Epilogue to Romantic Story

नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम्

 देवीं सरस्वतीं चैव ततो जयम् उदीरयेत्

महाभरत

Mahābharata

As retold by

Michael Dolan, B.V. Mahāyogi

Nala and Damayanti:

Epilogue

Brihad Aswa's Instructions

Vrihadaswa said, “O Yudhisthira: Thus it was that that subduer of men, Nala, King of Vishadha, fell into distress on account of playing dice. In this way, Nala lost his kingdom and wealth and was exiled to the forest, even as your Lordship. But while he suffered alone before regaining his kingdom, You, O son of Kunti, are fortunate.  Therefore do not lament. You have your brothers and Draupadi. Arjuna will surely return, armed by the gods and by divine power. You will certainly regain your kingdom. You are blessed to have the company of great saints and sages here in the forest versed in the Vedas, and are even visited by Krishna Himself, therefore do not lament.

O virtuous one: This history that I have told you is very ancient. Hearing this story is destructive of the evils of Kali. Merely listening to this history will give one comfort to overcome the influence of Kali. When we reflect on the uncertainty of success in human endeavour we can understand that both joy and sadness are relative. Prosperity and adversity come and go like rain. So too happiness and sadness. Both happiness and distress are conditions of human life; they must be tolerated as we seek the ultimate goal. An enlightened soul reflects on the capricious nature of destiny. These are all temporary, while the soul is eternal. Grieve not for loss and exult not in gain and you shall not be depressed, even while touched by adversity. Whoever listens to this story will have his purposes crowned with success and will obtain fame and glory.”

Brihad Ashwa continued: “Now, I shall impart another truth to you, one which assuage your doubts. I know that you lament having ever played at dice. I myself am expert in the science of calculating odds.

I know the secrets of mathematical calculations and probabilities from great experts versed in the Vedic science. If you wish, I may impart these secrets to you that you may never again fall into such a terrrible situation by dint of ignorance. Dice cheats abound, but it is easy to detect them and expose them publicly. At the same time dice is a subtle game that involves probablities, but these are subject to calculation.”

Yudhsithira said, “If I would be happy to learn this science from you, O wise one.”

And so it was that Vrihadaswa instructed Yudhisthira in the science of probabilities and the game of dice. In this way, having instructed Yudhisthira and his brothers in many things, Brihad Ashwa bid them farewell and continued on his pilgrimage to Hayashirsha to bathe and reflect on the eternal truths.