Fool’s Fury

As the great war of Kurukshetra raged, there came a moment after the tragic fall of Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s brave son, who had been slain through deceit by Kaurava warriors violating the rules of war. News of Abhimanyu's death reached Duryodhana’s ears not with remorse, but with self-satisfaction. He had believed this would break Arjuna’s spirit.

But not all hearts on his side rejoiced.

In the quiet of the night, Duryodhana sat fuming in his tent, not out of grief but out of frustration. Despite Abhimanyu’s death, the Pandavas continued to fight with greater ferocity. The tide of battle had not shifted in his favor.

Sushasana, his brother, said, “Perhaps we should have struck harder. We should go after their other sons next.”

But the wise and aging Bhishma, lying on his bed of arrows and witnessing the turn of the war, sent word to Duryodhana. His voice, barely a whisper, still carried the weight of dharma.

He said, “You reap what you sow, Duryodhana. You broke the laws of battle and now curse the winds for not blowing your way. He who blames others for his own actions and loses temper when powerless is the greatest fool. You chose adharma, and yet expect victory.”

Duryodhana, infuriated, shouted, “You call me a fool when you lie helpless on arrows, unable to lift a sword?”

Bhishma smiled faintly. “Even fallen, I speak truth. Anger without strength is noise. But wisdom in silence is power.”

As dawn broke, Duryodhana walked alone to the edge of the battlefield. The echo of Bhishma’s words followed him like a shadow he could not escape.

Moral: 

True wisdom lies in accepting responsibility, not in lashing out. Blaming others and venting anger when powerless only reveals one’s folly.

Inspiration:

He who blames others for his mistakes, and he who vents his anger despite being powerless, is the greatest fool. - Maharishi Vyasa