Krishna Katha - Story for meditation - 14/10/2011 - Choosing between Krishna and His army

Choosing between Krishna and His army

In preparation of the Mahabharat war, the warring
parties Kauravas and Pandavas decided to meet up
with Lord Krishna to seek His support. Lord made an
interesting proposition. He will offer himself unarmed
to one of them and his army will be fighting on the
other side. Arjuna and Duryodhana have to choose
between unarmed Krishna or a mighty army.

When Arjuna reached Dwaraka, he found to his surprise
Duryodhana was also camping to seek help from Lord
Krishna. His purpose was to ask for Sri Krishna's army
to fight on his side. Next day, Duryodhana reached
the palace of Sri Krishna and was told to wait for
a while as Sri Krishna was asleep. Soon Arjuna also
went. Proud Duryodhana took his seat at the head
side of the Lord, while Arjuna a natural devotee
sat at the lotus feet. In a while Sri Krishna opened
his eyes to see his dear friend and disciple at his
feet. The lord said, "O Arjuna, what brings you here
so early in the morning?"

But Duryodhana could not wait, he intervened and said,
"O Krishna, I have come before Arjuna. Therefore,
please speak to me first."He was afraid that if
Arujuna was given a choice first and selects Krishna's
army then he may have to put up with unarmed Krishna.

The lord jested, "But I saw Arjuna first. Let him
talk to me first."

The Lord asked Arjuna, "I give the first choice to
you - do you want my army or myself unarmed?"

Arjuna replied "Do you have to give me a choice my
Lord? I want you only in all circumstances - even if
you are unarmed"

Hearing this Duryodhana was greatly relived and
laughed within his mind about the foolish choice
of Arjuna.

The foolish Duryodhana thought : "There is no use of
Sri Krishna if he is not fighting, I will ask for
his huge army."  Thus all army of Sri Krishna went
to the side of Kauravas. Arjuna was pleased for all
Pandavas wanted was gracious Lord on their side.

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Sometimes we all laugh at the foolish choice of
Duryodhana. But often in life we are all faced with
circumstances where we have to make a choice between
Krishna or Krishna's energy. Most of the times people
prefer Krishna's energy rather than Krishna. Basically
people want all the facilities given by Krishna but do
not want Krishna. It is like people want "Rama Rajya"
but without Ram. It is not possible. So that type of
demoniac proposition will never be successful. If we
have Krishna in our side automatically other things
will come. That's the secret (BG 18th chapter last
sloka - yatra Yogeshwara Krishna)

PS: I humbly request all the devotees to please forward moral / instructive stories they hear so that everyone can be benefitted