chakshusi science of illusion

Mahabharata Adiparva Chaitrarathaparva section 173
Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Pandavas, along with their mother start walking towards Panchala, to obtain Draupadi as their wife. At nightfall they reach the banks of river Ganga. A gandharva king by name Angaraparna (Blazing chariot), was bathing in that river along with his wives and retinue. Arjuna approaches water to quench thirst, and the gandharva challenges Arjuna for a fight, saying that during nightfall, men are not supposed to enter Ganga. Arjuna replies "The sacred Ganga is approachable by all in all seasons and times. Ganga falls from Himavat mountains and forms seven streams i.e Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Vitashtha, Sarayu, Gomati, and Gandaki. Those who take bath in these seven streams are purified of their sins. In celestial regions it is known 'Alakananda' (blissful flow) . In the world of Pitrs (ancestors), it is known as 'vaitarani' (which carries over), difficult to cross for sinners. And in the world of mortals it is known as Ganga. You have no right to bar us, and we dont care for your threat".

Gandharva draws his bow and shoots many arrows at Arjuna, who is well versed in the art of war. Arjuna takes a shield and wards off all the arrows. Then knowing gandharva king as not a human foe, Arjuna takes one Astra which is given to him by his preceptor to be used only on non-humans, and he hurls it at the gandharva. The Astra burns down the chariot of the gandharva king. Angaraparna falls down unconscious by the power of the Astra. Arjuna drags him by hair towards Yudhistir. The wife of that gandharva, by name 'Kumbhinasi' runs for protection towards Yudhistir and begs his pardon, and seeks protection for herself and her husband. Yudhistir says "Arjuna, Who will kill a person who is vanquished in battle, protected by a woman, and is unconscious, so, let this gandharva live".

Arjuna having been commanded by Yudhistir, let that gandharva live. Angaraparna, then imparts to Arjuna the art of illusion known as 'Chakshusi'. One can see what one wishes to see, and in whatever way they want to see, by that art of illusion. Gandharva also offers to Pandavas, a hundred steeds. Arjuna offers to that gandharva, the Astra with which he was vanquished. Angaraparna says "In the ancient days, celestials made Vajra (thunderbolt) out of dadhichi's backbone, to kill the demon Vritra. Indra, king of celestials, hurled Vajra on Vritra and it broke into thousand pieces on the head of Vritra. Celestials worship those broken pieces of vajra. It is said that the hand of a Brahmana in Yajna, Chariot of a Kshatriya in battle, Charity of a Vysya, and Service of a Shudra are all part of those pieces of the Vajra."

Arjuna asks Gandharva, why he fought with them, chastised them for entering Ganga, as they are not at fault. Angaraparna replies "Even though you are not at fault, and I know that you are from Kuru race, I also know the knowledge and power of your preceptor Drona, I also know that you five brothers are noble and well learned, and good fighters, yet I censured you. The reason is , you have completed your studies, yet you have not taken a wife and you have not taken up any mode of life and wandering in forest. Lastly, being of nobility, you dont have a priest who can guide you on the path of virtue, you have not appointed one."

My commentary :

I found the mention of Vajra and the classification of society as out of context in this story, yet has some important message and some connection to last paragraph

Vajra is broken into thousand pieces (thousand symbolises infinite or uncountable in vedic literature). Any of the actions of the four varnas, viz : Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vysya, and Shudra are but one part of Vajra, an action that is useful to slay the demon Vritra and uplift oneself.

Censuring of Pandavas by Gandharva that they have not taken a wife after studies and not maintaining a mode of life, is again indicating that a person is supposed to follow karma marga and follow the four modes of life, viz Brahmacharya (studies), Grihastha (married life), Vanaprastha (retired life) and Sanyasa (renounced life). at appropriate times.

The connection I found was, All actions are part of a grand plan of Universal force (shakti). Those that doesnt follow karma marga and abandon their duties , are not on the path of upliftment.

Now, the above discussion is about bringing awareness to a person not to follow inaction, not to abandon their duties of life, and to show equality of labour.

Hari OM

Prasad