Sunday, December 16, 2007

18043 VERSE 18-43 MS 43

CHAPTER 18,
PATH OF LIBERATION AND RENUNCIATION,
VERSE LIB 43

GIST

Valor, vigor, courage, efficiency and effectiveness, not fleeing from the battle field, charity, desire to rule the world are all the inherent duties and Actions of a Warrior.

BLOGGER'S VIEW
Some scripture preachers argue that this verse describes the qualities of a warrior, who need not be of warrior caste by birth. Here is a straight question to such preachers:

Can they explain the recruitment practices of armies during Mahabharata days or during the period of Mahabharata writing/taking its shape i.e. Second Century A.D.?

How many non-birth Kshatriya (warrior) caste people were recruited to the armies of the Pandavas, Kauravas and numerous other kings? Exceptions may be those of Drona, Kripa and Asvatthaama. Even in their case, a relaxation was given because Astras(Mantra/chant based archery which produces miraculous powers even if a blade of grass is used as a weapon, using the chant after due process) were supposed to be the preserve of few Priests and Warriors. Bhishma entrusted Pandavas and Kauravas to the care of Drona after observing his exceptional abilities.

Drona refused to impart archery to Ekalavya and Karna on the ground that they were not a born Kshatriyas. Had he come forward to impart the art of weapons to non birth-Kshatriyas, Bhishma, Arjuna, Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana would have objected. Duryodhana for his own selfish reasons gave exception to Karna by making him the King of Anga.

Did any teacher of Mahabharata fame searched for Non-Brahmin (Non-Priest) and Non-Warrior caste born persons to impart education of Vedas or Sanskrit or any similar studies? Exception was Jabali during Ramayana times. Scripture preachers trumpet the case of Jabali to show that there was no birth-caste discrimination during Ramayana and Mahabharata times.

The truth is: birth-caste remained the parameter for all purposes.

AADHYAAYA 18,
MOOKSHA SANYAASA YOOGA
S`LOOKA: MSY 43

S`auryam teejoo dhrutir daakshyam
yuddhee ca api apalaayanam
daanam iis`vara bhaavas` ca
kshatrakarma svabhaavajam

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