The Mahabharata, told clearly
The great epic of India: the Pandavas and Kauravas, Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita, the war at Kurukshetra, and what dharma means when every choice is hard.
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What is the Mahabharata? An Epic of Dharma
An introduction to the Mahabharata, the vast classical epic of India, which explores the complex interplay of dharma, human ambition, and divine intervention.
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The guides
Mahabharata Story Summary
The Mahabharata: A Brief Summary of the Epic
A summary of the Mahabharata’s narrative arc, from the birth of the main protagonists to the devastating climax of the Kurukshetra War.
Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita: A Guide to Action
An introduction to the Bhagavad Gita, detailing its origin on the battlefield of Kurukshetra and its timeless lessons on duty, devotion, and knowledge.
Krishna in the Mahabharata
Krishna in the Mahabharata: Guide and Avatar
An exploration of Krishna's presence in the Mahabharata, from his role as an advisor to the Pandavas to his role as the supreme divine teacher.
Arjuna
Arjuna: The Seeker and the Warrior
A profile of Arjuna, the central protagonist and warrior who represents the human struggle between duty, morality, and the search for truth.
Pandavas and Kauravas
Pandavas vs. Kauravas: The Eternal Conflict
An analysis of the two factions in the Mahabharata, representing the struggle between righteousness (dharma) and unchecked ambition (adharma).
Vyasa
Vyasa: The Author and Sage
An introduction to Vyasa, the venerable sage who authored the Mahabharata, and his role in chronicling the epic while witnessing its events.
Kurukshetra War
The Kurukshetra War: A Battle of Dharma
An overview of the Kurukshetra War, analyzing its role as the climax of the Mahabharata and a symbolic representation of the inner battle.
Dharma in the Mahabharata
Dharma in the Mahabharata: The Subtle Thread
An exploration of the multifaceted nature of Dharma in the Mahabharata, highlighting its nuance and the difficulty of adhering to it.
Karna
Karna: The Tragic Hero of Loyalty
A look at the character of Karna, his struggle with identity, and his unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana despite knowing the truth.
Bhishma
Bhishma: The Grandfather of the Epic
An exploration of the character of Bhishma, the grand patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, and the complexities of his lifelong vow.
Draupadi
Draupadi: The Voice of Justice
A look at the role of Draupadi in the Mahabharata, her strength under oppression, and her role as a catalyst for justice.
Mahabharata vs Ramayana
Mahabharata vs Ramayana: Comparing the Epics
An overview of the differences and common themes between the two great Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Mahabharata Lessons
Lessons from the Mahabharata
A practical guide to the timeless lessons offered by the Mahabharata, applicable to the challenges of modern life.
Related: the masters of the tradition, the meditation guides and the karma and rebirth library.