Mystery of Mahabharata

This is my story – Mystery of Mahabharata unfolded.

KARNA

Karna: The Eye — A Metaphor for Perception, Empathy, and Self-Discovery

The insightful allegory positions Karna as the profound embodiment of the human eye, not merely as a sensory organ, but as a complex symbol of perception, protection, empathy, and the journey of self-awareness.

Son of Surya: The Source of Vision:Karna, born of Surya, the Sun God, is intrinsically linked to light – the fundamental source of all vision.
Charioteer’s son: Just as the Sun’s single-wheeled chariot incessantly traverses the sky, providing light to the world, the eye continuously receives light, making perception possible. This highlights the eye’s complete dependence on an external, divine source for its very function.
The Kavacha (Eyelids): Inherent Protection:Just as Karna was born with his impenetrable Kavacha (armor), the eyelids are the natural, inherent “kavacha” of the eyes, present from birth to constantly shield and protect the delicate organ from external harm and excessive stimulation. This symbolizes a natural, innate defense mechanism.
Eyebrows as Natural Kundalas: The eyebrows sit directly above the eyes, much like earrings adorn the earlobe near the head. They are a prominent feature of the face, drawing attention to the eye area. Functionally, they act as a natural barrier and aesthetic embellishment.
Protection from Sweat and Debris: Just as the Kundalas were an inherent part of Karna’s birth and provided protection, eyebrows serve a vital, natural protective function. They channel sweat, rain, and debris away from the eyes, preventing them from entering and irritating the delicate vision organ. This aligns with the protective aspect of Karna’s Kundalas.
Defining Feature and Expression: Beyond protection, eyebrows are a crucial part of facial expression and defining the eye’s appearance. They frame the eyes and contribute significantly to how an individual is perceived. Karna’s Kundalas were not just protective; they were also a mark of his unique, divine identity, setting him apart. Similarly, eyebrows give the eyes their distinct character and expressive quality.
Crying for the Pains of Others: The Empathy of Vision:The eye’s unique capacity to shed tears for the suffering of other parts of the body, or indeed for the broader pain of humanity, mirrors Karna’s deep-seated compassion and generosity. Despite his circumstances and allegiances, Karna was known to be profoundly moved by others’ distress, embodying the empathetic nature of the eye that registers and responds to sorrow.
Donated Even After Death: Ultimate Selflessness:The act of donating eyes after death, allowing the gift of sight to continue, powerfully aligns with Karna’s identity as the greatest donor. Karna’s legend is marked by his unparalleled generosity, often given at great personal cost, symbolizing the ultimate selfless offering of one’s essence, even beyond life.
Sees the World, But Not Itself: The Blind Spot of Self-Perception:Perhaps the most poignant aspect of this metaphor is that the eye, while perceiving the entire world around it, cannot see itself directly. It requires a mirror or reflection. This perfectly captures Karna’s tragic journey: a warrior of immense perception and insight into the world’s dynamics, yet profoundly blind to his own true identity, lineage, and innate dharma for much of his life. His inability to fully “see” himself led to pride, misplaced loyalties, and profound internal conflict.
Acquiring Knowledge Without a Master: The Eye as a Reader:The eye is the primary tool for absorbing vast amounts of information from books and texts, often independently, without the direct, constant presence of a guru. This mirrors Karna’s self-acquired knowledge and his relentless pursuit of mastery, accumulating an immense breadth of understanding through his own efforts and keen observation.
Knowledge Needs a Guru for Skill Transformation:Crucially, while the eye can read and acquire knowledge, this knowledge does not become true, reliable skill without the transformative guidance of a guru. Just as reading about an art doesn’t make one an artist, Karna’s immense acquired knowledge, though powerful, ultimately faltered due to the circumstances of his learning and the absence of a complete, pure guru-shishya bond that could have solidified his knowledge into unwavering, uncursed skill.

In essence, Karna as the Eye is a profound exploration of the paradox of perception: its immense power and reach, its capacity for empathy and generosity, yet its inherent vulnerability and the tragic blind spot in understanding one’s own truth, which often requires external guidance to truly see.

ARJUNA

Arjuna: The Ears — A Metaphor for Receptive Perception, Precise Action, and Transformative Guidance

The allegory positions Arjuna as the embodiment of the human ear and the sense of sound, symbolizing not just auditory perception but also deep listening, precise action in the unseen, and the transformative power of heeding wise counsel.

