In this podcast I shall be sharing reflections based on the ancient Vedic texts, and specifically the Mahabharata.
The Mahabharata is the longest ancient classic in the world. It has 100,000 verses, said to have been authored in the 3rd century BC, around 5,000 years ago.
There are many translations, versions and commentaries on the Mahabharata, but we will be using one of the most comprehensive unabridged versions, that by Kisari Mohan Ganguli, a translator from Bengal, translated into English prose in the late 1800s.
The Mahabharata story contains a main storyline as well as countless sub-stories and references to other prominent teachings and texts.
The main storyline is centred around a familial conflict between two branches of a royal family, contesting over who are the rightful heirs to the throne.
As the story unfolds, we see the fundamentals of human nature playing out in various ways, including:
Friendship, Romance, and Enmity
Competition for access to resources and alliances
Devotion and even blind loyalty to people and parties; and
Clashes between the wise, and also between the ignorant and the wise, over what comprises morality
In this way, the Mahabharata provides a nuanced and dynamic form of guidance in handling many a situation, including:
How to extend and sustain ones sphere of influence
How to, and how not to choose your allies and guides
With which spirit to embrace challenges
Understanding the ingredients of a strong and team of diverse mentalities; and
The underlying values for deep rooted success
As said in Ecclesiastes from the Bible:
What has been will be again,
What has been done will be done again;
There is nothing new under the sun.
Amongst the opening sections of the Mahabharata, the Author Vedavyasa says:
“Whatever is spoken about virtue, wealth, pleasure and salvation may be seen elsewhere..
But whatever is not contained in this Mahabharata is not to be found anywhere.”
The wisdom of the Mahabharata comes from many sources, including:
Most powerful of sovereign Vedic time emperors, as well as their spouses
The most renowned of Wise Sages
Animals in the forest; as well as those who kill them and sell their bodies
Whatever is received, is best digested with an open mind, and one that is ready to act to discover and refine their place in the world.
I sincerely hope that you enjoy the reflections and find them enriching.
To hear more episodes you can find us on Amazon music, Apple podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite shows.
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