Marvellous Mahābhārata Morals - IX

Destiny operates in its own way

Fruit of past action is destiny. Hence, if the present actions are good then the future is bound to be good. However, the present comprises of the current moment and the past. We strive to make the current moment good, but we have no control over the past. If we had committed bad actions in the past, then it may fructify as a bad result in the present. So many a times we find that the present is not so good in spite of all our good efforts. This is because the past has contributed its bit in making the present. Thus, in spite of all the good efforts of the Pāndavas, their present was not improved. This is because of their actions that they committed in their past lives, which were fructifying in their present lives. This law of Karma is lucidly explained by Śrī Kṛṣṇa to Arjuna in the Kurukśetra battlefield. Śrī Kṛṣṇa explains that destiny operates in her own way and is not in the control of humankind. Hence, one should only concentrate on action and not think about its result, as the result is not in one's control. Therefore, there was no reason to grieve, no reason to feel guilty over the deaths of elders, relatives, and teachers. Śrī Kṛṣṇa urged Arjuna to follow his own Kśatṛiya Dharma, pick up his fallen Gandiva (bow), and to fight courageously.

Destiny has played a major part in Mahābhārata. It was destiny that the Vāsus were cursed and born as the sons of Śāṅtanu only to be drowned by their mother Gaṅgā. It was destiny that Devavrata had to take the terrible vow of remaining celibate until his last breath and thus being called as Bhīśma. It was destiny that Riśī Veda Vyāsa had to pregnant the widows of Vichitravīrya. It was destiny that Pāndu was cursed and thus could produce no children. It was destiny that Kuntī abandoned Karṇa. It was destiny that Draupadī was humiliated. It was destiny that Ambā was reborn as Śikhandī only to cause the death of Bhīśma. It was destiny that Śrī Kṛṣṇa became the charioteer of Arjuna and led the Pāndavas to victory. It was destiny that the great battle of Kurukśetra took place. It was destiny that Gāndhārī curses Śrī Kṛṣṇa and due to this curse the entire Yādava clan of Śrī Kṛṣṇa is destroyed, by fighting within themselves, in front of Śrī Kṛṣṇa very eyes, and he did nothing but remained only a mute spectator. Destiny indeed plays a prominent part in every individual's life. An individual's destiny is formed by the actions of the individual himself. Thus, Śrī Kṛṣṇa imparts the heavenly knowledge in Śrīmad Bhāgavata Gītā, as to how to perform actions in the present, so that destiny is likewise shaped and the future is beneficial and good.