The Udyoga Parva Parva-Sub Parvas

[Anne Terri]

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HINDUISM
THE MAHABHARATA
of
Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa

BOOK 5 THE UDYOGA PARVA
Sub Parvas

This Parva (book) has 10 sub-parvas (sub-books or little books) and 198 adhyayas (sections, chapters).[2][3] The following are the sub-parvas:

1. Sainyodyoga Parva (sections: I - XIX)

The 13th year of exile is over. Kings assemble in king Virata's court to mark the marriage of his daughter to Arjuna's son Abhimanyu. Krishna gives a speech to gathered kings that Pandavas must now return to their kingdom, Kauravas must return the kingdom they got from Pandavas for 13 years after a game of dice. Krishna speculates that Kauravas may refuse the return, may use military against Yudhishthira personally visits and makes the demand, or may be willing to a peaceful transfer. The intentions of the other side are unknown, suggests Krishna, so they should send a capable ambassador to understand the intentions of Kauravas and arrange a peaceful transfer.

Satyaki reminds the gathered kings that the Kauravas got the kingdom by trick and evil, that evil people don't change. The proposed peaceful diplomacy is ridiculous, claims Satyaki, because peace can never be negotiated from a position of weakness. Only the strong who have the power and means to destroy their opponent, get a fair and just deal during peace negotiations. Satyaki recommends Pandavas should establish a visibly strong army, then start negotiations. Drupada suggests despatching envoys to other virtuous and good kingdoms to build military alliance for Pandavas. Krishna approves. Envoys spread out. Kings and Krishna return to their homes. In parallel, Kauravas are already building their alliances for war, to weaken Pandavas to a point that they do not even ask back their kingdom. Both Pandavas and Kauravas meet Krishna in Dwaraka, for their military preparations, but with morally opposite stands. Arjuna requests Krishna and his army to not fight at all, be the messenger of peace. Duryodhana, in contrast, wants the Krishna's army to serve him, be the messenger of war. Krishna decides and promises to drive Arjuna's chariot if war becomes necessary. Both sides gather a massive alliance of armies, with Kaurava group's army being larger. Salya joins Kauravas side, meets Yudhishthira to continue the effort to avoid a war. Yudhishthira convinces Salya that Kauravas are in error. Salya agrees to explain Yudhishthira position to Duryodhana. Salya leaves Pandavas camp to meet the Kaurava brothers.

Sanjaya meets Dhritarashtra as his envoy for peace negotiations.

2. Sanjaya-yana Parva (sections: XX - XXXII)[3]

Drupada's envoy reaches Kaurava brothers. He announces that Pandava brothers do not want war, they see war as something that ruins the world, all they want is an amicable settlement. He also informs the Dhritarashtra and Kuru family, that Yudhishthira seeks peace not out of weakness; they have seven Akshauhinis (large battalions). Drupada's envoy asks that Kaurava brothers give virtue and peace a chance, they give back that which should be returned. Bhishma responds that peace makes sense, but Karna in the court of Kaurava brothers argues war is preferable. Dhritarashtra dismisses Drupada's envoy, promising to send Sanjaya to the Pandavas with a full response.

Dhritarashtra summons Sanjaya, asks him to meet the Pandava brothers, but does not propose anything concrete about peaceful transfer of kingdom. Sanjaya meets Yudhishthira, urges peace, says war will cause losses to both sides, notes that if Pandavas kill Kauravas, it will make them miserable in victory. Yudhishthira says Pandavas do not want war, they want peace and prosperity. Dhritarashtra, claims Yudhishthira, is an abusive and greedy king, evil to the people of Indraprastha - a kingdom Pandavas had to leave during the exile, and Dhritarashtra must return the kingdom to him to make peace. Yudhishthira suggests to Sanjaya, in Chapter 31 of the parva, that he would accept a smaller kingdom if that would prevent war, further peace. Pandavas are ready for peace, and for war, claims Yudhishthira. Sanjaya returns to Dhritarashtra, urges him to take the path of peace, and in a brutally directly manner calls Dhritarashtra's approach towards Pandavas as sinful, suicidal and wrong.[2]

3. Prajagara Parva (sections: XXXIII - XL)[2]

Dhritarashtra summons Vidura for counsel, confesses Sanjaya's message have disordered his senses and caused him sleeplessness. Dhritarashtra asks for moral guidance and wisdom to lead his kingdom. Sage Vidura presents a discourse that is referred to as Viduraniti. It describes the character and habits of wise men, how they combine virtuous life with prosperity. These adhyayas also describe the duties and actions of kings that enables a prosperous kingdom. After listening to Vidura, Dhritarashtra leans for peace and an accommodation of Pandava brothers; however, he says Duryodhana wants the opposite. Dhritarashtra claims his exertion may be in vain, destiny will do what it wants to.

