Krishna Advises Yudhishthira on Dharma and War

Vasudeva spoke first. He addressed Yudhishthira directly, acknowledging the truth of what had already been said. But he added something sharper: the bull among the Kurus — Yudhishthira himself — would never wish for land that had not been won through the strength of his own arms. Not for desire, not for fear, not for avarice. Yudhishthira would never abandon his own dharma. Neither would Bhima, Vasudeva said. Neither would Arjuna. Neither would the atirathas (mighty warriors) the twins, nor Krishna the daughter of Drupada. Both Vrikodara (Bhima) and Dhananjaya (Arjuna) were unrivalled in war on earth. Why should Yudhishthira not rule the earth when he had Madri's two sons worshipping him? When the great-souled lord of Panchala, the lords of Kekaya and Chedi, and Vasudeva himself marched into battle together against the enemies — Suyodhana (Duryodhana) would depart the world of the living. Yudhishthira answered. He said it was not surprising that Vasudeva should speak this way. But he himself had a different priority. "I must protect my truth more than my kingdom," he said. Then he spoke words that carried the weight of an old understanding between them: "Krishna alone knows what I am. I alone know what Krishna truly is." He told Vasudeva that when the foremost of men — Krishna — knew the time had come to display valour, then Vasudeva and Keshava (Krishna) would vanquish Suyodhana in battle. He asked the warriors of Dasharha to depart. He stood firm with his protectors — and they were the protectors of the world of men. He told Vasudeva to stand fast in dharma. And he expressed a hope: "I will see you again, when we assemble together in happiness."