Hindu teachings within the Mahabharata
The Vyadha Gita (meaning, songs of a butcher) is a part of the epic Mahabharata and consists of the teachings imparted by a "vyadha" (butcher) to a sannyasin (monk). It occurs in the Vana Parva section of Mahabharata and is told to Yudhishthira, a Pandava by sage Markandeya. In the story, an arrogant sannyasin is humbled by a "vyadha" (butcher or hunter), and learns about "dharma" (righteousness). The "vyadha" teaches that "no duty is ugly, no duty is impure" and it is only the way in which the work is done, determines its worth. The Bhagavata Purana mentions the "vyadha" as an example of someone who attained perfection through satsang (association with devotees of Lord Vishnu or Krishna). Scholar Satya P. Agarwal considers "Vyadha Gita" to be one of the popular narrations in the Mahabharata.
Story.
The story has only three characters—a brahmin "sannyasi", a housewife and a "vyadha" (butcher).
The story begins with a young "sannyasi" going to a forest, where he meditates and practices spiritual austerities for a long time. After years of practice, one day while sitting under a tree, dry leaves fall on his head because of a fight between a crow and a crane. The angry "sannyasi" had developed yogic powers and burnt the birds with his mere look. This incident fills the "sannyasin" with arrogance. Shortly thereafter, he goes to a house, begging for food. Here the housewife who was nursing her sick husband requests the "sannyasi" to wait. To this, the "sannyasi" thinks, "You wretched woman, how dare you make me wait! You do not know my power yet", to which the housewife says that she is neither a crow nor a crane, to be burnt. The "sannyasi" is amazed and asks her how she came to know about the bird. The housewife says that she did not practice any austerities and by doing her duty with cheerfulness and wholeheartedness, she became illumined and thus could read his thoughts. She redirects him to a "dharma"-"vyadha" (meaning, the righteous butcher) in the town of Mithilā and says that the "dharma-vyadha" would answer all his questions on "dharma". The "sannyasi" goes to see the "vyadha" and overcoming his initial hesitation, listens to his teachings, which is referred to as "Vyadha Gita"—and even puts them into practice.
Teachings.
The surprised "sannyasi" asks the "vyadha" as to how he could become illumined by doing a "filthy, ugly work". The vyadha says that he is working as per the principles of "karma", which placed him in a circumstance into which he is born.
The "vyadha" further advises, "no duty is ugly, no duty is impure" and it is only the way in which the work is done, determines its worth.
The "vyadha" advises that all work must be done by "dedicating to God" and by sincere and unattached performance of the allotted duty one can become illumined. The "vyadha" advises the sannyasi that "ahimsa" (non-violence) and "satya" (truth) are two main pillars of "dharma" through which the highest good of all can be achieved. He says that a decision on what is true under difficult circumstances should be made by sticking to that course of action which leads to the highest good of beings. The "vyadha", teaches that not birth but "dharma" and virtuous conduct makes one a Brahmana.
The story describes the importance of performance of "swadharma" (prescribed duty or duty in life). According to the story, a "Vyadha", considered low by birth, but engaged in "dharma" and doing good to others is capable of teaching a Brahmana, considered higher by birth, but practices austerities for his own good. The attainment of freedom, by the performance of "swadharma", is also one of the central teachings of the "Bhagavad Gita". Philosopher Swami Vivekananda, describes the Vyadha Gita in one of his lectures in "Karma Yoga" and says that it contains one of the "highest flights of the "Vedanta"".
Notes.
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References.
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