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“The path of sacrifice will not save me from the hell which now awaits me. As it is not possible to filter muddy water through mud or purify a wine-stained pot with wine, it is not possible to counteract the killing of men by sacrificing animals.”

Bhīma felt that the real reason his killing of Duryodhana with a low blow was not sinful was because Knowing that Gāndhārī’s faith in Kṛṣṇa was not the same as his own, Bhīma did not present her with this

Shedding tears, Gāndhārī said to Vyāsadeva, “I do not entertain any ill feelings for the Pāṇḍavas, O I do not blame the Pāṇḍavas, but they have done something I cannot accept. Surely this was not consistent with virtue.”

Yudhiṣṭhira knew that for a king to kill while executing his duties was not sinful, but he was not a

“O chaste lady, you should know that I did not allow his blood to pass my teeth. You should not attribute any fault to me, O Gāndhārī. Without having checked your sons previously, you should not now blame we who are innocent.”

Kṛṣṇa replied, “It was out of My love for My aunt that I did not reveal her secret. Still, he could not be swayed from his loyalty to Duryodhana although he understood the consequences.

“Men like you do not go to hell. In your case, you should not fear, dear child. Even if there were some irregularities on the battlefield, you should not fear. This was not your mood. Only with reluctance did you fight, and now you are repentant.

Yudhiṣṭhira did not like to disobey Vyāsadeva or the other ṛṣis, but he still had no heart for the ruler he said to Vyāsadeva, “My lord, the thought of sovereignty, with all its objects of enjoyment, does not

“Whether or not the blow was fair, it was the only way your son could be killed. Without killing him, Yudhiṣṭhira could not have established a righteous rule. Were I not restrained by Yudhiṣṭhira I would have done that long ago--on the day he insulted Drupada’

We have not gained our object and our enemies have not gained theirs. I do not wish to be king any longer.”

Seeing that the king’s anger had abated, Kṛṣṇa said, “Do not grieve, O Bharata. It will not revive your sons, O King. Give up your spite and be peaceful.”

But after everything was said, Yudhiṣṭhira still could not agree. He was not convinced that performing his duty would purify him.

Yudhiṣṭhira did not break his silence.

Seeing Yudhiṣṭhira mournful, Nārada said, “O King, do not give way to sorrow. Why do you not rejoice? I hope everything is well with you.

Yudhiṣṭhira, however, did not react.

Leaving everything behind and going to the forest was simply not in accord with Vedic principles for Real renunciation was something internal, not external. One who did his duty in a mood of detachment was the true renunciant, not the man who gave up his duty

Yudhiṣṭhira was still reluctant, but he would not go against Kṛṣṇa’s desire.

and minds of all beings and, understanding that she was intending to curse Yudhiṣṭhira, he said, “Do not Your words have not proven false. Certainly the Pāṇḍavas are endowed with all virtuous qualities.

I do not think there is anyone who exceeds his knowledge in this regard. Go to him where he lies on the battlefield, for his time of death has not yet come.”

He enjoyed hearing the narration, even though he had heard it many times--but it did not change his mind “I know you are speaking with a desire to do me good, dear brother, but your words do not touch my heart Although you are expert in martial sciences, you are not conversant with the subtler spiritual subjects