Toronto, Ontario
This Weekend—The Embassy
This coming weekend, the second Vaisnava men’s retreat,
called Man-tra Retreat, will be held in New Vrindavan, West Virginia. I will be presenting a drama: “The Embassy”
by playwright, Bhasa. The drama centres
on the episode where Krishna makes an appeal to Duryodhana for land promised to
the clan of the Pandavas. Krishna is
referred to as an envoy. Here is an
excerpt of rich and intense dialogue in progress.
Duryodhana: Master Envoy, you know nothing of state
affairs. Kingship belongs to brave
princes who defeat their foes. It never
goes by begging in this world, nor by charity to the poor. Would they win sovereignty, let them join
forthwith in battle, or else go as they will to seek peace in hermitage
inhabited by men of tranquil minds.
Krishna: Duryodhana!
Speak not so harshly to your kin.
Though by store of merit, one attains royal glory, yet should one cheat
a kinsman or a friend all one’e efforts are in vain.
Duryodhana: Master Envoy—Thou hadst no pity for King Kamsa,
sister’s brother of thy sire. Why should
we feel pity for these our constant enemies?
Krishna:
Do not think that was my fault. Many a
time had he brought sorrow on my mother by the loss of her sons…
May the Source be with you!
4 km
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