4 days ago
Sadhus follow the Pandavas
We should be in the company of those who belong to virtuous families. We should seek the company of educated men, and of those whose actions are blemishless. It is, of course, possible for us to study the Sastras to know the right path that we have to take in life. But the Sastras are difficult to understand and even more difficult to interpret. An easier way to know the right path is to be with good people and learn from their conduct, said Kidambi Narayanan in a discourse. The people of Hastinapura tell the Pandavas that since the five brothers are righteous, they — the citizens of Hastinapura — must be with the Pandavas, for the goodness of the Pandavas will give them the desire to keep to dharma always, even in the face of suffering. The Pandavas have jnana, say the people following them.
Yudhishthira tells them that he is grateful for their love and concern, and their praise of the attributes of the Pandavas. But there are others who are sorrowful too, because of what has happened. Kunti is staying behind in Hastinapura. Bhishma, Vidura and other well wishers of the Pandavas are there. Who will console them if everyone follows the Pandavas to the forest? They need someone to speak kindly to them. So those following the Pandavas should return, says Yudhishthira. Some people turn back. But the sadhus insist on being with the Pandavas. Yudhishthira tries to convince them too. He tells them that the life of the Pandavas is sad. There is no room for happiness in their lives. Yudhishthira has no kingdom or wealth. What can he give them, he asks. The Vedic scholars reply that whatever hardships he and his brothers face in the forest, they are ready to face too. They are prepared to eat whatever is available in the forest. Yudhishthira has no option but to agree.
