Marvellous Mahābhārata Morals - II

Dharma has to be followed under all circumstances

This is the central moral of the Mahābhārata. The moral of strict obedience to Dharma rings in every word of the Mahābhārata. Dharma is Righteousness and Adharma is Unrighteousness. Dharma followed, preserves and Dharma violated, destroys. The author of Mahābhārata, Riśī Kṛṣṇa-Dwaipāyaṇa Vyāsa writes in the concluding Book 18, titled Swargārohana Parva (The Book of the Ascent to Heaven):

"With raised hands, I shout at the top of my voice; but alas, no one hears my words, which can give them Supreme Peace, Joy and Eternal Bliss. One can attain wealth and all objects of desire through Dharma. Why do not people practice Dharma? One should not abandon Dharma at any cost, even at the risk of his life. One should not relinquish Dharma out of passion, fear, and covetousness or for the sake of preserving one's life. This is the Bhārata Gāyatrī. Meditate on this daily, O man! When you retire to sleep and when you rise from your bed every morning. You will attain everything. You will attain fame, prosperity, long life, eternal bliss, everlasting peace and immortality."

The author during the whole narrative repeatedly points out the fallacies that the Kuru princes commit and thus go deeper and deeper on the path of unrighteousness. Unprincipled, unethical, unscrupulous, corrupt, dishonorable, fraudulent, disreputable, immoral, disgraceful, outrageous, shocking, appalling, wicked and sinful are the actions of the Kuru princes. Their unrighteousness had crossed all boundaries and limits. It was precisely to put an end to their insolent ambitions and to establish righteousness that Śrī Kṛṣṇa says:

"Yada Yada Hi Dharmasya

Glanir Bhavati Bharata,

Abhyutthanam Adharmasya

Tadatmanam Srijamy Aham;

Praritranaya Sadhunama

Vinashaya Cha Dushkritam,

Dharamasansthapanarthaya

Sambhavami Yuge-Yuge"

"Whenever there is decay of righteousness

And the land of Bhārata is steeped in shame,

And a rise of unrighteousness prevails

Then I manifest Myself!

For the protection of the good

For the destruction of the wicked,

For the establishment of Righteousness

I am born in age after age!"

[Mahābhārata, Bhīśma Parva, Bhāgavata Gītā Parva (Chapter IV- 7&8)]

The Mahābhārata is replete with several instances where Dharma and Satya (Truth) are highlighted and given utmost importance. Unethical conduct, lies, deception, and evil deeds never fructify to good endings. Perfection and even God is realized if one follows Dharma and Satya.