Kamala Subramaniam > Quotes

“The end is of importance and not the beginning”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“The value of a thing is never so poignantly precious as when we contemplate the loss of it”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“So oft it chances in particular men That, for some vicious mole of nature in them, As in their birth,— wherein they are not guilty, Since nature cannot choose her origin,— By the o’ergrowth of some complexion, Oft breaking down the pales and forts of reason; Or by some habit, that too much o’er-leavens The form of plausive manners; — that these men,— Carrying, I say, the stamp of one defect, Being nature’s livery or fortune’s star,— Their virtues else, — be they as pure as grace, As infinite as man may undergo,— Shall in the general censure take corruption”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Bharata, do not think that I have no sympathy for you in this your predicament. I understand it fully. But, then, my child, no man is allowed to do as he pleases. Man has no freedom. Fate tosses him about in all directions. The game which Fate plays is unpredictable. Nothing lasts in this world. What has been gathered is scattered about. What was once at the top soon reaches the lowest position. Meetings only end in separations and, as for life, it only ends in death. Ripe fruits have but one fear, that of falling down. And even so, man has no fear other than death. Think of a house built sturdily with strong pillars. Even that, in course of time, becomes weak and ancient. Men too become old, lose their power of thinking and death claims them. The night which passes will never come back and the waters of the Yamuna which flow fast, when in flood, towards the sea, will never return. In this world, Bharata, just as the waters on the surface of the earth get less and less, dried constantly by the rays of the sun, man’s life also gets lessened day by day. Your life and mine are fast ebbing away. Think on the Lord, my child. Do not spend your time in the contemplation of another’s life. Death walks with us: and he accompanies us on the longest journey we undertake. The skin gets wrinkled. Hair grows white. Old age makes man weak and helpless. Man delights at the sight of the sun rising and again, the setting sun is pleasing to the eye. But man forgets that every sunrise and every sunset has lessened one’s life on earth by another day. The seasons come and go and each season has a charm of its own. But they come and when they go, they take with them large slices of our lives every time.

On the large expanse of the sea two pieces of wood come together. They float together for a while and then they are parted. Even so it is with man and his relationship with life, child, kinsmen, wealth and other possessions. Meetings end only in separation. It is the law of nature. No one is capable of altering the course of Fate. Weeping for one who is dead will not bring him back to life.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Ramayana

“Duryodhana lay on the ground like Aruna, the divine charioteer of the sun.  The sky resounded with sudden peals of thunder.  The very earth quaked in protest at this injustice done in a fight.  It was a very wrong thing to do.  Bheema killed Duryodhana by unfair means.  It was not appreciated by men who believed in fairness.  But Bheema was wild with joy.  His dream, his dream which had been always haunting him had come true.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“I am sure of the fact that the Pandavas are going to win this war.” “What makes you so sure?”  asked Krishna with a smile.  Radheya said:  “I know it.  The war which is to be fought on the field called Kurukshetra is a sacrifice.  You are the master of ceremonies and Arjuna is the star performer.  The other brothers will all be puppets in your hands.  You are going to move them hither and thither.  The end is clear to me.  The sons of Dhritarashtra and all of us, Bheeshma, Drona, myself and all the kings of earth are meant to reach the heaven meant for those who die on the battle-field.  I have also been having dreams, Krishna.  I am good at reading meanings into dreams.  My dreams tell me clearly that the Pandavas are going to win this war.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“A man whose sins are greater than his good actions reaches heaven first.  After the time of his stay in heaven expires, he goes to hell.  But, for a man whose good actions exceed his sins hell is his first dwelling place.  Then he reaches heaven.  Your sins have been few.  In fact, only one sin is ascribed to you:  that one lie.  As for your brothers, you have yourself told Bheema what sins they have committed.  For that they had to stay in hell for the period of a few hours.  They are all cleansed of their sins.  Dhristadyumna was also made to stay in hell for just a few hours.  They are all now in heaven.  Come with me.  This was all just an illusion.  Your brothers are not here.  Come with me.  I will show them to you”.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Ours is a lost cause.  But, Krishna, unsuccessful life, like love unreturned, has its own rainbow.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“where there is no truth there is no righteousness:  nor is it truth when it is wedded to obstinacy',”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“The eighth day of the war dawned.  The Kaurava army was arranged in the Oormi vyuha.  Oormi is the ocean.  Bheeshma made the army to spread on either side like the waves of the sea.  Yudhishthira asked Arjuna to arrange their army in the formation called Sringataka.  It was in the form of horns. Both the vyuhas were unusual.  