Son of Indra: The Source of Resounding Impact:As the son of Indra, the king of the gods and wielder of the Vajrayudha (thunderbolt), Arjuna is intrinsically linked to powerful, pervasive sound. Just as thunder commands attention and signifies irresistible force, Arjuna’s actions and presence carry immense weight and impact. His divine bow, Gandiva, and his conch, Devadatta, were famously known for their earth-shattering sounds, making him a literal “source of sound” on the battlefield. This symbolizes that through him, divine will translates into tangible, resounding reality.
Mastery Over the Unseen Through Sound:Arjuna’s legendary skills highlight the ear’s ability to perceive and act with precision even when sight is absent or intentionally suppressed:
- Shooting in the Night: When vision is rendered useless by darkness, the ears become paramount. Arjuna’s ability to accurately shoot in complete darkness demonstrates his profound reliance on and mastery of auditory cues, proving that perception and action are not solely dependent on sight.
- Blindfolded Demonstrations: His deliberate act of blindfolding himself during demonstrations directly emphasizes his reliance on hearing. This showcases the ear’s capacity to provide all the necessary directional and positional information for precise action, making it his primary sense in such moments.
- Shooting in the Direction of Sound: This is the practical application of the ear’s primary function – to discern the origin of a sound. Arjuna’s ability to precisely aim towards the source of a sound, without visual confirmation, underscores the ear’s role in guiding targeted action.
- Shooting Top Without Seeing the Object: This alludes to an even deeper form of auditory perception, an almost intuitive “listening” to the essence or subtle vibrations of a hidden target, allowing him to perceive and strike its critical point even when visually obscured. It speaks to discerning the crucial detail based on non-visual understanding.
Listening to Guru: The Path to Excellence and Transformation:The ultimate function of the “ears” in Arjuna’s metaphor lies in his profound capacity for listening to his Guru. This quality is what makes him the “best student” and enables his true potential:
- Receptivity and Focus: From his training under Drona, Arjuna distinguished himself by his intense focus and receptivity to his guru’s instructions, absorbing every nuance.
- Transformative Listening to Krishna: Most significantly, in the climactic moments before the war, Arjuna’s willingness to listen intently and absorb the profound wisdom of Krishna (his ultimate Guru) in the Bhagavad Gita becomes his defining characteristic. His surrender to Krishna’s words (“karishye vachanam tava”) allows him to transcend his internal dilemmas, dispel delusion, and act with clarity and adherence to Dharma.

In essence, Arjuna as the “Ears” embodies not just the physical sense of hearing, but the higher faculties of receptivity, discernment, intuitive understanding, and the transformative power of truly heeding wisdom. He represents the individual who, by truly listening – to the world, to his intuition, and most crucially, to divine guidance – achieves unparalleled mastery and fulfills his righteous purpose.

BHIMA

Bhima: The Nose — A Metaphor for Vitality, Sustenance, and the Cessation of Negative Force

The profound allegory positions Bhima as the embodiment of the human nose, serving as the crucial gateway for Vayu (Air/Wind) and Prana (vital life force) into the body. He represents the very essence of dynamism, sustenance, and the forceful, yet essential, act of cleansing.

Son of Vayu: The Elemental Power of Prana:As the son of Vayu, the Wind God, Bhima is intrinsically linked to Air, considered the most powerful and fundamental of all elements. He embodies the raw, indomitable energy of the wind – dynamic, pervasive, and capable of immense force. This connection highlights that Bhima is the living manifestation of the Prana that animates the entire being.
The Nose: Gateway of Life and Sustenance:The nose is the primary passage for Prana to enter and enliven the body through breath. Bhima’s ceaseless energy, strength, and tireless pursuit of his goals are a direct manifestation of this continuous flow of vital Prana. Just as the “air in the wheels” of a “full load of container” (the body) is essential for movement and function, the Prana that flows through the nose is indispensable for the “body” to operate, act, and sustain its very existence.
Master of Smell: The Art of Sustenance:The nose’s primary sense, smell, connects directly to Bhima’s renowned skill as a cook. A keen sense of smell is vital for discerning fresh ingredients, blending harmonious flavors, and judging the readiness of food. Bhima’s ability to create sustenance as Valala, the royal cook, underscores how the Prana-driven vitality, perceived through the nose’s sense of smell, guides the crucial act of nourishing and maintaining the “body.”
The Cessation of Negativity: Prana as the Ultimate “Killer”:Your most profound insight lies in Bhima’s role in “killing” the Kauravas. This is interpreted not as mere physical violence, but as the fundamental process by which Prana causes cessation.
- The Kauravas symbolize the negative tendencies, ego, and impurities that afflict the inner self, drawing their “life” from misdirected Prana.
- Bhima’s decisive actions represent the overpowering of these negative forces by the sheer strength of vital Prana, leading to the cutting off of their energetic supply. When the Prana that feeds these detrimental qualities is stopped, they lose their animation, their function, and cease to exist within the system. This signifies a radical act of internal purification and liberation – the “body” eliminating what drains its vitality.

