05.156
Core: Narration of war by Sanjaya to Dhritarashtra starts.
Janamejaya spoke:
O best of the twice-born, what actions did the Kauravas take in the arranged armies at Kurukshetra, driven by the force of time?
Vaishampayana spoke:
Thus, O best of the Bharatas, Dhritarashtra, the great king, spoke to Sanjaya about the arranged armies and those who are attentive.
Come, Sanjaya, tell me everything in detail about what transpired in the battle formations of the Kuru and Pandava armies.
I believe that fate is ultimately supreme and human effort is futile, as I am aware of the consequences of war, both its destructive and beneficial outcomes.
Still, I find myself unable to control or benefit my deceitful son who is addicted to gambling.
O charioteer, my intellect, which perceives faults, indeed becomes so; but upon approaching Duryodhana, it changes again.
Thus, O Sanjaya, what is destined will happen. The duty of a warrior is indeed honored in battle through the sacrifice of one's body.
Sanjaya spoke:
Your question is appropriate, O great king, as you deserve. However, you should not blame Duryodhana for this fault. Listen carefully to what I have to say, O prince.
A man who suffers misfortune due to his own misdeeds does not deserve to blame fate or time for his condition.
O king, a man who engages in all blameworthy acts among people deserves to be punished, as he performs acts condemned by the entire world.
O best of men, the Pandavas, while waiting for you, faced obstacles and deceptions in the divine assembly along with their ministers.
Listen to the complete account from me of the destruction that befell the horses, elephants, and kings of immeasurable splendor in the battle.
O great king, remain steady and do not lose heart after hearing about the destruction and emergence of all worlds as it occurred in the great war.
Man is not truly the doer of his actions, whether they are good or bad. He is not independent, as he is compelled to act like a puppet controlled by strings.
Some are guided by divine will, some by mere chance, and others by their past deeds; thus, this unfolds in three distinct manners.