It was the speciality of Bheeshma and Arjuna to vie with each other in this art.  The hostilities began.  The general fight was on.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Even as he was smiling, the form of Krishna began to glow like lightning. All the devas emerged out of his body. They could be seen. But by the side of Krishna whose form had now assumed a terrifying aspect, they looked smaller then the thumb of the hand. On his forehead could be seen Brahma, the Creator. On his huge chest could be seen the eleven Rudras. On his shoulders could be seen the lords of the four quarters: Indra, Varuna, Kubera and Yama. Agni could be seen glowing from his mouth. The Adityas who were twelve in number, and the Vasus and the Asvin twins, the Maruts and all the gods of the heavens could be seen in his form. Out of his left hand could be seen the heroes on the side of the Pandavas. Balarama was seen to emerge from his left hand and on his right could be seen Arjuna with the Gandiva in his hand. Behind him were Bheema, Nakula, Sahadeva and Yudhishthira. All the heroes of the Vrishni and Andhaka clan were seen standing by his side with their arms and armours. The arms of Krishna were many. They held all the weapons. There could be seen the reputed Sankha called Panchajanya, the Chakra called Sudarsana, the Gada called Kaumodaki and the sword by name Nandana. Fire could be seen flaming out of his eyes and his nostrils. His aspect was terrible. It looked as though Death, which has no shape, had now decided to take shape and reveal to the world her dread form. No one had the power to look on this unique spectacle.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Krishna said: "The sages say that relinquishing of all works that are prompted by desire, is renunciation.  Surrendering the fruits of all works is called Tyaga.  Some say that all work should be abandoned as evil and others say that works of sacrifice, gifts and penance should not be given up.  But I will tell you the real truth of the matter. "Work of any kind should not be given up.  Work has to be performed.  But it should be done with surrender of all attachment for the fruits.  This does not mean that one should renounce duty.  It should be performed and only the fruits and attachment should be renounced.  The doer who is free from attachment, who has no feeling of 'I', who is steady and zealous, who is unmoved by success or failure whose mind is unattached everywhere, who has subdued his self and has no desires, is worthy of becoming one with God.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“You are afraid that sin will cling to you.  I will tell you how you can escape sin. Treat pleasure and pain alike; gain and loss alike, loss and victory alike.  Let not your mind be troubled by thoughts on these.  Get ready just to fight and, I can assure you, you will not incur any sin.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Arjuna said: "I desire to see your Divine Form.  Lord of the Yogis, if you think I am fit enough to behold It, reveal to me your Form". Krishna granted him divine eyes and revealed to Arjuna His Divine Form.  Like the light of a thousand suns, the splendour of the Mighty One was seen by Arjuna.  He beheld the entire universe with all its myriad manifestations all gathered together in one.  He bowed his head to the Lord.  Pressing his palms together in incessant salutation he said: "Lord of Lords!  In Thy body I see all the gods and all the varied hosts of beings as well.  I see Brahma and all the rishis.  You are infinite in form.  There is no beginning or middle or end. You are a glowing mass of light.  You are the Imperishable, the Supreme that has to be realized.  You are the home of this entire Universe.  You are the Guardian of the Eternal law.  You are the Primal Being.  Your eyes are the sun and moon, and Your face is glowing with radiance of fire, and this universe is being devoured by the fire that is You.  By Thee are filled the interspaces of heaven and earth and the sky.  Looking on you, the world trembles and so do I.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Krishna saw Satyaki killed and he saw his son Pradyumna killed. He knew that he had nothing more to live for. There was nothing more left. Krishna took up handfuls of the weed himself and threw it all at those who were fighting. Each weed became a terrible weapon. The weeds were scattered everywhere. The whole crowd was destroyed in a matter of a few moments. It was destroyed by Krishna. His face had assumed a dreadful aspect. He was Death.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“If Arjuna fails to do what he has sworn to do, he will fall into the blazing fire and kill himself. I cannot live even for a moment in a world where Arjuna is not living. I feel that I will have to fight in tomorrow’s battle. I have sworn not to. But I am prepared to break my oath in order to make the oath of Arjuna true. I will kill Radheya and Duryodhana if need be, and save Arjuna’s reputation. Let the world see my prowess tomorrow. I will fight for the sake of my heart’s dearest friend. I will use my chakra called Sudarsana, and my mace Kaumodaki. The world will then see my love for the Pandavas. Their enemies are my enemies and their friends are my friends. Half my body and soul is Arjuna. Arjuna is part of Krishna and Krishna is part of Arjuna. No one can come between us.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Yudhishthira: “Tell me, what is the source of sin? Where does it proceed from and what is the foundation on which it is built?” Bheeshma: “Covetousness is the one root of all sin. It destroys all merit and all goodness.