the Mahabharata is only about the futility of war. Jai means victory. Vijay also means victory. But there is a difference. Jai is used almost as a greeting in many parts of India, or as an exclamation. But Vijay is used very specifically when one is setting out for a conflict, confrontation, duel or competition. What exactly is the difference? The clue lies in the final chapter of Mahabharata, when Yudhishtira steps into heaven and is horrified to find before him the Kauravas looking radiant and blissful. ‘How did these war-mongers reach the abode of the gods?’, Yudhishtira asks angrily. The gods reply, ‘They were killed on the holy land of Kurukshetra. That has purified them of all misdeeds and earned the right to enter heaven.’ The explanation did not satisfy Yudhishtira. ‘What about my brothers and my wife? Where are they?’ In response, the gods lead Yudhishtira deep under the earth, to a realm that was dark and gloomy and miserable. There, Yudhishtira heard cries of pain and suffering. Tears welled up in his eyes. How could he return to heaven and leave his family here? He made a decision. ‘I will stay here and suffer with them. I refuse to enter heaven without them.’ Looking into Yudhishtira’s eyes, the gods asked, ‘Oh! But we thought you had renounced everything?’ ’What do you mean?’, asked Yudhishtira, suddenly uncomfortable. ‘Well, you certainly have given up your kingdom and your worldly wealth. But you have not given up your anger. Your anger for the Kauravas, despite killing them in battle and ruling the earth for
36 years. You cling to your hatred, Yudhishtira. You still begrudge the Kauravas. You have not forgiven them. You refuse to let go and move on.’ At that moment, Yudhishtira realised he was not the great man he thought he was. Only when there is undiluted compassion for everyone, even our worst enemies, will ego be truly conquered. The epic thus ends not with the victory of the Pandavas over the Kauravas, but with Yudhishtira’s triumph over himself. In Vijay, there are winners and losers. In Jai, there are no losers, no one is defeated, for one triumphs over oneself. If one strips out the excess fat, one realises that the Mahabharata is not a preachy tale appealing for peace. It is a determined exploration of the root of conflict. It is a book yearning for peace, not war. True peace happens when no one is defeated. True peace happens when one conquers oneself. Sharada K Eswar Creative Associate and Khana & Kahani Storyteller
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