. Krishna was sleeping at the time. Duryodhana entered his chambers and (as arrogant and egotistical as he was) went and sat on the chair next to Krishna's head. Arjuna then entered the chambers and just stood at the feet of Krishna.
In a while, Krishna got up and he saw Arjuna. He smiled at him and inquired, "Oh my friend, what brings you here". Duryodhana then interrupts stating , "I was there before Arjuna and I am here to request your assistance in the impending war". Krishna responds, "But I saw Arjuna first so I will tend to his needs first". Arjuna confirms, "No friend. It is true that Duryodhana had arrived before I." Krishna, the all-knowing and ever smiling, then spoke to Duryodhan, "Still I will tend to Arjuna's need first. He is younger to you and hence, he has the right to ask first".
Then turning to Arjuna, the Great One asked, "Tell me, Partha, how can I be of help to you?" Arjuna says, "My friend, you know it all. I am here to take your assistance for the upcoming war. Please support us as we are true to Dharma."
This is when Krishna reminds them that He cannot help just one but will have to help them both. Thus, He gave Arjuna the choice of His regiment and Him alone. Arjuna responds, "I do not want your strong army with all those wonderful weapons. I only need you with me, with us. We need you to guide us. Also, it will be a great honour if you will be my charioteer. Victory will be sure if you are with me, oh friend." Duryodhana was relieved and ecstatic listening to this. Still he masked his joy and put a sorry face. He says,' Ok, then. If that is the case I will just make do with the army" and leaves the place.
Spiritually speaking Vyasa was just not subtle here. This was a very great story. Just take off the metaphors and the message is so clear. The God has given us the world with all it's bounty and joys. But the true devotee will always need to balance himself in God to achieve that thing called enlightenment. So at one side you have all the material world and it's riches while at the other side there is God. It is interesting that Krishna does not choose for himself but he puts Arjuna in the predicament. Maybe, it is just a simple test. But Arjuna chose God over his riches. Maybe, we will all encounter such a choice in a micro or macro level. What we choose will shape our future. If you delve more into our lives, you will see that we all face this kind of choice multiple times in a day. I know that this story was not so subtle but everything that can be said about "oneness" has been said in this wonderful little event.
Both the parties started preparing for the war after the royal priest had left Hastinapura and when Sanjaya was on his way to Upaplavya. It was only Yuddhistira who was still hoping for peace.
Both the parties had send messages to their friends and supporters requesting their confirmation on the impending war. The son of Subbala, Shakuni, then instructed Duryodhana, "The Dwaraka army (narayani sena) is very strong. They are related to us just like they are to Pandavas and they are our political allies as well. You should personally go and meet Krishna and get their support for the war."
Thus instructed, Duryodhan left for Dwaraka. At the same time, Arjuna too had left for Dwaraka to gather support for his cause.
Duryodhana reached the palace of Krishna before Arjuna. Krishna was sleeping at the time. Duryodhana entered his chambers and (as arrogant and egotistical as he was) went and sat on the chair next to Krishna's head. Arjuna then entered the chambers and just stood at the feet of Krishna.
In a while, Krishna got up and he saw Arjuna. He smiled at him and inquired, "Oh my friend, what brings you here". Duryodhana then interrupts stating , "I was there before Arjuna and I am here to request your assistance in the impending war". Krishna responds, "But I saw Arjuna first so I will tend to his needs first". Arjuna confirms, "No friend. It is true that Duryodhana had arrived before I." Krishna, the all-knowing and ever smiling, then spoke to Duryodhan, "Still I will tend to Arjuna's need first. He is younger to you and hence, he has the right to ask first".
Then turning to Arjuna, the Great One asked, "Tell me, Partha, how can I be of help to you?" Arjuna says, "My friend, you know it all. I am here to take your assistance for the upcoming war. Please support us as we are true to Dharma."
This is when Krishna reminds them that He cannot help just one but will have to help them both. Thus, He gave Arjuna the choice of His regiment and Him alone. Arjuna responds, "I do not want your strong army with all those wonderful weapons. I only need you with me, with us. We need you to guide us. Also, it will be a great honour if you will be my charioteer. Victory will be sure if you are with me, oh friend." Duryodhana was relieved and ecstatic listening to this. Still he masked his joy and put a sorry face. He says,' Ok, then. If that is the case I will just make do with the army" and leaves the place.
Spiritually speaking Vyasa was just not subtle here. This was a very great story. Just take off the metaphors and the message is so clear. The God has given us the world with all it's bounty and joys. But the true devotee will always need to balance himself in God to achieve that thing called enlightenment. So at one side you have all the material world and it's riches while at the other side there is God. It is interesting that Krishna does not choose for himself but he puts Arjuna in the predicament. Maybe, it is just a simple test. But Arjuna chose God over his riches. Maybe, we will all encounter such a choice in a micro or macro level. What we choose will shape our future. If you delve more into our lives, you will see that we all face this kind of choice multiple times in a day. I know that this story was not so subtle but everything that can be said about "oneness" has been said in this wonderful little event.
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