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Krishna, the incarnation of the Lord, had asked the gods to be born in the world of men to help Him in His work: the destruction of Evil and the establishment of Dharma.  Indra, Vayu, Dharma and the Aswini twins were on the earth for a time.  The earth was to be cleansed of the poisons which were choking her.  The earth was made pure because these gods had walked on it.  The seed of Dharma had been planted in the soil which was prepared by the blood of the noblest of men.  The purpose of their birth had been served.  They had to return to heaven once more.  The Pandavas were absorbed into the gods who were their fathers.  The world is richer for the few years of glory that was hers when Krishna walked on it.  The story of the lives has become immortal.  So long as the world lives, so long as the sun and the moon move in their orbits, so long as there is a spark of goodness in the heart of man, the story of the Pandavas will be read in the world of men.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Balarama was slightly mollified by the words of Krishna.  But he was not convinced at all.  Krishna said: "My lord, remember that the fourth quarter of Time, Kali, has already stepped in.  We cannot find unsullied righteousness from now on.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“CHAPTER 3 THE BHAGAVAD-GITA Arjuna's chariot had come to the front.  His banner was presided over by Hanuman.  He could now see the sons of Dhritarashtra and the vyuha set up by his grandfather.  In the deafening noise set up by the several conchs and the war drums and trumpets Arjuna, taking up his Gandiva in his hand, said: "Krishna, set my chariot right in the midst of the two contending armies.  I want to see the heroes who are arrayed against us. I want to have a good look on these men who are so eager for battle.  I want to see with whom I have to fight in this war.  I want to see all the many heroes who are so eager to please Duryodhana".”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Again Krishna said: "Arjuna, it is even so with men. Each man is set on this strange eventful journey called life. He has been sent into this world with a purpose. Once that purpose is served, the earth has no more need of him.It is the case with all of us, even me.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“I see all the sons of Dhritarashtra and all the many warriors,  Bheeshma, Drona, Radheya and the great heroes on our side too, rushing into your fearful mouth. Like mountain rivers rushing in tumult into the great ocean, they are rushing into you mouth which is all fire.  They seem like a flight of moths that rush towards a burning flame, and they are perishing fast. "Have mercy on me, tell who you are.  What is the purpose of this destruction that strikes terror into me?" Krishna said: "Can you not recognize Me?  I am TIME the great destroyer.  I destroy the mighty world.  I have begun to slay all these many heroes here.  They will all die, everyone of them.  Arise now, Arjuna, and win fame.  These men have already been slain by Me.  You can be just the insturment with which I destroy them.  Bheeshma, Drona, Radheya, Jayadratha and others as well are doomed.  You kill them and win the war".”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Yudhishthira said:  "I am afraid to send you to them.  You are our most precious possession.  I know that the sinful Duryodhana may try to harm you.  I know him.  If I should lose you, I cannot live a moment longer".  Krishna smiled and said:  "You are right.  I know that Duryodhana will try to hurt me.  I know the sinful nature of the uncle of Duryodhana too.  If they do any mischief, then I will not wait for the war to destroy them.  I will kill every one of them and save you the bother.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Your duty is to work.  Your right is only to the work. As for the fruits of the work, you have no right of them.  Do not think of that at all.  When you perform an action, do not think of the results or rewards.  But then, do not delude yourself that inaction will help you.  No. you have no right to be inactive, either.  Do not attach yourself to anything.  Do your work with an evenness of mind.  You must be unaffected either by success or failure.  It is this evenness of mind which is called Yoga".”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Suddenly he threw the reins of the horses away from his left hand in disgust.  He jumped out of his chariot.  He had the Chakra in his hand.  He went and stood in front of Bheeshma.  His face was distorted with anger.  Everyone who saw the anger of Krishna shouted:  "Bheeshma is killed!  Bheeshma is killed!  Bheeshma was quite calm and collected.  He smiled at Krishna and said:  "Come, my beloved lord, I am happy to see you.  I will welcome death at your hands.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“Bheeshma: "A king should first know how to bring himself under subjugation. When he has achieved this he should then try to subdue his foes. The conquest of the five senses is considered to be the greatest victory. It is only such a king that is capable of conquering his enemies.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“These rules of Saama, Daana, Bheda are all ineffective. You must use the fourth one, Danda.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata

“When these words were spoken, Susarma, the eldest of the Trigarta brothers, said: “We brothers bear a grudge against Arjuna. We hate Arjuna. It will give us great joy to kill him. This grudge we bear him is a very ancient one. I have a feeling that the time has come when we can take revenge on him.”
― Kamala Subramaniam, Mahabharata