Vyasabharata - Mahabharata study circle

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Objective of Vyasabharata

Mahabharata is the oldest and longest poetry in the world written in sanskrit dating back to ~5000BC. It occupies the significance equal to Vedas in Hindu tradition and imparts the knowledge of moral uprightness (dharma), financial wellbeing (artha), fulfilling ones desires (kama) and final emancipation of soul (moksha) to common man. The famous Bhagavadgita considered as guide by yogic and spiritual masters of India is part of Mahabharata.

Vedas (literaly mean knowledge) the most ancient written scriptures of mankind in its original form had become illegible to common public. Realizing this Krishna Dwaipaya Vyasa composed ‘Mahabharata’, to impart the lost knowledge of Vedas to mankind. This ancient knowledge is still relevant to modern society. Our endeavor is to revive and popularize lost Vedic wisdom through study of Mahabharata.

Objectives of Vyasabharata are:

1. Provide reference to as-is translation of Mahabharata and audio for general listening.

2. Mahabharata in its original form called Jaya (Victory) was authored by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa consisting of 24000 hymns. Later several additions were made to the text either to explain the riddles contained within or to provide additional information related to topic, taking the size of Mahabharata to ~100,000 hymns. Jaya is concise and more readable than the original Mahabharata. Our objective is to publish "Jaya" the original portion of Mahabharata composed by Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa.

3. Spread the knowledge of 'Jaya' as intended by Vyasa which is three fold (a)Manvadi: Literature that apeals to mind. This can be gained by reading translation of Jaya and understanding its literal meaning (b) Astikadi: Knowledge of social well-being. This can be obtained by indepth study of Jaya and understanding its underlying principles; and (c) Uparichadi: Knowledge of spiritual well being. Some places this is taught directly, but becomes more facinating when riddle of Jaya is resolved. Our objective is to provide commentaries explaining Astikadi and Uparichadi meanings of Mahabharata.

‘Tapa is innocent, study is harmless, the ordinance of the Vedas prescribed for all the tribes are harmless, the acquisition of wealth by exertion is harmless; but when they are abused in their practices it is then that they become sources of evil.’ - Opening remarks of Mahabharata

‘Thousands of mothers and fathers, and hundreds of sons and wives arise in the world and depart from it. Others will (arise and) similarly depart. There are thousands of occasions for joy and hundreds of occasions for fear. These affect only him that is ignorant but never him that is wise. With uplifted arms I am crying aloud but nobody hears me. From Righteousness is Wealth as also Pleasure. Why should not Righteousness, therefore, be courted? For the sake neither of pleasure, nor of fear, nor of cupidity should any one cast off Righteousness. Indeed, for the sake of even life one should not cast off Righteousness. Righteousness is eternal. Pleasure and Pain are not eternal. Jiva is eternal. The cause, however, of Jivas being invested with a body is not so..’ - Closing remarks of Mahabharata