Sanatsujata meets Dhritarashtra for counsel.

4. Sanatsujata Parva (sections: XLI - XLVI)[3]

Dhritarashtra continues in his suffering of anxiety and depression. He seeks more counsel from sage Vidura. The sage says he was born in Sudra class[8] and has already counseled the king, perhaps the king should get second opinion from Sanat-Sujata[9] who was born in Brahmin class. Vidura brings in sage Sanat-Sujata. Dhritarashtra asks him questions about eternal being, life after death and immortality. The response of Sanat-Sujata is another treatise called Sanatsujatiya (sometimes spelled Sanatsugatiya or Sanatsugâtîya).[1][10] Scholars[7]:137 suggest Sanatsujatiya may have been a later insertion and addition into the original Epic. Adi Shankara commented on Sanatsujatiya, parts of the commentary too have been corrupted later by unknown individuals.[7]

Sanatsujatiya is a treatise on spirituality, inward contemplation, and marga (paths) to liberation and freedom. Sage Sanat-Sujata insists that rituals and Vedic ceremonies are not the path to emancipation, ignorance is living death, it is true knowledge of universal self that emancipates; he suggests that gods are ordinary creatures who have realized that self knowledge.[2][7]:145 This view of human beings as creatures of unlimited potential, mirrors those found in the Upanishads. Craving for wealth, desire for fame and longing for power suggests Sanatsugātiýa, is a cause for misery. Knowledge, virtue and faith in fruits of action are a cause of contentment. Dhritarashtra reminds Sanatsujata that Vedas declare sacrificial ceremonies remove sins and emancipate, why should men not engage in these practices. Sanat-Sujata replies that there are different paths, all with one goal. There is great inconsistency in interpretation of these paths. Ceremonies put undue importance to external forms, often ignore the inner self.[2] Dhritarashtra asks if one can achieve emancipation in after life by renouncing everything but without virtue and right action. Sanatsujata replies that it is the inner state that matters, not outward manifestations. The hymns of Veda do not rescue people from sin they commit. Vice and knowledge can never dwell together. Sanatsujata then outlines[2][11] twelve virtues one must live by and twelve vices to avoid, followed by three requirements for free, liberated life. In Chapter 44, Sanatsujata suggests knowledge is the only path to emancipation. In Chapter 45, Sanatsujata suggests virtuous attributes and actions are the path to gain that knowledge. After the counsel from Sanatsujata, Dhritarashtra retires for the night.

5. Yanasandhi Parva (sections: XLVII - LXXI)[3]

The Kaurava brothers assemble in the court to hear Sanjaya who has returned from Pandava brothers (see Sanjaya-yana Parva above). Bhishma recommends peace and returning kingdom. Drona supports Bhishma. Karna objects. Bhishma ridicules Karna. Dhritarashtra inquires about Yudhisthria's military preparation. Sanjaya frankly criticizes Dhritarashtra for his vicious conduct towards Pandavas. Duryodhana reminds everyone of the warriors on their side, his own courage and readiness for war. Dhritarashtra asks about kingdoms who have allied to Pandavas. Sanjaya provides the details. Duryodhana interjects and provides a list of kingdoms who have allied with Kauravas and are ready for war. Dhritarashtra asks his son to accept peace and give back the kingdom to the Pandavas.[3] Duryodhana mocks and refuses. Karna joins Duryodhana, mocks Pandavas and boasts his own warrior powers. Bhishma criticizes Karna again. Karna gets upset, promises to not fight till Bhishma is alive, and walks out of the court in anger. Dhritarashtra again asks Duryodhana to choose peace. Duryodhana insists on war.

Krishna explains to Karna who his biological mother is, how is a brother of the Pandavas, and why avoiding a war and virtuous peace is the right thing to do.

6. Bhagavat-yana Parva (Sections LXXII-CLX[2]

The Pandava brothers meet their counsels and Krishna. Yudhishthira opens the meeting with desire for peace. Krishna offers to be an envoy of peace to Kauravas, with the counsel that Pandavas should prepare everything for war. Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva and Satyaki take turns and express their views to Krishna, who comments to each. Krishna leaves for the court of Kaurava brothers, meets Rishis on the way. Dhritarashtra proposes to ill treat Krishna as envoy. Bhishma and Vidura get upset and censure the proposal. Duryodhana proposes they should imprison Krishna. The Kurus brothers attempt to accost Krishna, but fail because of Krishna's special abilities. Duryodhana invites Krishna to his home, Krishna refuses. Krishna meets Vidura, then appears in Kauravas court. There he appeals for peace and conciliation. His efforts fail. The parva then describes the symbolic story of Garuda to emphasize peace is better. Kanwa concurs with Krishna on peace. Sage Narada appears, who tells the story of Gavala, Yayati and Madhavi to explain to Duryodhana that his obstinate craving for war is wrong. Duryodhana meets Shakuni, schemes again to imprison Krishna. Krishna learns about the scheme, laughs it off. Dhritarashtra rebukes Duryodhana for thinking of imprisoning Krishna, the envoy.

