20 April 2026
Monday
The Pandavas overcame all their trials and tribulations by their faith in God. The eldest of the Pandavas, Dharmaraja, had his mind always centred on Krishna. He was known for his one-pointed, simple-minded devotion to Krishna. He always thought of Krishna even while experiencing all kinds of difficulties in exile. Even when his children, the Upapandavas, were killed by Asvathaama, he did not give way to grief because of his faith in Krishna. When he reigned as a mighty emperor, he did not feel elated, and he was not overwhelmed by grievous ordeals. For the Pandavas, the Lord came first, the world next, and their own interests last. First God, then the world, last "I”. The Kauravas had a different order of priorities. First "I," then the world and God last, with the result that they lost everything. Because the Pandavas kept God in the forefront, they were ultimately successful in their endeavours.
From Swami’s discourse of 30 May 1992
Also on words from this discourse: Prema Is Caught, Not Taught, 21 April 2026, The Umbrella Called Selfishness, 19 April 2026
The Pandavas overcame all their trials and tribulations by their faith in God. The eldest of the Pandavas, Dharmaraja, had his mind always centred on Krishna. He was known for his one-pointed, simple-minded devotion to Krishna. He always thought of Krishna even while experiencing all kinds of difficulties in exile. Even when his children, the Upapandavas, were killed by Asvathaama, he did not give way to grief because of his faith in Krishna. When he reigned as a mighty emperor, he did not feel elated, and he was not overwhelmed by grievous ordeals. For the Pandavas, the Lord came first, the world next, and their own interests last. First God, then the world, last "I”. The Kauravas had a different order of priorities. First "I," then the world and God last, with the result that they lost everything. Because the Pandavas kept God in the forefront, they were ultimately successful in their endeavours.