Revenge can only lead to doom. Mahabharata may revolve around the war of duty. But we cannot escape the fact that the major reason behind the destruction of all was revenge. The Kauravas lost everything to their blinded desire to ruin the Pandavas. The war did not even spare the children, including five sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu.
Arjuna was initially hesitant to wage war against his family and relatives. But Krishna reminded him that one has to stand by Dharma (duty), even it meant going against family. Therefore, Arjuna had to fulfill his responsibility as a great warrior of Dharma. We need to always stand by what is right.
Abhimanyu teaches us how half-knowledge can have an adverse impact. While Abhimanyu knew how to enter the Chakravyuh, he did not know the way out.
"Be Not the Slave of Passion" – Expanding on the Mahabharata's Wisdom
In the Mahabharata, one of the key teachings of the epic is to "be not the slave of passion." This message resonates throughout Hindu philosophy, urging individuals to exercise self-control, equanimity, and rational thought over impulsive emotions and desires. Passion, when unchecked, can lead to irrationality, conflict, and suffering—an idea that is vividly illustrated through the characters and events in the Mahabharata.
Symbolism and Importance
Passion (Kama) in Hinduism represents intense desires, cravings, or emotions that can cloud one's judgment and lead to attachment (Moha) or anger (Krodha). Hindu scriptures often speak of the dangers of being ruled by these emotions, which can drag a person away from their Dharma (righteous path). The Mahabharata teaches that one must cultivate balance between emotions and reason, and strive for detachment (Vairagya).
The battle of Kurukshetra itself is often viewed as a symbolic struggle between the forces of good and evil that occur within each individual. Arjuna's internal conflict, torn between his duty as a warrior and his love for his family, represents the battle between reason and emotion. Lord Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna is a reminder that one must rise above personal passions to act for the greater good and follow one’s Dharma.
Examples of Characters from the Mahabharata
Several characters in the Mahabharata illustrate the consequences of being slaves to passion:
Duryodhana: The eldest Kaurava prince is a prime example of how unchecked passion leads to ruin. His overwhelming desire for power, envy toward the Pandavas, and inability to control his emotions eventually lead to the great war and his own downfall.
Karna: Though a noble character, Karna's intense loyalty to Duryodhana blinds him to his Dharma. His passion for recognition and his anger at being mistreated throughout his life lead him to make choices that culminate in his tragic end.
Yudhishthira: The eldest Pandava, on the other hand, is a model of composure. Though he faces many hardships, he rarely allows his passions to dictate his actions, striving instead to act in alignment with righteousness and wisdom.
Draupadi: Her passionate nature, especially after the humiliation she endures in the court of the Kauravas, drives many of the key events in the Mahabharata. Her desire for justice is righteous, but her thirst for vengeance also intensifies the conflict.
Similar Example from Hinduism
A similar teaching is found in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna advises Arjuna:
“One who is able to withstand the force of desire and anger before death is a yogi, and that person is happy in this world.” – Bhagavad Gita (5.23)
In this verse, Krishna speaks about the importance of mastering one’s desires and anger—two powerful passions that often lead people astray. Controlling these emotions is considered essential for achieving spiritual growth and inner peace.
The Upanishads also emphasize the control of desires, with the famous saying:
“He who has conquered his senses has attained the greatest victory” – Katha Upanishad (2.1.3)
This verse reflects the central idea of inner mastery, which leads to higher wisdom and liberation (Moksha).
Modern-Day Relevance
The idea of "not being a slave of passion" holds great significance even in today’s world. In a fast-paced, hyper-connected society, people are constantly bombarded with stimuli that can evoke strong emotions, be it through social media, news, or personal interactions. These external forces can quickly cause individuals to react impulsively, driven by anger, desire, fear, or greed.
In the workplace, for example, making decisions based on passion—such as taking offense too quickly or acting out of anger—can lead to poor judgment, conflicts, and negative consequences. Leaders who are calm, rational, and measured are often more successful because they can make thoughtful decisions even in stressful situations.
In relationships, unchecked passion can manifest as jealousy, possessiveness, or anger, which can strain bonds between people. Learning to control these emotions can lead to healthier, more balanced relationships.
In day-to-day life, practicing self-control and mindfulness helps individuals stay calm under pressure, think clearly, and make better decisions. This aligns with the teachings of the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, where one is encouraged to cultivate equanimity in all situations.
Practicality in Daily Life
The message of not being a slave to passion can be applied in various practical ways:
Mindfulness and Meditation: By regularly practicing mindfulness or meditation, individuals can learn to observe their emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them. This allows for greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one's emotions helps navigate stressful situations more effectively. This is especially important in interpersonal relationships and professional environments.
Pausing Before Reacting: Developing the habit of pausing before reacting to intense emotions like anger or desire can help prevent impulsive actions that one may later regret.
Detachment (Vairagya): Cultivating a sense of detachment, as advised in the Gita, helps maintain inner peace. This doesn’t mean indifference but rather acting without attachment to the fruits of action—whether in personal life or work.
Practicing Forgiveness: Learning to forgive instead of harboring resentment or anger reflects freedom from the chains of passion. This promotes inner peace and healthier relationships.
Additional Thoughts and Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
A critical aspect of Hinduism is that it recognizes the natural existence of passions but advises moderation and control rather than total suppression. Desires themselves are not seen as evil but as forces that need to be tempered by wisdom and Dharma.
“Desire and anger, born of passion, are insatiable and extremely evil. They are the greatest enemies in man’s spiritual life.” – Bhagavad Gita (3.37)
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita reinforces the notion that unchecked passion leads to spiritual downfall. Krishna encourages Arjuna to identify and control these inner enemies to fulfill his righteous duty.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali also focus on controlling passions and emotions through practices such as Ashtanga Yoga (the eightfold path), where mastering the mind and senses leads to self-realization and liberation from suffering.
The timeless wisdom of "Be not the slave of passion" from the Mahabharata serves as a guide for living a balanced and meaningful life. In a world driven by instant gratification, this message teaches us to pause, reflect, and choose actions based on wisdom rather than being driven by impulse. Whether in personal growth, professional success, or spiritual fulfillment, mastering one's passions is a pathway to peace, purpose, and Dharma.
This teaching encourages us to lead a life of balance, moderation, and self-discipline, while making us aware that the real battle, much like the Kurukshetra war, often takes place within us.