Red Alert

Red Alert : 

Once the Pandava brothers Yuddhishtira, Bhima, Arjuna, Sehdev and Nakul were lost in the forest and were thirsty. They sat down to rest under the shade of a large tree. Yuddhishtira instructed Nakula to climb a tree nearby tolocate any source of water in the vicinity so that they could quench their thirst. Nakula did so and informed Yuddhishtira that there was indeed a cluster of trees not too far off and that he could hear the cries of water cranes.

Yuddhishtira requested Nakula to fetch some water in a quiver. Nakula, proceeded and located a crystal clear lake, surrounded by trees. Nakula was thirsty and as he was about to drink water, he heard a voice warning him not to drink without answering questions first. Nakula ignored the voice and drank the water. He died instantly. When Nakula did not return, Yudhishthira asked Sehdev to look for him. Sehdev arrived on the scene and was shocked to see the supine Nakula, He first drank the water despite the warning voice and fell dead. A similar fate awaited Arjuna and Bhima.

Eventually Yuddhishtira went to look for his brothers.
When he arrived at the spot, he could not believe that his brothers were lying dead. Dismayed, he began to look around. Puzzled that there were no signs of violence nor footprints, he assumed the killer to be supernatural. Then he proceeded to collect water. The voice boomed, ‘I am the cause of your brothers’ death. You may also die, if you drink water without answering my questions.’

Yudhishthira asked politely, “Who are you?’ and the Yaksha revealed his form. He said, ‘I warned your brothers, but they did not pay heed. This pool belongs to me and unless you answer my questions you shall not even touch this water.’

Yudhishthira complied. One of the four questions Yaksha asked, was: ‘Kim ascharayam.?’ -- What is the greatest wonder of the world? Yuddhishtira replied, ‘ Every day we see dear ones dying; yet we think this will not happen to me.’

Every death is a red alert that this is going to happen to you as well. But we continue to ignore those red alerts and get involved in useless pursuits and conflicts instead of leading a peaceful life. Why not end this cycle of birth and death? Why not end suffering permanently? Why not follow the instructions of elders? Why not become a devotee of the Supreme? After all red alerts are for our benefit.

Om Namah Shivay.