We have all gotten used to the idea that family means conflicts. We notice elders around us casually say “In a family, fights and conflicts are common”. Though it is common, it may not be normal. Everyday we notice complex events at home that involve conflicts between closely related kith and kin. Let us see what Narada Maharishi has to say about managing these conflicts. These insights appear in the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharath as narrated by Bhishma ji to Yudhishthira.
Shri Krishna was always in very complex situations. It was a tough balancing act to keep the sub-clans of the Yadavas together. Everyday passed with hearing harsh words, managing conflicts, settling disputes and that too with a smile. Narada Maharishi advised Shri Krishna that clashes among kith and kin occur due to one’s own making. When harsh actions are used, it results in the split of the entire family thereby collapsing the whole structure. Narada Maharisi asks Krishna to use a weapon that is not made of steel, that is very mild and yet capable of piercing all hearts. When Krishna is curious about that weapon, Narada reveals that the weapon is “offering food, forgiveness, sweet words and respect”. With soft words, the heart of the relatives melt and this can settle all disputes. This weapon is greater than any weapon made of steel.
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