CHARUCHARYA Part XXIV

 

बन्धूनां वारयेद्‌ वैरं नेकपक्षाश्रयो भवेत्‌ । कुरुपाण्डवसङ्गरामे युयुधे न हलायुधः ॥ ८८ ॥

Bandhūnāṁ vārayed vairaṁ naikapakṣāśrayo bhavet |
Kuru-Pāṇḍava-saṅgrāme yuyudhe na Halāyudhaḥ || 88 ||

Translation:

One should try to stop enmity that arises between relatives.
One should not take the side of only one party and increase the conflict.
In the war between the Kauravas and Pandavas, Balarama remained neutral.

Explanation:

When quarrels arise between family members, a wise person should try to reconcile them instead of supporting one side. Taking sides often worsens the conflict.

In the great war of the Mahabharata between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Balarama (also known as Halāyudha, “the wielder of the plough”) did not participate. He remained neutral because both sides were dear to him. This teaches us the value of impartiality in family disputes.

परोपकारं संसारसारं कुर्वीत सत्ववान्‌ । निदधे भगवान्‌ बुद्धः सर्वसत्त्वोद्धृतौ धियम्‌॥८९॥

Paropakāraṁ saṁsāra-sāraṁ kurvīta sattvavān |
Nidadhe Bhagavān Buddhaḥ sarva-sattvoddhṛtau dhiyam || 89 ||

Translation:

Helping others is the essence of this world.
Understanding this, a noble person should always do good to all beings.
Lord Buddha dedicated his mind to the upliftment of all living beings.

Explanation:

The real meaning (essence) of life is paropakāra — doing good to others. A virtuous person lives not just for himself but for the welfare of all.

Gautama Buddha devoted his entire life to relieving suffering and guiding all beings toward liberation. His example shows that compassion and service are the highest ideals.

बिभृयाद्‌ बन्धुमधनं मीत्रं त्रायेत दुर्गतम्‌ । बन्धुमित्रोपजीव्योऽभूदर्थिकल्पदुमो बलिः॥९०॥ Bibhṛyād bandhu-madhanaṁ mitraṁ trāyeta durgatam |
Bandhu-mitropajīvyo ’bhūd arthikalpa-drumo Baliḥ || 90 ||

Translation:

One should support a poor relative.
One should protect a friend who is in distress.
By behaving this way, King Bali became like a wish-fulfilling tree for those who sought help.

Explanation:

It is our duty to:

• Take care of needy relatives.
• Help friends during times of difficulty.

Mahabali (King Bali) was famous for his generosity. He gave freely to those who asked, like a Kalpavṛkṣa (wish-fulfilling tree). Because of his kindness and charity, he became beloved and respected.

Overall Message of These Three Ślokas:

1. Promote peace among relatives and remain impartial in disputes.
2. Make helping others the main purpose of life.
3. Support family and friends in times of need.

These verses teach neutrality, compassion, and generosity as essential virtues for a noble life.