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Mahabharata by Krsna Dharma dasa MBK: Introduction
Introduction
I expect that most people taking the time to read this introduction are newcomers to
the text. For those already familiar with the story, no introduction is needed. They
will want to immediately enter the deep waters of Mahabharata, waters which are at once soothing
and stimulating to both heart and mind. If this is your first reading, however, although
it is a cliche, I have to say, "Welcome to the wonderful world of the Mahabharata."
Welcome to a world where gods and heroes walk the earth, where virtuous kings lead the people,
where our lifetimes are seen as simply one step along an eternal path leading to worlds
of unending bliss. Here is a story which will enthrall you and at the same time deliver
profound lessons about every aspect of life. It was first composed in Sanskrit about five
thousand years ago by Vyasadeva, a mystic residing in the Himalayas. Its central theme
is the true story of the lives of five powerful rulers, the Pandavas. Woven throughout the
story are other tales. We meet sages, warrior kings, and a host of other colorful personalities.
Among them is Krishna, a divine incarnation and, as you will discover, the pivotal character
in the book. It is due to Krishna's presence that the work is revered as a sacred text.
It does, in fact, contain the Bhagavad-gita, which Krishna spoke and which has become a
spiritual treatise still read daily by millions of people (as indeed is the Mahabharata itself).
My rendition is not an academic one, nor is it unabridged. Rather, I have written it as
a novel in an attempt to bring my readers into the action and to help them experience
the majestic mood of ancient times. In my experience, even readers who strongly desire
to read Mahabharata find themselves unable to go through the very lengthy texts of unabridged
scholarly translations that are available. I have therefore attempted to make the text
as accessible as possible to all kinds of readers, but without sacrificing any of the
essential details of the story. I have remained faithful to the translations to which I had
access, and I believe that my book is as authentic a rendition as you are likely to find.
I will not delay your reading further. I have written a note at the end giving more background
information, and you will also find glossaries and appendices delineating the Mahabharatas
many characters. Now I will leave you to immerse yourself in the great ocean of the Mahabharata.
All I can add is that the book has captivated me with its sublime message, making my life
richer and fuller. I pray that it may give you as much pleasure as it has given me in
my many readings.
"In the realm of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha, (ethics, economic development, pleasure,
and liberation), whatever is found in this epic may be found elsewhere, but what is not
found here will be impossible to find anywhere else." Mahabharata, Adi Parva 56.33)
Krishna Dharma September, 1998