Dear Friends
In recent times, the global discourse on geopolitics has shown us that international relations are fluid—what may seem like rivalry today could become collaboration tomorrow.
I know a family with 3 children. One of them was brilliant, one was Medicare, and another was hopeless. Parents did not have any hopes for the hopeless boy. Time grew, but there was no change in the attitude. At the end of life, the first two who were well settled were unable to extend help to their parents. They deserted them. However, the one who they were ignorant came to the rescue in the end. Now, do we determine who is right? The first impressions in childhood or the last impressions in late life? This is a complex situation, right?
Understanding one biological family with its own connecting genes becomes tough, what to speak of countries and their national priorities? Building a long-term policy is always tough. We may not be able to comment on such subtle issues. We see a few statements aired on the news channels and form an opinion on the leaders. However, if a 195-column matrix report (number of countries on the earth vs one country mapping) is before the leader, how can one make an easy decision? Any decision will have a huge impact. Their job is not that easy. Let us respect. They make decisions based on current National priorities.
In history, we saw the Chandragupta Maurya & Seleucus Nicator episode. Chandragupta defeated Seleucus’s forces, and later, Seleucus gave his daughter in marriage to Chandragupta. In modern history, we have umpteen examples of such conflicts between Nations, especially during world wars and post-war wars. A friend at a time became a foe later, and vice versa.
What is the right solution at any point? Follow Scriptures! They teach us what Dharma and Adharma are. The Mahabharata is one such great scripture that explains these complex relationships.
Karna and Pandavas - Own Brothers- different sides of the war
Arjuna and Drona- Best Teacher-Student Relationship- different sides of the war
Dronacharya and Drupad - In their youth, friends – Later bitter rivalry- different sides of the war
Bhisma- Great-grandfather for both the Pandavas and Kauravas. Blessed Yudhishthira, wishing for his victory-- different sides of the war.
Yuyutsu, the half-brother of the Kauravas, was raised among the Kauravas. Before the war began, Yuyutsu openly defected to the Pandava side, choosing to support righteousness over his family of origin.
Ashwatthama grew up with the Pandavas, who were his father’s students- different sides of the war
Śalya was Nakula and Sahadeva’s maternal uncle, by blood. Yet, through Duryodhana’s cunning hospitality trick, he was bound to support the Kauravas.
Śakuni & Kauravas-At one level, he was their “uncle” and advisor, seemingly protective of Duryodhana. But in truth, his hatred of Hastināpura made him orchestrate their downfall.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra & Pāṇḍavas: As their uncle and king, he often expressed affection. Yet his blind love for Duryodhana made him do injustices against them. However, during the old age (post-Kauravas period), Pandavas took care of him.
Karna & Bhīṣma: Bhishma was refusing to fight alongside him, but within the same army.
Vidura & Dhṛtarāṣṭra: Vidura was Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s half-brother. Yet, it makes him feel like an outsider in the same family.
Jayadratha & Pāṇḍavas: Jayadratha married Duryodhana’s sister. Earlier, in spite of attempting to abduct Draupadī, the Pāṇḍavas spared his life. Later, he became the cause of Abhimanyu’s death.
Kṛpācārya & Pāṇḍavas: As a guru, he instructed them with affection. But bound by his loyalty to Hastināpura-- different sides of the war
What is the right solution? Depend on the Lord and scriptural application, whosoever we believe, regardless of religion. In the Pandavas' case, they were dependent on Lord Krishna and the teachings of the Bhagavat Gita. We need to pray that Leaders get that intelligence, and after that, just believe in their actions, as we don’t know what is right and wrong!!
Ravi Saripalle
