Choosing between Dharma and Param-Dharma

A concise summary of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 1 Chapter 7

Sage Suta while speaking to the other sages in Naimasharanya forest says that Lord Krishna’s qualities and activities are so wonderful that even the liberated beings are attracted to those. He then begins describing the journey of Pandavas in such a way that the description doesn’t just remain a historical narration but rather demonstrates ultimate “Dharma” with an exclusive focus on the Lord’s point of view. It is important to note that “Dharma” can only be thoroughly understood in conjunction with the Supreme Person because it is only the Lord who has the comprehensive knowledge of the past, present, and future.

After the Mahabharata war, Ashwathama (the son of Dronacharya) beheaded the five sons of Draupadi in their sleep. He thought Duryodhana would be pleased by this act but it wasn’t acceptable to him either.

Arjuna promised Draupadi that he would kill Ashwathama and bring the head before performing the last rites of their sons.

As soon as Ashwathama saw Arjuna approaching him, he fled in his chariot in fear. Arjuna chased him until Ashwathama’s horses were tired. When Ashwathama ran out of options to save his life, he launched a fierce fireball (Brahmastra) which is capable of destroying every life and resources of that area.

When Arjuna realized that his life was in danger, he surrendered to Lord Krishna and sought guidance. It is said that one can attain fearlessness through the grace of the Lord. Arjuna realizes that Lord Krishna's form is all spiritual and is not impacted by any weapons.

Lord Krishna advised Arjuna to launch another fierce fireball to counteract Ashwathama's fireball. When these collided, Arjuna withdrew both weapons. Arjuna was capable of deflecting and withdrawing the launched weapons. Arjuna then captured Ashwamthama and took him to the Pandavas camp.

Lord Krishna told Arjuna that anyone who kills a child, a woman, a retarded person, a person in sleep, and anyone who lives at the cost of others' lives doesn’t deserve to live and should not be shown any compassion.

Arjuna didn’t want to kill Ashwathama because he was the son of his teacher. He was such an elevated personality that he didn’t want to kill Ashwathama although he was responsible for the loss of his sons.

Draupadi saw Ashwathama chained like an animal, felt compassionate, and requested Arjuna to release him. She reminded Arjuna that Ashawathama’s father was his teacher. She also reminded him about the pain Ashwathama’s mother would feel at this loss. All the other Pandavas except Bhima supported the release of Ashwathama.

Instead of taking his life, Arjuna shaved Ashwathama's head and severed the jewel on his forehead. It is said in the Vedic scriptures that shaving the head of an enemy is as good as death for a “Brahmana” (a person engaged in priestly duties). It is important to note that although Ashwathama was born in a priestly background, he wasn’t practicing any priestly duties. So, this act of Arjuna is not really equivalent to death for Ashwathama. Arjuna’s act was an improper application of a Vedic injunction.

The Lord being omniscient, knew what would happen if Ashwathama was not killed. Draupadi wanted to release Ashwathama based on the principle of “Dharma” that a son of the teacher should not be killed. Lord Krishna wanted Ashwathama to be killed based on the principle of “Dharma” that an aggressor who committed a heinous crime deserves death. When there is a choice between “Dharma” and “Param Dharma” (instructions of the Lord), it is wise to choose the Lord's instructions because the Lord knows the future and can negate our “Karma” if he desires.

The Lord although appears just like us, he is unaffected by “Karma”. His actions are “Lilas” whereas our actions are “Karmas”. His body is all spirit whereas our body is all matter.