In sum, Bhima, as the Nose and the embodiment of Prana, represents the indispensable life-force that sustains, nourishes, and ultimately purifies the individual. He is the elemental power that ensures the “body” remains vibrant and unburdened, by either empowering it with sustenance or by causing the definitive cessation of all that hinders its righteous flow.

NAKULA

Nakula: The Skin — A Metaphor for External Grace, Protection, and Regenerative Healing

The allegory positions Nakula as the embodiment of the human skin and the sense of touch, symbolizing not only aesthetic beauty but also vital protective functions, sensitive interaction with the world, and profound regenerative healing capabilities.

The Body’s Aesthetic Envelope:The skin is the body’s largest organ and its most visible layer, directly contributing to its beauty, grace, and overall appearance. Nakula, famously described as the most handsome of the Pandavas, perfectly reflects this aesthetic aspect. He represents the outward harmony and visual appeal of the self.
Son of Ashwini Devas: The Lineage of Healing:As the son of the Ashwini Devas, the divine physicians, Nakula is inherently linked to the principles of health, restoration, and external well-being. This lineage imbues his metaphorical “skin” with a fundamental capacity for care and healing.
Interface for External Healing and Protection:The skin serves as the body’s primary protective barrier, defending against external threats. It is also the crucial interface where medicine is applied externally (ointments, balms, etc.) to soothe, protect, and heal. This signifies Nakula’s role in embodying and facilitating direct, external remedies and comfort for the “body” – the self.
Self-Restoration and Adaptive Healing:The skin is a remarkable organ of self-restoration, constantly regenerating cells and actively repairing itself from damage. This mirrors the body’s innate ability to bounce back and maintain integrity. Furthermore, the skin possesses a unique capacity for adaptive healing, where even unconventional external elements, like sand in certain therapeutic contexts, can become “medicine” when applied. This highlights the skin’s subtle intelligence in interacting with its environment to derive benefit and facilitate healing, demonstrating its resilience and ability to turn diverse external interactions into agents of well-being.

In essence, Nakula as the Skin represents the protective, aesthetically vital, and highly receptive outer layer of the self. He embodies the body’s inherent capacity for beauty, its sensitive interaction with the external world through touch, and its powerful ability to protect, regenerate, and facilitate healing from both conventional and natural external sources.

SAHADEVA

Sahadeva: The Tongue — A Metaphor for Internal Discernment, Wisdom, and Therapeutic Intake

The profound allegory positions Sahadeva as the embodiment of the human tongue, symbolizing its crucial role not only in taste but also as a discerning internal gateway, the instrument of profound wisdom, and a facilitator of inner well-being.

Twin to Nakula: The Internal Interface:As the twin brother of Nakula (the Skin), Sahadeva as the Tongue represents another vital “skin”—an internal mucosal surface. While the external skin protects and interacts with the outer world, the tongue is the primary interface for what is taken into the body, whether it be sustenance, medicine, or information.
Son of Ashwini Devas: The Gateway to Internal Healing:Sharing the lineage of the Ashwini Devas, the divine physicians, Sahadeva embodies healing from an internal perspective. The tongue is the essential organ through which medicines are ingested and absorbed, directly facilitating the body’s internal healing processes. This highlights his role in guiding and enabling the intake of beneficial elements that bring inner restoration.
Wisdom Articulated Through Speech:Beyond its sensory function, the tongue is the primary instrument of articulated speech. Sahadeva was renowned for his profound wisdom, foresight, and unwavering truthfulness, often speaking uncomfortable but necessary truths. This aligns perfectly with the tongue’s capacity to give voice to deep thought, convey intricate knowledge, and express the subtle distinctions perceived by the intellect. His prophecies and insights are the true “speech” emanating from this discerning faculty.
Taste: The Supreme Sense of Subtle Distinction:Your emphasis on taste as the supreme sense of distinguishing is key. Just as tea tasters can differentiate thousands of teas by taste alone, the tongue possesses an unparalleled ability for subtle discrimination—identifying minute nuances and variations. This reflects Sahadeva’s keen intellect and his exceptional capacity to discern intricate truths, predict outcomes, and distinguish between complexities, whether in practical matters or philosophical dilemmas.

