Section CXXXVII - Importance of Forethought and Presence of Mind in Achieving Success
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CXXXVII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
The story narrated by Bhishma highlights the importance of forethought and presence of mind in achieving success and avoiding danger. In a lake inhabited by three Sakula fishes, one with foresight suggested leaving as the water level decreased due to fishermen, but the procrastinating fish dismissed the warning. The fish with presence of mind pretended to be caught when fishermen were capturing the remaining fish, allowing him to escape. The procrastinating fish, however, met a tragic end as he was unable to escape, showcasing the consequences of indecision and lack of preparedness.
Bhishma emphasizes that those with foresight and presence of mind are more likely to achieve happiness and success, while procrastinators are at risk of destruction. Time and proper planning play crucial roles in determining the outcome of one's actions, as demonstrated by the different fates of the three Sakula fishes. Acting with consideration of time and place, and utilizing proper means for achieving objectives, are highlighted as keys to success by the Rishis. Ultimately, the story serves as a moral lesson on the importance of proactive decision-making and readiness for facing challenges in life.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CXXXVII - Importance of Forethought and Presence of Mind in Achieving Success, have a look at the following articles:
Section CXXXVII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CXXXVII:
How can procrastination lead to failure?
Procrastination can prevent individuals from taking timely action, leading to missed opportunities and potential dangers. In the story, the procrastinating fish met death as it failed to escape the fishermen.
Why is it important to have foresight and presence of mind?
Having foresight helps in anticipating and preparing for future challenges, while presence of mind allows individuals to make quick and smart decisions in the face of danger. Both qualities contribute to achieving success and avoiding failure.
Daily life: Importance of Forethought and Presence of Mind in Achieving Success:
The story teaches us the importance of planning for the future and adapting quickly to changing circumstances for happiness and success. In daily life, this means we should always be aware of potential challenges and opportunities ahead, preparing ourselves in advance rather than waiting until the last moment. It highlights the risk of procrastination, which can lead to missed chances and potentially harmful situations. To implement this lesson, we should cultivate the habit of thinking ahead, assessing possible outcomes, and making informed decisions promptly.
At the same time, we must develop the ability to act swiftly and accurately when unexpected situations arise. By balancing forethought with presence of mind, we can navigate through life more effectively, seizing opportunities and avoiding pitfalls. This approach does not only apply to avoiding danger but also to achieving our goals and maintaining a state of well-being. Hence, success and happiness are more attainable for those who are both thoughtful about the future and adaptable in the present.