Krishna leaves the city of Kauravas, with Karna in a chariot. He tells Karna who Karna's real mother is, how he is a brother of the Pandavas, asks he should join his brothers. Karna refuses, says the war will be another sacrifice. Kunti, Karna's real mother meets him, they talk.[3] She explains what happened when Karna was born, urges him to reconsider his position about the war. Karna replies that she never was a mother to him, she abandoned him as a baby, she never sought his good so far, but now she suddenly appears in his life for her own selfish reasons. He is angry and claims that everyone wants to use him, like a boat to cross the sea of war and get where they want to go. This is his chance to fight the Arjuna, earn love and respect of the world. He promises Kunti that he will not kill the other four Pandava brothers, that his focus will be to kill Arjuna. She will have five sons after war - with either Karna or Arjuna left, just like she pretended to have five sons before war. Kunti trembles with sorrow. Krishna reaches Pandavas camp and updates them of his effort at peace as an envoy, how he failed.

7. Sainya-niryana Parva (sections: - )[2]

The allied armies of Pandavas march to Kurukshetra for war. The preparations and the march is described In Sainya-niryana sub-parva of Udyoga Parva.

War preparations accelerate. Yudhishthira seeks nominations for the commander in chief of allied forces behind Pandava brothers. Many names come forward, Krishna selects Dhristadyumna. The Pandava army marches for war to Kurukshetra. Duryodhana with Karna, Shakuni and Dussasana prepare for war. Bhishma is appointed by Duryodhana as commander in chief of armies behind Kaurava brothers. Both sides select chiefs for each of their Akshauhinis (battalions) - Pandavas have 7 battalions, Kauravas have 11. Dhritarashtra meets Sanjaya, expresses his anxiety, wonders if the war is one of choice or destiny.

8. Ulukabhigamana Parva (sections: CLXI-CXCIX )[3]

Duryodhana sends Uluka to Pandavas camped in Kurukshetra for war, with insulting messages to Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, Virata, Drupada, Dhananjaya, Sikhandin, Dhristadyumna and Vasudeva, as part of psychological warfare. The parva recites the fable of the cat and the mouse. Bhima gets upset when he receives Duryodhana message through Uluka. Krishna intervenes, and asks Uluka to leave the camp in peace, as he is just a messenger. Uluka insists on giving all the messages. Each person who listens to the message, replies. Uluka returns to Kauravas camp, and delivers the messages from Pandava camp to him. Duryodhana arrays his troops to face the army of Pandavas. Yudhishthira moves his army. Dhristadyumna, the commander in chief of allied Pandava forces, studies the strengths of the enemy, appoints particular warriors in Pandavas side to focus on particular warriors on Kauravas side.

9. Rathatiratha-sankhyana Parva (sections: 165 - 172)[3]

Infighting erupts within the Kaurava side. Bhishma lists rathas, atirathas and ardharatha in Kaurava side, ridicules and mocks Karna being an ardharatha. Karna gets angry with Bhishma. The parva describes rathas and atirathas on Pandava side, ready for war.

10. Amvopakkyana Parva (sections: 173 - 198)[2]

This parva recites the story of Bhishma past exploits and a maiden named Amva, and how his emotional attachment means he can fight everyone but Sikhandin - a battalion commander in Pandavas side. Duryodhana asks his commanders the time it will take each of them to annihilate the allied armies behind Pandavas. Bhishma mentions a month, Drona also a month, Kripa estimates two months, Aswasthama claims ten days, Karna says he can annihilate the Pandavas in five days. Bhishma ridicules and mocks Karna. Karna gets angry with Bhishma again. Yudhishthira asks his team the time it will take them to annihilate the armies behind Kauravas. Arjuna says one second. Pandava army marches to the battle front. Kaurava army marches to the battle front. Both armies face each other for war.


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“God / Brahman Speaking To Anne Terri Through The Holy Spirit: This will be an ongoing endeavor, which will take many hours to build. I Begin this new section within The Third Testament - Research Library, to Bring forward one of the most important ancient texts of Hinduism, The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa as translated into English from Sanskrit. by Kisari Mohan Ganguli [1883-1896] In doing so, I have Asked of Anne to begin advanced studies on this, for the purposes of future links with other Hindu Study Guides currently in process. It is important to note that
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