In sum, Sahadeva as the Tongue embodies internal wisdom, profound discernment, and the critical intake of what is beneficial for the inner self. He represents the faculty that meticulously assesses, articulates truth, and guides the internal processes of healing and understanding with unparalleled precision.

DRAUPADI

Draupadi: The Mind — The Subtle, Dynamic Core of Emotion, Perception, and Spiritual Connection

The profound allegory positions Draupadi as the embodiment of the human Mind (Manas), a subtle, virtual, and predominantly feminine force that stands at the very center of perception, emotion, and the intricate dance between inner consciousness and outward action.

The Mind as a Virtual, Subtle, and Feminine Force:Unlike the physical, visible, and masculine-coded organs (the Pandavas as senses), Draupadi represents the mind as an intangible, subtle, and fundamentally feminine principle. It is the “virtual” arena where thoughts, feelings, and perceptions coalesce, not a gross physical structure but a dynamic field of consciousness. This feminine aspect highlights its receptive, nurturing, emotionally rich, and deeply interconnected nature, governing the inner landscape of being.
The Nexus of Senses and Emotions:Her marriage to the Pancha Pandavas (representing the five senses) powerfully illustrates the mind’s central role as the controller and interpreter of sensory input. Draupadi’s intimate connection to each Pandava signifies how the mind integrates and makes sense of the information received through the eyes, ears, nose, skin, and tongue. She is the source of all feelings and emotions, reflecting the mind’s vast and often turbulent inner landscape, capable of profound love, intense sorrow, righteous anger, and unwavering resilience.
Born from Fire: Dynamic and Transformative:Draupadi’s birth from the Agnikunda (sacrificial fire) symbolizes the mind’s inherent dynamism, passion, and transformative potential. Like fire, the mind is constantly active, capable of intense thought, burning with desire or intellect, and can be a powerful force for purification or, if unchecked, for self-destruction. This fiery essence underscores its restless, yet ultimately purifying, nature.
The Profundity and Mystery of the Mind:Her dark complexion (Krishnaa) hints at the mind’s profound depths and inherent mystery. It suggests a capacity to hold both immense light (clarity, wisdom) and deep shadow (unresolved emotions, subconscious drives), making it a complex interplay where inner battles are constantly waged.
Close Friend of Krishna: The Mind’s Link to the Atman:The crucial relationship of Draupadi (Mind) as the close friend of Krishna (the Atman/Supreme Self) signifies the mind’s profound potential for purity, devotion, and direct access to divine wisdom. This friendship represents the inner calling for the mind to connect with its higher self, finding solace, guidance, and ultimate liberation from worldly turmoil through the wisdom of the soul.
Integral to the Karmic Process:The mind (Draupadi) is a pivotal stage in the manifestation of Karma. While thoughts originate in the intellect (Yudhishthira) from past vasanas, these thoughts are then converted into feelings and emotions within the mind before being externalized into action by the senses. This places the mind as the essential emotional processing unit that bridges intention and execution in the cycle of cause and effect.

In essence, Draupadi as the Mind is the dynamic, subtle, and emotional core of the human being. She is the central nexus that receives sensory input, orchestrates feelings, and, through its unique connection to the Atman and its interaction with the intellect, navigates the complex terrain of human experience and the unfolding of Karma.

YUDHISTIRA

Yudhishthira: The Intellect — The Discerning Guide, Rooted in Dharma and Karma

The insightful allegory positions Yudhishthira as the embodiment of the human Intellect (Buddhi), the supreme faculty of discrimination, reason, and moral judgment that guides the entire inner system and is profoundly intertwined with the principles of Dharma and the inescapable cycle of Karma.

