Mahabharata is one of the greatest Hindu epics and there are numerous characters in it.
Every single character in the Mahabharata have a lesson for us.
Shri Krishna
During His avataric career, He taught many lessons to mankind. Most of His teachings were through His own actions. While His teachings are as infinite and innumerable as His names and forms, we are biased toward the following teachings (listed in random order), which we humbly find applicable to our modern lives.
#1. Kartavya Parayana (He diligently performed His duties)
We must perform our daily duties in life with utmost dedication and devotion, all while offering the results of our actions to God Himself.
#2. Keshava was generous beyond measure
We should be generous in our daily lives. We come empty-handed and leave in the same manner. Our hearts should be as magnanimous as humanly possible.
#3. He practiced supreme equanimity in all conditions
Life brings both joys and sorrows. Neither is permanent. Practice even-mindedness during both conditions.
#4. He did not differentiate between other beings
Love all beings! When you love unconditionally, you will receive love in return. This is the law of nature.
#5. He remained a true friend, a true lover, a true Lord, and a truly Divine teacher all the way to the end
Fulfill your kinship till the very end. Fulfill the duties called for by these ties ungrudging, and till the very end.
#6. He identified Himself with the universe and all beings
We, too, are one with everyone. There is no difference between us and others (at the atmic level). Feel others’ pain and do the best you can to alleviate everyone’s suffering.
#7. He lived only for the sake of service to other beings
Always live a life of service. There are plenty of opportunities to serve beings around us. No act is too small, no task is too menial. We don’t have to build big hospitals. Small acts of loving service count just as much as big tasks. It is the intention that counts.
#8. He always protected His devotees
Do your best to protect all around you, especially when it is in your power to do so.
#9. Krishna was always smiling, forever immersed in bliss
Always smile in life. This one is so simple, you can start at this very second.
#10. He never identified with the body
Never identify yourself with the body. The body is but a mere vessel encasing your real self.
#11. Selfless unconditional love was His very nature
Practice unconditional love, no matter what others do to you. Forgive your enemies and move forward with life. In the material world, we may call ourselves friends, enemies, or relatives, but in the spiritual realm we are all one: Love and Light!
#12. He knew all about time, but He lived one day at a time
Live in the present. “Past is history; future is mystery.”
#13. The Lord considered the Divine Name to be very dear
The Lord’s name equals the Lord. The Divine Name is not an ordinary word. It encompasses all the divine potencies of the Lord Himself. Always chant the Divine Name.
#14. He never lost an opportunity to help others transform
Share your knowledge about God with others. Don’t force them, but do your best to help them transform.
#15. Humility incarnate
Trees bearing heavy fruits, bend down. Even if you have accomplished great things, always remain humble and serve your fellow-beings with utmost humility.
Lord Krishna is the perfect “people” person, of all characters in the epics.
Bhartrhari in Neetishatakam says:
दाक्षिण्यं स्वजने दया परजने शाठ्यं सदा दुर्जने
प्रीतिः साधुजने नयो नृपजने विद्वज्जने अप्यार्जवं |
शौर्यं शत्रुजने क्षमा गुरुजने कान्ताजने धृष्टता
ये चैवं पुरुषाः कलासु कुशलाः तेष्वेव लोकस्थितिः ||
Harmony with one’s own people, compassion to strangers, wickedness towards the the wicked, love / grace for the righteous, being diplomatic / prudent with kings, straightforwardness with the learned, bravery with enemies, forbearance towards elders, shrewdness with regard to the fair sex; those who are versed in these and the like arts are the persons on whom rests the preservation of social order .
Krishna’s Character is Perfect to be called a Brilliant Strategist and Astute Statesmen.
Bhishma
Promises should be kept, but make sure they do not get outdated
The classic example for this is Pitamaha Bhishma. Under one context of getting his father married to Satyavati, he took a vow of lifelong celibacy, but when the circumstances changed, he refused to change his stance, thereby earning the blame of indirectly leading to the great war.
Karna
#1. If there is a will, there is always a way
#2. Give Without Expecting Anything in Return
Karna did everything possible to learn the art,that made him more vulnerable at war field.
Karna holds no such reservations. Look at him walking away after giving away a fortune, he doesn’t expect people to sing his praises, he doesn’t even care if people talk good or bad about him behind his back. That is the sign of a man already on the path of enlightenment”.
Giving with an Expectation of a Return in the form of a Compliment or Thanks is not a Gift, then it becomes a Trade.
Arjun
Hell hath no fury worse than a woman scorned
Arjun had spurned the advances of a beautiful celestial dancer Urvashi and she cursed him that he would lose his manhood for a year. The brave Arjun had to lead the life of an eunuch for a year. Thus be careful to never insult a woman.
Draupadi
You cannot have everything in life
Draupadi had done penance in her previous life and asked Lord Shiva for a perfect husband who was a brave warrior, morally pure, has the strongest body, is the most learned and also the handsomest man on earth. She got whatever she wanted but in 5 different husbands. The moral of the story is that, one man cannot have all these qualities and you cannot always get whatever you want.
Abhimanyu
Half knowledge is dangerous
Arjun’s son Abhimanyu knew only how to enter the chakravyuh, not how to come out of it. However, he decided to enter this difficult war formation and met his death there. That is why, half knowledge is very dangerous. Whatever you know must be thorough.
Kunti
If you do something bad, be strong enough to account it and accept it. Not accepting it will make the matters worse, in future
Dhritarashtra
Blind love is dangerous
The blind King of Hastinapur had but one fault; he loved his children too much and thus he never reprimanded them. This is a parenting lesson for every father/mother. Correct your children before they go astray because your blind love won’t help them.
mighty krishna 