Week 13 Story : Pride

The Pandava brothers continued their journey through the forest.  With their collective skill, tenacity, and power they were able to finally make it out.  When they reached the edge of the forest, they could see a kingdom not far from where they were.  The brothers decided that this place would be their new home.  They all agreed to make a name for themselves, and establish wealth and power in this new place. 

As the came into the city, the brothers split up in hopes that by working separately, they could accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.  Yudhishthira headed toward the market, for he knew that the merchants would know the rich from the poor.  Shortly after arriving in the bustling area of commerce and trade, Yudhisthira saw a man that he believed would help the brothers reach the top.  The man was draped in fine silks, and he had gold bracelets and necklaces adorned with many jewels.  

Yudhisthira introduced himself to the man, and was surprised at how quickly he was able to befriend him.  The man invited Yudhisthira to his estate to play a game of dice.  He flattered Yudhisthira, and told him that he could see Yudhisthira was a man of great heritage.  The man told Yudhisthira that he would be honored to host a party for his brothers, so that they may all be in attendance to watch the game.  The man warned Yudhisthira that the game involved gambling, and was all based on luck.  Yudhisthira knew that he was more cunning than the man, he believed that he had skills so great that he didn't need luck to win.  Yudhisthira thought that this would be the easiest way to establish himself.  

Yudhishthir accepted the invitation with politeness and hurried to tell his brothers of the great news. 

The Pandavas were then guided to the estate.  The man explained to Yudhisthir that the game consisted of tossing dice, but to play Yudhisthir had to gamble something first.  Yudhisthir cockily placed the Pandava wealth on the line.  The dice were tossed, and to his shock, Yudhisthira lost the first game.  Determined to do better, and win back what he lost, Yudhishthira demanded to play again.  This time, he bet his gold, treasures, and fine jewels.  He lost again.  Game after game, Yudhisthira continued to bet his fortune only to lose it all. His kingdom, horses, and army were then lost as well.  As he lost more, he became more desperate.  Yudhishthira began to gamble his brothers.  Bhima, the mighty warrior and a great asset was lost.  Arjuna, the skilled archer and compassionate friend was taken from him as well.  Nakula and Sahadeva were gone just as easily.  

Yudhisthira loses round after round, and is finally left with nothing.  No family and no fortune.  The only thing he had left was his dignity, which was on the verge of being gone altogether, and himself.  Putting his faith in this last hand, Yudhishthira believed that he could win everything back.  

In the end, Yudhisthira lost everything, including himself, to the demon of Pride.  

Gold Bounty.  SnappyGoat.

Author's Note

In this story, I continued with the main plot of the Pandava brothers.  The deadly sin of Pride is featured in this story.  Although it is not explicitly stated, Pride is not a tangible character like Greed was.  Instead, through Yudhishtira's foolish cockiness and arrogance, the reader is able to see how Pride takes control and consumes Yudhisthira until he has nothing less.  

This story was derived from the sources below, I kept the main storyline mostly the same as the original story.  

Bibliography

Mahabharata Episode 42 - Yudhishthir Gambles

Youtube video.

Mahabharata Episode 43 - The Gambling Match

Youtube video.

These videos are found on Youtube by an account called Epified TV (India).  The Title of the work is "The Mahabharata: Karmic Revolution".  2015-2016 (new episodes are still being added)