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Liquidy of Morality as Displayed in the Mahabharata

 

The Pandavas are meant to be shown as the better of the two lineages, but many times their actions are just are horrendous as those of the Kauruvas. They go against what they are meant to stand for and see nothing wrong with their actions. Shortly after the Pandavas loose everything they have to their name in the game of dice and are sent into exile, the typically peaceful Krsna states that "we shall kill [the followers of Duryodhana], and Yudhisthira shall again wear the crown. This is everlasting morality" (59). Revenge in this manner should be considered something very undesirable; killing, or even the causing of harm to another out of desire for revenge seem to also be things that would create bad Karma, but they seem to not care. The only instance where this seems to be challenged is Arjuna's refusal to fight his own kin. Even when he is on the brink of making a moral stand Krsna's teachings direct him to fight, not just in the spirit of revenge, or with an eye towards the gain. None the less, he must fight. Once Arjuna is given this reassurance that there will be no consequences to his actions, he is more than willing to resume the battle because his belief in the cause he is fighting for has been restored. Anything to allow their lineage the rights that it deserves is not out of the realm of action. They will restore their leader to his former position by any means necessary and feel no pangs to their consciences for it. A similar example of this is the quotation that "it is not wrong to kill one's enemies, while it is both impious and shameful to beg from one's enemies. This day, either Yudhisthira should get the kingdom or all our enemies should fall on the ground slain in battle" (90). Once again, there is no sign of pacifist action being taken here. Rather, violence and seeming amoral actions are promoted. This should be something that is obvious to a people who seem to be so concerned with doing the right and moral thing.


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