Yudhishthira’s Wisdom

Summary

Once upon a time, five Pandav brothers were hunting for a deer. They were in the deep jungle. They couldn’t find the deer. Later on, they felt thirsty. They were also tired too. Then sent Sahadeva to look for water to quench their thirst. Others sat under a tree. Sahadeva to look for water for a long time. Then another brother Nakula was sent there. He also didn’t return. Then Yudhisthira himself went there in search of his brothers. When Yudhisthira went there, he saw his four brothers lying on the side of the beautiful pool. They were found unconscious. He started crying and wanted to die himself because he thought his all brothers had died. Late on he knew that his brothers bad disobeyed Yaksha when his brothers reached near the pool, Yakhsha asked them to give answers to his questions before drinking water but his brothers didn’t give answers. Instead of answering they started to drink water from the pond. So they were made unconscious by the God Yaksha. Yudhisthira tried to answer the questions before he drank water, Yaksha asked many questions one after another,

 

“What makes the sunshine?”

Yudhisthira answered, “Power of God.”

What is the surest weapon against the danger?

Yudhisthira answered “Courage.”

What gives more to man than earth?”

Yudhisthira answered “mother.”

Then Yaksha pleased with Yudhisthira’s answers. Yaksha became ready to bring only one of his brothers back to life and then Yudhisthira chose Madri’s son “Nakula”. He didn’t choose his own brothers. Then Yaksha reveals himself as Yama and restored his all brothers. After this Yaksha advises him where to go.

 

 

Four Levels of Meaning

1. Literal Comprehension:

This text was taken from the Hindu religious book Mahabharata which is written in epic from. Once upon a time, five Pandav brothers were hunting for a deer. They were in the deep jungle. They couldn’t find the deer. Late on they felt thirsty. They were also tired too. Then they sent Sahadea to look for water to quench their thirst. Others sat under a tree. Sahadeva didn’t return for along time. Then another brother Nakula was sent there. He also didn’t return from there. Then the other two brothers Vhim and Arjun were sent there but nobody returned. Then Yudhisthira himself went there in search of his brothers. When Yudhisthira went there, he saw his four brothers lying on the side of the beautiful pool. They were found unconscious. He started crying and wanted to die himself because he through his all brothers had died. Later on, he knew that his brothers had disobeyed Yaksha when his brothers reached near the pool Yaksha asked them to give answers to his questions before drinking water but his brothers didn’t give answers. Instead of answering they started to drink water from the pond. So they were made unconscious by the God Yaksha. Yudhisthira tried to answer the questions before he drank water, Yaksha asked many questions one after another,

 

Then Yaksha pleased with Yudhisthira’s answers. Yaksha became ready to bring only one of his brothers back to life and then Yudhisthira chooses Madri’s son “Nakula”. He didn’t choose his own brothers. Yen Yaksha reveals himself as Yama and restored his all brothers. After this Yaksha advises him where to go.

 

2. Interpretation:

This tries to show that we must possess patience and obedience. Due to the obedience of Yudhisthira, all brothers survived. Otherwise, they wouldn’t survive.

 

3. Critical Thinking:

It is difficult to believe. This is an only religious story. There is no proof whether there were Pandavas and Koravas. It is also difficult to believe that the sun shines due to the power of God. But mother indeed does more than earth for us. The Girst mother gives us birth then we need the earth.

 

4. Assimilation:

After reading this story, I learned a great lesson that obedience and patience make us a great person. Yudhisthisra was an obedient and well-mannered person among his brothers. We should give importance to patience, obedience to God, wisdom, and right conduct. We have seen this on the earth. Mahatma Gandhi defeated the British empire due to patience. Similarly, the students who are obedient to the teachers get love and affection form their teachers.

 

Possible Question:

1. Write the story of “Ydhisthira’s wisdom” from point of view of Yaksha.

Word Meaning

Footsore = Blister on foot

In pursuit =  In search of

Dwelling = Place of residence

Vanish = Disappear

Scan = To examine

Anxious = Worried

Clearing = Cultivate

Wring = Twist

Enchant = To surprise

Chirp = Cry of a bird

Fancy = Imagination

Render = To provide

Mighty = Strong

Sustain = Maintain

Persist = Continue

Divine = Godly

Restore = To revive

Noble = Gentle

Wisdom = Conscience

Gratitude = Thankfulness

Hardship = Difficulties

Exile = Banishment