The Choice of Arjuna and Duryodhana

Before the war, Arjuna and Duryodhana both came to Dwarka to seek help. Offered the mighty Narayani Sena or the unarmed Krishna alone, Arjuna chose Krishna.

When the efforts at peace seemed to be failing, both branches of the Kuru family began gathering allies for the coming war. Duryodhana learned that Shri Krishna was in Dwarka and set out at once to win his support. Arjuna went on the same errand, and the two cousins reached Krishna's palace on the same day.

Krishna was resting, asleep. Duryodhana entered first and, conscious of his royal rank, took a fine seat near the head of the bed. Arjuna came in after him and stood humbly at the Lord's feet with folded hands. When Krishna opened his eyes, the first person he saw was Arjuna. Then he turned and welcomed Duryodhana as well, and asked both why they had come.

Duryodhana spoke quickly: he had arrived first, so his request should be heard first. Krishna replied gently that Duryodhana might have arrived first, but he had seen Arjuna first; moreover Arjuna was the younger, and it is customary for the younger to choose first. Then he placed the choice before them. On one side was his mighty army, the Narayani Sena, made up of brave cowherd warriors. On the other side was Krishna himself, alone, who would neither take up a weapon nor fight in the battle.

Arjuna did not hesitate for a moment. He chose Krishna. Duryodhana was delighted, thinking he had won a whole army while his cousin had taken one unarmed man. He went away pleased and also sought Balarama's help, but Balarama decided to keep away from the war.

When they were alone, Krishna smiled and asked Arjuna why he had chosen someone who would not fight. Arjuna answered that he wanted nothing but Krishna's presence, and he asked the Lord to drive his chariot. Krishna accepted with joy. Thus the friend of the Pandavas became Parthasarathi, the charioteer of Arjuna, and from that very chariot the Bhagavad Gita would later be spoken.

This episode teaches a simple truth. Duryodhana counted soldiers and weapons; Arjuna sought the Lord himself. The one who stands humbly at the Lord's feet is seen first, and the one who chooses God over worldly power in the end gains everything.

Source

Mahabharata, Udyoga Parva

Place

Dwarka

Lesson

Choose the Lord himself over every worldly strength; the humble devotee at his feet is seen first.