The Intellect (Buddhi): The Apex of Discrimination and Thought:Yudhishthira represents the Intellect, which is the highest discerning faculty within the human being. Unlike the mind (Draupadi), which processes emotions and sensory input, the intellect is the source of structured thought, logical reasoning, and the capacity for moral judgment. It is the part of us that seeks truth, discerns right from wrong, and strives for wisdom.
Influenced by Poorva Janma Vasana:The intellect’s inclinations and the nature of its thoughts are deeply rooted in vasanas (subtle impressions or tendencies from past lives). Yudhishthira’s inherent commitment to Dharma (righteousness) and truth, as well as his occasional weaknesses (like the gambling vice), can be seen as manifestations of these deep-seated karmic imprints that shape the intellect’s initial leanings.
Son of Yamadharma: The Inevitability of Karma:As the son of Yamadharma (the God of Justice and Death), Yudhishthira is inextricably linked to the universal principles of Dharma and the inescapable consequences of Karma. This connection highlights the intellect’s profound understanding that every action carries a reaction, and that justice, whether immediate or delayed, will always prevail.
- Karma Manifests as Thought: Your powerful insight that “Karma acts as thoughts” reveals the intellect as the primary point where karmic seeds begin to sprout. These initial thoughts, arising within the intellect from past impressions, set in motion the entire chain of manifestation.
- The Chain of Action: Once thoughts are conceived by the intellect, they are then converted into feelings and emotions within the mind (Draupadi), which subsequently drive the senses and organs (Pandavas) to perform actions. This entire sequence underscores the intellect’s pivotal role in initiating the karmic cycle, making it clear that Karma, once set in motion, cannot be avoided – a truth Yudhishthira embodies and accepts.
The Supreme Authority and Commander:Crucially, the Intellect (Yudhishthira) holds the supreme controlling authority over the entire inner system. All other faculties, including the mind (Draupadi) and the five senses/organs (the other Pandavas), ultimately obey the intellect’s directives and judgments. When the intellect is steadfast in its adherence to Dharma, it effectively commands and aligns all other parts of the being, leading to righteous conduct and inner harmony.

In essence, Yudhishthira as the Intellect is the moral compass, the discerning judge, and the ultimate guiding force within the human being. Rooted in past impressions and keenly aware of the inevitability of Karma, it is the faculty that understands Dharma and, when functioning optimally, exerts supreme control over the mind and senses, leading the individual towards righteous action and spiritual evolution.

KRISHNA

Krishna: The Atman — The Silent Witness, Inner Guide, and Fulfiller of Life’s Purpose

The interpretation of Krishna as the Atman (the Supreme Self or Soul) is absolutely central to the entire allegorical framework of the human condition in the Mahabharata. He embodies the fundamental nature of consciousness that permeates all.

The Silent Witness of All Actions:The Atman is the eternal, unchanging, and silent witness (Sakshi) to all the activities of the body, mind, and intellect. It does not actively participate in the sensory experiences (Pandavas), emotional turmoils (Draupadi/Mind), or intellectual deliberations (Yudhishthira/Intellect). Instead, it observes them without attachment or judgment.
- This is perfectly mirrored in Krishna’s role in the Kurukshetra War. He holds no weapon, fights no direct battles, and does not “perform” actions in the way the Pandavas do. Yet, he is present in every moment, observing the unfolding dharma and adharma.
He Will Not Perform (Actions):This point is crucial. The Atman is beyond the realm of action (Karma). It is the pure consciousness that enables action, but it itself is not the doer. It is the light by which all actions are seen, but it is not the light bulb, the electricity, or the person turning the switch.
- Krishna’s refusal to wield a weapon in the war, acting only as Arjuna’s charioteer and counselor, directly symbolizes the Atman’s non-doership. It is the ultimate guide, not the performer.
But Guide and Complete His Purpose of the Life Journey:While the Atman does not perform, it is the ultimate inner guide and the very purpose behind the entire human existence.
- Inner Guidance: The Atman is the source of intuition, conscience, and divine wisdom that subtly guides the intellect (Yudhishthira) and the mind (Draupadi) towards righteousness and self-realization. Krishna’s role as Arjuna’s charioteer in the Bhagavad Gita is the quintessential symbol of the Atman leading the individual soul (Arjuna) through the battle of life.
- Completing Life’s Purpose: The ultimate purpose of the individual soul’s journey (life) is to realize its true nature, to merge with or understand its connection to the Atman. Krishna’s entire presence, his teachings, and his orchestrations are all geared towards guiding the Pandavas (and by extension, humanity) to fulfill their Dharma and ultimately achieve a state of inner harmony and liberation. He ensures the “purpose of the life journey” is not lost.

In essence, Krishna as the Atman is the eternal, non-acting, all-pervading consciousness within each being. He is the silent observer, the unwavering inner compass, and the ultimate destination, whose divine presence subtly guides the individual through the complexities of existence towards the fulfillment of their highest purpose.

My Story is Mystery