Duryodhana’s Dilemma
When Jayadratha was killed by the clever plan of Krishna, Duryodhana was pacing up and down at night, troubled by the day’s events. He thought, “What is this? The clouds just came and then went! I am not a weather-man. This Krishna is just too much.”
Gandhari’s Concern
Gandhari, Duryodhana’s mother, thought, “I must protect my son. This is cheating. With Krishna on their side, the Pandavas will get victory.” She decided to use her siddhi to protect Duryodhana and said, “My dear Duryodhana, come and see me in the night without any clothes. When you stand before my eyes, I will take off the blindfold and by the force of my siddhi over the years, I will make you so strong that no one can touch you.”
Duryodhana’s Encounter with Krishna
In the dead of night, Duryodhana decided to come out without any clothes. As he was walking, he made a turn and saw Krishna. Duryodhana thought, “Of all the people in the world, why should I see this personality?”
Krishna saw him and started smiling. Duryodhana became ruffled and asked, “Why are you smiling?”
Krishna replied, “Why do you think I am smiling? A grown-up man walking around without clothes in the dead of night. Are you mental?”
Duryodhana became embarrassed and explained, “No, I am just going to see my mother.”
Krishna said, “Your mother! You are going to see your mother with no clothes on? Where have you learned your etiquette? Some decency is required. At least wear a gamcha or something. I know you had a bad day on the battlefield, but that does not mean you have to become mental.”
Gandhari’s Attempt and Realization
Duryodhana thought, “Yes, it is very bad. I am very much embarrassed.” He decided to wear a gamcha and then went to his mother. When he arrived, Gandhari asked, “Are you ready, son? Is everything okay as I told you?”
He replied, “Yes.” She opened her eyes and saw him, but noticed the gamcha. Gandhari told Duryodhana, “I gave you a simple instruction to take off your clothes and stand.”
He explained, “I met Krishna.” Gandhari thought, “Why of all people must my son meet Krishna?” She asked, “What did Krishna tell you?”
Duryodhana explained, “Krishna told me to wear a gamcha. He said it was not right to walk around without any clothes. Mother, I agreed with Him and thought I would remember to remove my clothes at the right moment.”
Gandhari realized that Krishna, in a simple and cheeky way, was teaching her that no matter her plans for her son, they were not within His line of vision. It was not going to help. Krishna’s plan was supreme.
Moral of the Story
We must understand that nothing is in our hands, and everything is in the Lord’s hands. Destiny is not under our control. Planning is not bad, but we should make our plans according to Krishna’s desire. To know Krishna’s plans, we consult Sadhus, Guru, and Shastra. By seeking guidance from those in contact with Krishna, we can understand what to do.
The next step is to accept Krishna’s plans, beginning with the conviction that we do not want what Krishna does not want for us. This requires strong faith that Krishna knows what is best for us.
Having accepted His plans, the execution of those plans involves devotion and offering all our activities to the Lord, as Krishna says:
Bhagavad-gita As It Is 9.27
yat karoshi yad asnasi yaj juhoshi dadasi yat yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurushva mad-arpanam
“Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give away, and whatever austerities you perform — do that, O son of Kunti, as an offering to Me.”
Lessons to Be Learned
- Divine Control Recognize that ultimately, everything is in the hands of the Lord.
- Consultation Seek guidance from Sadhus, Guru, and Shastra to understand Krishna’s plans.
- Acceptance Cultivate the conviction that we do not want what Krishna does not want for us, requiring strong faith in His knowledge of what is best for us.
- Devotion Execute all plans and actions as offerings to the Lord, maintaining devotion and sincerity in all activities.
Prayer
“O Lord Krishna, please grant us the wisdom to recognize Your supreme control over all events. Help us to seek guidance from Your representatives and to accept Your plans with faith and devotion. May we offer all our actions to You, knowing that You alone know what is best for us.”
