Section XCIV - Yudhishthira Learns the Secrets of Prosperity from Lomasa
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XCIV including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Yudhishthira expresses his sorrow at the prosperity of his sinful enemies despite his own merits and good qualities. Lomasa explains that sinful individuals may prosper temporarily but ultimately face destruction, as seen in the past with the Daityas and Danavas. The gods, on the other hand, prospered by practicing virtue, visiting holy places, performing sacrifices, and shunning evil practices. Lomasa advises Yudhishthira and his brothers to follow the path of righteousness, bathe in tirthas, and perform ascetic penances to regain prosperity and fame. He cites examples of past kings and gods who achieved greatness through similar actions and warns that the sons of Dhritarashtra, due to their sinful nature, will meet a similar fate as the defeated Daityas.
Full English translation:
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Section XCIV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 31,635 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XCIV:
What is the importance of visiting tirthas according to Lomasa?
Visiting tirthas helps cleanse sins, acquire prosperity, and obtain blessings. It is a way to maintain virtue and righteousness, leading to long-lasting prosperity and fame.
How did the gods and the Asuras differ in their behaviors?
The gods practiced virtue, visited tirthas, performed sacrifices, and maintained good conduct. In contrast, the sinful Asuras were prideful, lacked moral values, and fell into destruction. Ultimately, prosperity and fame favored the virtuous gods, while adversity and downfall befell the Asuras.
Daily life: Yudhishthira Learns the Secrets of Prosperity from Lomasa:
The story shares a profound lesson on virtue, morality, and the eventual consequences of our actions. It tells us that though it might seem at times that those who engage in wrongful actions prosper, their success is temporary and ultimately leads to their downfall. This principle can be applied to our daily lives by striving to embody virtues such as honesty, kindness, and integrity, even when faced with challenges or when it seems like taking a shortcut through dishonest means might offer immediate benefits.
It emphasizes the importance of perseverance in righteousness and moral conduct, suggesting that true prosperity and success are the rewards of such steadfastness. Incorporating this lesson into our daily lives involves making choices that reflect our values and principles, even in the face of adversity or temptation. It teaches us to seek continuous improvement and purity through our actions, encouraging us to engage in positive deeds and to cleanse ourselves of negative influences.
In essence, the story is a reminder that virtue and morality are the foundations of lasting success and fulfillment. By adopting these values in our daily lives, we pave the way for a prosperous and meaningful existence, not just for ourselves, but also for those around us.