But what man is there who is not subject to the blinding power of fate that dazzles us, depriving us of reason? What will happen is what time ordains. (Mahabharata 417)
At many points in the Mahabharata, characters say some variation of “it is pre-ordained”. But to what extent are their actions fated or brought upon by free will? Yudhishthira and Draupadi’s argument, Vyasa’s omens, King’s rationalization for his actions. Logic of characters’ perspectives.
Fate is spun from within as well as dictated from without. (Jung’s Map of the Soul loc. 607)
The execution of fate is not due to people’s individual actions, but the cause and effect that shapes their character. Yudhishthira is virtuous because he is the son of Dharma, but he is only so because of Indra’s overweening pride, leading to his punishment. His virtue is a result of multiple events converging, starting from the beginning of his family tree and the actions of the gods. He explains his patience, saying:
I choose to follow dharma, and I do it because it is right, not to obtain rewards. (494)
King Dhritarashtra serves as Yudhishthira’s foil. Dhritarashtra passively accepts fate, whereas the Pandavas struggle between upholding their honor and attempting to defy it. Ironically, Dhritarashtra has the power to determine the fate of the nation when Durodhyana is born, yet in his weakness, he is unable to make a decision for the greater good. However, his dilemma is also a very human dilemma, and he suffers seeing the consequences of his actions unfold—this is his karma.
“It is the work of fate,” sighed Dhritarashtra. “I always try to make the best decisions, but when the gods intend someone’s defeat they first make him mad, so that the wrong course seems to him the right one. The power of fate can be simply this twisted view of things. All else follows … Yet my foolishness, my great love for my son, will bring about the all-consuming tragedy of war.” (462)
“But Draupadi, as the wise know, sinful acts arise from overhasty rushing to revenge. One who is wronged and who responds with anger is prone to bad judgment, liable to act impulsively. Good rarely comes of it. If every person with a sense of grievance struck back immediately, where would it end? Unceasing death inflicted, death returned. An endless round of blow and counter-blow allows for no reflection or repentance and only leads to sorrow upon sorrow. A peaceful world is founded upon patience and only when a kingdom is at peace can children flourish, cows grow fat, and farmers plant seeds with confidence, watch their crops grow, and gather a rich harvest. “I believe that forbearance is the strength of the strong. One who is forbearing retains power. Anger is not strength but, rather, weakness; is is not the same as authority … ” (492)
The Almighty is not like a loving parent but, like a child playing with its toys, manipulates our limbs, controls the strings as though we were wooden puppets. I believe there’s no such thing as freedom, no mastery over ourselves or anybody else. (494)
I don’t despise dharma. But one who does nothing int he face of evil Is an unfired pot, worn away by water. You preach forbearance above everything, but every living human being must act. From the infant, sucking it mother’s nipple, to the dying person’s final labored breath, we fight to stay alive. What we achieve is not just fate, nor is it mere chance but the fruit of all we try to do. We have to strive with what strength we possess, using reason and determination, to convert our actions to achievement. That way, we do not need not reproach ourselves. A peasant from the soil and plants the seed. Then he waits for rain. If the monsoon fails, and the seedlings with the ground, he will, at least, have acted as he should. Without faith and chance he cannot prosper. But without his action, best of husbands, fate, and chance have nothing to work upon. (496)
A sound argument against Yudhishthira’s inaction by Draupadi. However, inaction in some cases is also action. By sticking to his principles, Yudhishthira upholds dharma, which is action in itself. Rather than acting hastily, he bides his time with patience to reap results tenfold.