Reference no: EM133375051

The Mahabharata is an epic poem both in its scope and in its presentation of difficult issues concerning fate, the gods, and moral questions of war and justice, and these issues are often situated in terms of human vows. Indeed, at the beginning of our selection, The Mahabharata emphasizes the importance of vows in the education of Dhrtarastra and Pandu: "In accordance with the usual rites of their order, they engaged themselves in study and the observances of vows" (1239). These vows guide their understanding of law and morality, and such an understanding is similarly passed on to their sons. So, too, in the scene of the dice game, the brothers are tempted to object or rebel against their eldest brother's imprudence, but they are bound by law to respect his place, and as the wise Draupadi quotes 'the All-Disposer,' "'In this world only Law is supreme': He shall bring us peace when the Law is obeyed" (1252). During the game, Bhima vows to break the thigh of Duryodhana, and this vow is remembered much later, when they finally duel, as Krsna declares, "At the time of the gambling Bhima promised to break the thighs of Duryodhana with his mace in battle. Let him now fulfill his vow" (1277). These vows are frequently presented as the guide of virtuous action in The Mahabarata. What do you think of the strict law (dharma) as connected to one's place in society and the vows one makes and receives? Do you think they are a virtue or a hindrance/vice?

The Pandavas (the five sons of Pandu) are bound by the vow the eldest brother Yudhishthira makes when gambling. Duryodhana, oldest of the Kauravas (the 100 sons of Dhrtarastra), takes advantage of Yudhishthira's penchant for gambling (even though he is very bad at it) and then does not fulfill the vow to restore their half of the kingdom after the Pandavas have fulfilled their punishment from losing the dice game. This leads to the great war between these two sets of brothers, cousins to each other. Do you think that these vows help to provide order and structure (law, dharma) in society or does this epic poem seem to show a great harm (war) that can be a result thereof?