Brief summary, reflection, and lessons learned from "The Mahabharata"

  THE MAHABHARATA

BRIEF SUMMARY

          The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic about two families vying for Hastinapura's kingdom. The Kauravas and Pandavas argue on the proper line of succession. The Kaurava dynasty attempts to seize the throne. Despite being the senior family, their eldest member is younger than the Pandavas' eldest member, which is cited as a cause for the Pandavas to receive the crown instead.

REFLECTION AND LESSONS LEARNED

          Whether we like it or not, there are people who will try to ruin us even if we are just relatives. Because of envy and hunger for power, a man can do terrible things to others. In this epic poem, we can learn a lot from it such as the following:

• Perform your duty. Whatever position you hold in the community, never forget to be responsible.
• True friends give you unconditional support. In your hardest and challenging times, you can identify who is real and willing to stand beside you.
• Revenge will bring us no good. He who seeks to ruin others because of their blinded desires will eventually lead you to doom.
• Fight for what is right. Being right is more important than being happy even if it is against others’ perceptions. Fulfill your responsibility.
• Never be greedy. A person can lose everything he has if he gambles and possess the quality of greediness.
• Do not give up on life. There may be a lot of hurdles in our way, bear in mind that everything happens for a reason and you have a purpose.
• Nothing can stop you if you are committed and passionate of what you are doing. Striving hard with a good reason to commit will bring you to what you are searching for.