HUMILITY-FROM THE MAHABHARATA

In the Mahabhrata there is a story that illustrates King Yudhishsthira's humility: One day Drona [the martial Guru of both the Pandava and Kuru princes] called for Yudhishsthira and Duryodhana,and ordered them,"My dear Yudhishstihira,please follow my instructions.Go among the citizens and find someone who has some faults.When you have found that person,bring him to me." Drona then told Duryodhana,"Go among the citizens and find someone who is superior in quality to you.When you find that person,bring him to me." Both the students then left,and Drona returned to his quarters. At the end of the day Duryodhana returned to his teacher and informed him,"O my teacher,I have searched the kingdom for a person who is superior in quality to me,but I have not found anyone.Having concluded my inspection,I have returned to your presence."Drona then dismissed Duryodhana. When the sun had set on the western horizon,Yudhihsthira arrived and offered obiences to his martial teacher.Drona then inquired,"Have you found someone of inferior quality?" "I have searched all day,"Yudhishsthira replied,but I could not find anyone inferior to me.However,toward the end of the day,I saw a farmer drawing water from a well,and since it was Ekadasi[This is the eleventh day of the waning and waxing moon which is considered to be a very serious fasting day by all sects of Hindus.] I thought to bring him to you.Just as I was about to arrest him,I saw him feed the water to his animals.Therefore I have not found anyone with inferior qualities,but have brought myself for fault finding with others." Drona then dismissed Yudhishsthira and reflected on the qualities of the two princes.He concluded that Yudhishsthira was the personification of humility and fit to rule the people,whereas Duryodhana was too proud be a pious king and would ultimately ruin the Kuru dynasty. (from: Vijitatma from hi5)

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HUMILITY-FROM THE MAHABHARATA

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