Untold story episode#90
Finally when Yudhishtira reached alone to the High Heavens, he was aghast that all the 100 Laura as enjoyed the hospitality of Apsaras (Angels) and Devas (Less Gods) while his innocent four brothers and wife Draupadi were in hell. What shocked him was Karna was also in hell, such a compassionate and selfless person; surely there must be some mistake!
Yudhishtira was aware of his brothers and Draupadi's shortcomings but Karna? Yudhishtira asked "why Karna, he suffered enough in his life." The reply was that first of all Karna had befriended a person (Duryodhana) who did not respect dharma, secondly owing to his breach of trust in friendship! (Karna promised Kunti that he will spare her four sons out of five, but Duryodhana wanted him to kill all five Pandavas - this was decidedly a breach of trust to his friend.)
"How do the heavens allow Kauravas - those murderers who had not once followed the path of righteousness all their life, even Vasudev Krishna fought against Kauravas." Yudhishtira argued with Devas.
"Yudhishtira, Oh son of Dharma, true that you have given up your kingdom and materialistic pleasures but not your hatred. After killing the Kauravas in Kurukshetra you enjoyed the rule for thirty six long years! Yet you haven't been able to forgive them - which are evident by your recent statements, you were an epitome of equanimity (Stithpradnya) when you did not turn back even once when your wife and brothers collapsed on the way; but your animosity is loud and clear when you saw Kauravas in the heavens, you still differentiate between your friends and enemies; what happens to your equanimity? How do you hope to attain heaven?"
Yudhishtira realized that he had still not been able to overcome the prejudices and with his eyes full of tears, he asked for forgiveness! He then rose in a transformed, enlightened, purified and a truly liberated form! His heart was now filled with forgiveness and total acceptance of Kauravas, his eyes reflected just love sans any hatred.
Yudhishtira thus attained the true victory (victory over self) and was now eligible to ascend to Vaikuntha - the abode of God. The difference between Swarga and Vaikuntha is that Swarga is Indra's paradise where all desire are fulfilled and Vaikuntha is God's heaven were one basically free from all the desires.
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