Sunday, October 2, 2016

Reading Notes - Drona: Valiant Archer, Supreme Teacher

Artist unknown.

  1. Drona is kind of like Moses in how he’s sent off on a river in a basket. Given these odd beginnings, he’ll likely go on to do amazing things.
  2. There’s almost an immediate rivalry between Drona and Drupada. What will happen when they’re adults?
  3. The two brothers are kind and humble. Drupada goes on to great things, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll retain this humility.
  4. Aswatthama is an outcast and doesn’t appear too bright. Given that the other elders think little of Aswatthama, there’s probably some dissension in the ranks.
  5. Drupada has screwed up. Not giving hospitality to people (in other words, lack of charity) is a terrible sin.
  6. Drona is creating a plan of revenge. Acting hospitably towards guests is a great way of receiving their help.
  7. Drona should help Ekalavya. Only helping certain pupils to a certain point (below Arjuna) will likely come back to bite him.
  8. Drone might be a terrible person if he’s forcing people to give up their thumbs in order to train with him. What would have happened if Ekalavya had refused to cut off his thumb?
  9. This loyalty to Drona seems reckless. Sure, Drupada refused him help, but that probably doesn’t mean he should be killed or have his throne taken.
  10. Once again, reverence is an important part of receiving blessings from the celestial beings.
  11. Attacking the defenseless is usually bad. Dhrishtadyumna has committed a foul deed and one that’ll have bad consequences.


Bibliography

Chandrakant, Kamala. “Drona: Valiant Archer, Supreme Teacher” (Amar Chitra Katha, v. 565).

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