Was Krishna partial towards the Pandavas?

Thursday, March 1, 2001 

… Continued from Part 1

Prof. A. K.: Swami, people say that Krishna was partial towards Pandavas.

Swami: No. Even before marriage, Draupadi identified the Divinity of Krishna. She also recognised the Pandavas during the Svayamvara (the ceremony where a girl can chose her bridegroom from those who have assembled), though they were in the guise of Brahmins. When her father felt bad and said that she was going to be married to poor Brahmins, she replied, “Don’t worry. They are not Brahmins. In the coming days, you will come to know about their greatness.” Krishna was not partial to Pandavas. During the war, both Duryodhana and Arjuna went to Krishna seeking help. While Arjuna sat near Krishna’s feet, Duryodhana, due to arrogance, sat near the head. When Krishna got up from sleep, he saw Arjuna first and asked him what he wanted. It is the quality of a king to speak to the person, whom he has seen first. Arjuna said, “Swami, I need Your help”. Then Krishna said, “I have only two things. One is the army and the other is Myself. Whatever you want, you can take.” But Arjuna remained quiet. That time Duryodhana coughed, to show that he was also present. Then Krishna turned towards him and asked, “Brother-in-law, when did you come? What do you want?” Duryodhana asked for the army. Then Krishna turned towards Arjuna and said, “Duryodhana has asked for the army. Now, only I am left. I will come with you. Take Me.” Before itself, Krishna had taken the vow that He would neither take to weapons nor would he fight. Krishna was always on Dharma’s side. Since, Dharmaraja was the embodiment of Dharma, Krishna was with the Pandavas. 

Prof. A. K.: Swami, what is the difference between Treta Yuga and Dwapara Yuga?

Swami: In Treta Yuga, the war was for the sake of Dharma and Dharma Patni (righteousness and righteous wife). Both Rama and Ravana didn’t need wealth. In Dwapara Yuga, the war was for the Dharani (land), Dharma and Dharma Patni. Here, there was also politics. In Kali Yuga, one fights for Dhanam (wealth) and Adhipatyam (power).

Prof. A. K.: Is it not wrong to fight for the sake of Dharani?

Swami: Dhritarashtra was blind. A blind person does not have the right to rule. Therefore, the whole kingdom belonged to King Pandu. Since Dharmaraja was the eldest, the kingdom should have gone to the Pandavas. After the death of Pandu, Kauravas forcefully occupied the kingdom. Therefore, they fought for the sake of Dharma. So, it is not wrong. 

Prof. A. K.: Swami, did not Dhritarashtra know Dharma?

Swami: He knew. But was caught in Bhrama - too much attachment to his sons. One day, Gandhari asked Krishna, “I had 100 children, now not even one is left. What kind of God are You?” Krishna replied, “When even the sight of parents has not fallen on them, how can My sight fall on them?”

Prof. A. K.: Is it not difficult to practise Satyam (truth)?

Swami: Satyam is great. It is not difficult to practise Satyam. The person who lives in Satyam will definitely follow it. The person who believes that 2 X 2 = 4 will definitely follow it. Similarly, a person who recognises the value of Satyam will definitely follow it. (To a student) Did you listen to whatever I said till now?

Student: No, Swami.

Swami: Then, that is your Karma (fate). (To another student) Did you understand? Nowadays, people struggle for money. In those days, they struggled for Dharma. (Then pointing towards the Russian devotees) The Russians are seeing Me from that time. Though they can’t hear, they feel happy on seeing Me. As Swami was going back, one student said that he was suffering from Asthma. 

Swami materialised Vibhuti for him. 

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2000-2001)