Philosophies of Mahabharata

    One philosophy in the Mahabharata is treating people as equals. Dhritarashtra treats his brothers' sons as if they were his own. He keeps prolonging the war because he does not want to choose his sons over Pandu's sons. As long as the sons keep gabling, the war can be prolonged. The idea of treating others as equals does not only apply to immidiate family, but it also applies to the general public in that we should see others as our brothers and sisters. This fundamental idea is taught from the moment one enters kindergarden and the teacher tells the class to"treat others the way you want to be treated."
     Another reoccurring philosophy in the Mahabharata is the idea of Karma. This concept implies that every action has an effect, and that the nature of the effect is reciprocal to the nature of the cause. Because Pandu accidentally kills the couple in the forest while he is hunting (cause), he is cursed to die (effect). Even though Pandu did not intend to kill the couple, his karma implies that he should not be killing anything to begin with -- wether it be humans or animals. Although Pandu could have received another punishment for his actions, he receives exactly what he deserves:  he killed two lovers, therefore, him and his lovers (wives) are cursed to die.
     For me, karma is a huge part of my life because all my actions have consequences. The more aware I am about Karma, the better decisions I make. However, I still do not understand the inner workings of karma. Is it a bilief that turns into a mentality? Is it an energy? Is it God? Maybe it is all of these forces working together, but regardless of what controls it, I know that it is a powerful concept that never fails to prove itself.