When sage Vyasa Deva envisaged the versification of the Mahabharata he wanted Lord Ganesha, the epitome of cerebral power, to transcribe it for him while he narrated the verses. On Vyasa’s request the Lord consented on the condition that the flow of his quill should not be paused in any way during the process. If it did he would immediately discontinue writing.
Vyasa Deva was in a fix. He could not offend the Lord who had an awe inspiring aura. But he also required sufficient time to think in between verses to take the narration forward.
So he laid a counter condition in the form of a reverent appeal to Ganesha that he, in turn, should not put any verse down on paper without understanding it fully. Ganesha agreed.
Thus, while Ganesha took time to grasp the layered implications of each verse Vyasa Deva, in the meantime, constructed the next one.
It is said that seeing Ganesha’s unbeatable speed, Vyasa deliberately dictated highly intricate verses which compelled Ganesha to take time to ponder. In the meanwhile, the sage got a breather to weave the narrative further.
And in this way amidst a battle of wits the epic tale got chronicled.
***
Lately, this mythological story has been bothering me as to what it tries to tell or teach us. After a lot of reflection, I have pinned the moral of the story down to negotiation skill – that is not to get intimidated or awestruck by the immensity and eminence of the persona across. To stand your ground, apply your mind and work amicably and reasonably towards a level playing field beneficial to all the parties involved.
But what happens if execution gets tricky and consensus unreachable? Like Vyasa Deva, is resorting to mind games then justified….????
I am still mulling over it….
Heard this story too many times, never thought it to be a negotiation 😀! Love the picture of Ganesha.
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Yes, the interpretation of the story is completely mine. Isn’t Ganesha cute ?
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This is an interesting take, I never assumed to be negotiation.
“To stand your ground, apply your mind and work amicably and reasonably”, I agree with this. Most often we are intimidated to even begin, doubting our abilities and knowledge but unless we try and try earnestly we will never know.
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You are absolutely right Parikhit. The greater is the power weaker we feel as ordinary people. Thanks for reading and sharing your views.
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You have taught us a lesson Geeta Di
Not to be nervous and lack confidence even when you are negotiating with someone as powerful as Ganesha.
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Thank you Nusrat.
Here the weapon is wit, if I may say so, which we seldom get to employ in actual negotiations in life.
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Of course,Geeta Ji
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I never thought of this story from this perspective. Thank you for giving me something new to think about. 🤍
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You are very welcome Rajeshwari
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Intriguing
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Thank you so much Derrrick 🙏
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An interesting perspective.
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Isn’t it? 😊
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😊
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A thoughtful lesson. God gives wisdom to those who seek Him, and honesty should always guide our choices. 🙏
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Your perspective adds to the post. Thank you so much Willie
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According to the Mahabharata, Niramitra was the son of Nakula and Kareṇumati. Nakula, the fourth of the five Pandava brothers and the elder twin of Sahadeva, was born to Madri, the second wife of King Pandu of the Kuru dynasty. Through the divine intervention of the Ashvin twins, the celestial physician gods, Nakula and Sahadeva were born as the twin sons of Madri.
https://www.indianetzone.com/niramitra_son_nakula
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Kausika, also spelled Kaushika, is a relatively obscure figure in Hindu mythology who is mentioned in the genealogical traditions associated with the Yadava dynasty. Although he does not play a prominent role in the narrative of the Mahabharata, his name appears in ancient Hindu texts as a member of Lord Krishna’s extended family.
https://www.indianetzone.com/kausika_son_vasudeva
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