Yuganta Analysis

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About Yuganta - 1 Synopsis - 1 Character Analysis: (Includes traits, key characteristics, perception) - 9 o Karna o Aswathama o Krishna Parallels: - 5 o Krishna with Buddha and Jesus o Krishna with Aai o Karna with Tughlaq Themes: - 3 Leadership lessons to learn - 1 Corporate lessons to learn - 1 Questions to discuss – 1

Karna “The One about Terrible mental agony” –  Karna was constantly worried about his definitive position in society and his rightful status  Karna was very obsessed in exhibiting his extraordinary skills that he challenged Arjuna for a duel despite the age difference (Relative difference of four)  Karna in the heat of anger would invariably do the things he ought not to.  Struggle with himself to gain recognition.  Allowed external stimulus like Bhima’s words interfere with his personality.  Hatred for Pandavas could be of following reasons: Wounded, insulted, jealousy of someone stealing his reputation, sense of revenge, friendship with Kauravas.  Scared to fight: Excuse to save face  Meanest in Draupadi incident  Under stress he could forget all humane considerations  Was in the illusion of friendship but in reality, he is more concerned about his personal goals.  Have the urge to show extremes in both evil deeds as well as in his good ones.  Could not get war training and was cursed by “Parashurama” that he would forget his knowledge in the time of need. “The One about Unfulfillment” - Happiness is a not a fulfilment of what we wish for, but an appreciation of what we have!  2 incidents where he could have felt fulfilled.  One – When Krishna offers him to join Pandavas – This shows Karna as a noble person, a true friend, a man tied to his foster family by love and duty, an incorruptible vassal.  Two – When Kunti told about his birth – Kill no one except Arjuna – Looks like generosity but it is his extreme contempt. The meaning of his promise was that he would engage with the one he thought as equal.  He was carried away by a false notion of his own greatness and put his pride before everything and ignored Duryodhana’s need.  Not a complete warrior nor a complete man.

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Pitfall

The One about Mis choices:       

During war: Misinterpreted the taunts of King Shalya and abused him Trying to imitate Arjuna in everything, the very first step he took in the war was a false one. Did not listen to the suggestions of Shalya and missed hitting Arjuna. Pleaded instead fighting back and was killed mercilessly. His own actions brought about his downfall and the others too did not spare him.

Karna died without finding an answer to what he was and what his rights were! Positive: He himself advised Duryodhana to offer the general ship to Drona, who would be acceptable to all.

Krishna The One about Master Strategy:  While called for consultation of Rajasuya, Krishna showed his knowledge and political acumen by telling Dharma the names of kings on whom he could rely as allies and others whom he would have to defeat.  Krishna was fond of the Pandavas – Respect to the elders, treated Arjuna as equal and was showed respect by twins  When Duryodhana & Arjuna asked Krishna for help, Krishna agreed to help both despite personal preference and gave choices in strategic way so that Pandava’s will be benefitted by his wisdom. The One about Personal & Political Gains:  Yadava clan related (Killed Kamsa) , Kshatriya Class related (Killed Jarasandha) and entirely personal (Vasudeva)  Killing Shishupala to avert a catastrophe  He lacked nothing; He always found something good in everything: He never fought standing on the ground. The One about Mentorship:  After Pandava’s exile, Krishna took it upon himself to look after their personal safety, their kingly position, and their reputation as warriors.  Krishna remonstrated, reminding Arjuna of his duty as a Kshatriya and warning him that he would be called a coward.  “I could not live for a moment if something happened to him” – The tale of a beautiful relation. Was ready to break his vow to protect his friend, Arjuna.  From the first day of the war to the last Krishna had saved the Pandavas The One about Fulfilment?  He had achieved all his life’s aims: security for the Yadavas and for the Kshatriya class, the throne of Hastinapura for his friends, the Pandavas, Vasudeva-ship for himself.  But in the end - Krishna himself killed nearly all the Yadavas - One with such beautiful relations, now welcomed death alone in the forest.

You cannot choose not to act, nor can you always do as you want. Your whole position in life determines the actions you have to do. Your action is bad only when you do it for what you will gain from it. Therefore, act properly, do not think of what you will gain, don’t act for specific ends, and never hope to live without acting.” Drona & Asvatthama: Trait Revenge

Greed

Duty

Loyalty

Drona Drona could not accept the insult from King Drupada who said friendship could not exist between people of such unequal status Instead of reminding the king of his insult, Drona demanded for half of the kingdom Forgiveness, serenity, selfcontrol -> not one applied to Drona

Asvatthama Arjuna had the reputation Asvatthama never had. Hence, was jealous of him

Forgone his dharma of nonviolence and Was willing to fight his own students and showed no mercy in killing Abhimanyu but true to his master Was loyal to Duryodhana and not Bhishma

Broke war’s code and planned treachery against Pandava

He was worried about losing the kingdom than grieving for Duryodhana Ashvatthama had completely discarded all the qualities of brahminhood

Run away at the sound of approach of Pandavas betraying his master Duryodhana

Themes:  The Game of Revenge - Drona - Drona demanded as a last token of respect that his pupils defeat King Drupada. Arjuna did so and brought Drupada prisoner before Drona. Drona spared the life of the king in return for half his kingdom, saying, “King, we are equals now.” - Karna & Asvatthama – Were jealous by the stature of Arjuna and constantly seeking opportunities to revenge him. - Krishna – Destroyed entire Yadavas for killing his son  Smriti and Moha (Consciousness)  Dharma “The end of a Yuga” Questions: Karna: Can we challenge someone solely based on the skills not considering other factors? Can a relationship of equality be established with a skilful stranger?

How to channel our emotions in times of stress and heat of anger? Krishna: Does our background and hardships determine our personality? Emptiness of human success? When do someone feel that their life is fulfilled? Should one restrict to one’s own dharma for greater good?