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Nārada said, “O hero, do not discharge the celestial weapons for no purpose or they will destroy the Do not be so rash.”

He could not see anyone. His thirst was intense. Not caring for the voice he cupped his hands and drank the water.

Why had he not had it with him at Virata? Somehow it had not occurred to him to bring that weapon. He had not been expecting to meet Arjuna. Well, he would not make that same mistake again.

Arjuna added, “The promises of superior men are not empty words. If my vow is not carried out, then so shall the Himālayas be moved, or the sun’s rays become cool. I will not fail. This will come to pass in fourteen years if Duryodhana does not return our kingdom.”

“Not knowing of your birth, you have not realized that the Pāṇḍavas are actually your brothers. This is not proper, my son.

It was clear that he was not from a royal line. Seeing his discomfiture, Duryodhana spoke out. “Nobility does not depend only upon birth. Those who are heroes and leaders of soldiers may also claim nobility, even if not born in royal lines

The noble Kuntī did not like Pāṇḍu’s suggestion. She looked down and spoke softly in reply, “O virtuous one, please do not request this of me. I shall certainly not accept another’s embrace, even in my imagination.

She had not wanted to wait. Without an heir to the throne the kingdom was in constant danger. In a land without a monarch even the rains would not fall regularly and the gods would not be propitious

He knew his sons did not stand a chance. Although they had a bigger army, that would not stop the Pāṇḍavas, assisted as they were by Kṛṣṇa, from

Arjuna raised his hand and replied, “Do not fear.” He could not refuse to protect anyone who sought his shelter.

Arjuna again said that he could not accept anything from Maya. “I do not want to frustrate your desire. If you want to please me, then do something for Kṛṇa.

“O monkey, I do not ask that you give me permission, nor am I interested to hear your thoughts about Do not experience grief at my hands.”

“I am of the same opinion that Brahmins should always be protected, but you need not fear for my son. The Rākṣasa will not be able to kill him. He is powerful and knows the science of mantras.”

Has Duryodhana not made it clear that he will never return Yudhiṣṭhira’s kingdom? Yudhiṣṭhira asked for five small villages, and still the evil one would not agree. Not by peaceful means nor by surrender will we attain our ends. You should not show mercy at this time. Do not let Yourself be touched by sin, O Janārdana.”

“The great Ṛṣi Devala has intructed me that one should not engage in playing with a professional gamester “O Śakuni, do not try to take from me the wealth with which I wish to serve the Brahmins. Even enemies should not be vanquished by desperate stakes in deceitful play.

“We have not as yet achieved anything, Karṇa. We have not taken the cows and we have not defeated the enemy. Why then do you boast? Great heroes, even after winning many battles and conquering great kingdoms, do not utter a single word

Arjuna had suggested to his brothers that they not accompany the Kauravas. “They will not be able to overpower the mighty Drupada,” Arjuna had said.

“Please do not argue with me. My brother is coming. Do not tarry here and become his meal.

“I will not eat with you, O hero, nor shall I stay in Dushashana’s palace.”

“Why would you not accept the princess as your own wife?”