The Mahabharata tells the story of two childhood friends who always share what they have and promise to do so even when they are grown up. One friend, Drupada, grows up to be a rich king and the other, Drona, remains a poor priest. Drona, in desperate poverty, visits his rich friend, reminds Drupada of his childhood promise and demands wealth.
Drupada says, “In the past we were equals. Now we are not. So we cannot be friends. Do not ask for wealth as if it is your right. Ask for charity and I shall consider.” This comment angers Drona. He swears to teach Drupada a lesson by becoming an equal.
He trains a hundred and five princes of the Kuru clan in the martial arts and asks as tuition fee one half of Drupada’s kingdom. This is done much to Drona’s pleasure and Drupada’s rage. Drupada conducts a sacrifice and obtains from the gods a son called Dhristadhyumna who will kill Drona and a daughter called Draupadi who will divide and destroy the Kuru clan.
The Bhagavata also tells the story of two childhood friends who always share what they have and promise to do so even when they are grown up. One friend, Krishna, grows up to be a rich king and the other, Sudama, remains a poor priest. Sudama, in desperate poverty visits his rich friend.
Despite his poverty, he carries a gift for his friend, a fistful of puffed rice saved by starving for a day. Krishna showers Sudama with affection and lavish hospitality. Sudama, unlike Drona, is unable to ask for wealth. He feels it is inappropriate to trouble Krishna with his problems. Krishna, however, senses Sudama’s poverty and without him knowing, ensures vast amounts of wealth reaches his friend’s house before his arrival.
The Mahabharata story is one of conflict while the Bhagavata story is one of love. The two stories reveal what causes conflict and what results in joy. In the former case, the poor friend demanded wealth and the rich friend refused to give in to a demand , preferring to give wealth in charity.
Drupada says, “In the past we were equals. Now we are not. So we cannot be friends. Do not ask for wealth as if it is your right. Ask for charity and I shall consider.” This comment angers Drona. He swears to teach Drupada a lesson by becoming an equal.
He trains a hundred and five princes of the Kuru clan in the martial arts and asks as tuition fee one half of Drupada’s kingdom. This is done much to Drona’s pleasure and Drupada’s rage. Drupada conducts a sacrifice and obtains from the gods a son called Dhristadhyumna who will kill Drona and a daughter called Draupadi who will divide and destroy the Kuru clan.
The Bhagavata also tells the story of two childhood friends who always share what they have and promise to do so even when they are grown up. One friend, Krishna, grows up to be a rich king and the other, Sudama, remains a poor priest. Sudama, in desperate poverty visits his rich friend.
Despite his poverty, he carries a gift for his friend, a fistful of puffed rice saved by starving for a day. Krishna showers Sudama with affection and lavish hospitality. Sudama, unlike Drona, is unable to ask for wealth. He feels it is inappropriate to trouble Krishna with his problems. Krishna, however, senses Sudama’s poverty and without him knowing, ensures vast amounts of wealth reaches his friend’s house before his arrival.
The Mahabharata story is one of conflict while the Bhagavata story is one of love. The two stories reveal what causes conflict and what results in joy. In the former case, the poor friend demanded wealth and the rich friend refused to give in to a demand , preferring to give wealth in charity.
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