13. Virtue Pays

Once when the Pandavas, were wandering in the forest, they felt very thirsty. But nowhere could they find water. They began to feel that they would die of thirst. The eldest brother Yudhishthira, a man of truth, then said to his half-brother Nakula,“O! Nakula, son of Madri, climb that tree and look all over the forest and see if there is some water near by; look if there are trees, birds or plants, for they are sure signs of water.”

Nakula climbed the tree and saw some plants and greenery at a distance. It appeared as if there was a pool. “Go then Nakula,” said Yudhishthira, “and bring some water for your brothers.”

Nakula set out towards the place and came across a pool of clean water. No sooner did he bend to drink the water than a strong voice cried, “Stop! Do not drink the water till you have obeyed the laws of this pool. No one can drink its water till he has answered the questions I ask. If you take even a drop of water before this, you may die at once.”

Nakula paid no heed to the voice. He had hardly touched the water when he fell dead among the weeds growing near the pond. Yudhishthira and his brother waited for hours for Nakula but he did not return. Then Yudhishthira sent Sahadeva to find out his brother’s whereabouts.

When Sahadeva reached the pool he saw Nakula lying dead there. He felt very much grieved. He could not weep for his dead brother as his thirst had overpowered his emotions. He knelt down to drink water instead.

“Wait,” cried the voice, “Do not take even one drop of this water until you have answered my questions; if you do so, you will die.”

The prince did not care for the voice and stooped to drink water. He had hardly drunk a little water when he also fell dead. When Sahadeva also failed to return, Yudhishthira sent Arjuna and Bhima. But both met the same fate.

Ultimately Yudhishthira went to the pool. The strange voice cried, “Stop, unless you answer my questions before drinking water you will also die like your brothers. Such is the law of this place.”

It appeared to Yudhishtira as if it was the voice of some divine power. So he said, “Before I answer your questions, pray tell me who you are! Surely you must be from the other world.”

“Yes, you are right,” said the spirit. “I am Yaksha, the spirit of the woods. I rule over this region. I have made a rule that anyone who wants to drink the water of this pool must first answer my questions or he shall die at once.”

“Ask your questions,” said Yudhishthira, “I shall answer them to the best of my ability.” Then Yaksha asked his questions. Yaksha : Which is the best road to Heaven?

Yudhishthira : Virtue is the best road to Heaven Yaksha : Which is the best of virtues? Yudhishthira : The best virtue is to hate none. Yaksha : Which is the worst enemy of man? Yudhishthira : Anger is the worst enemy of man. Yaksha : Which man is rich and poor at the same time? Yudhishthira : The man who has much but gives nothing. Yaksha : How may a poor man become rich?

Yudhishthira : A poor man may become rich by being contented. Yaksha : What is heavier than the earth and the clouds? Yudhishthira : The love of parents. Yaksha : What is the way to be happy? Yudhishthira : To tell the truth and be kind. Yaksha : Who is the greatest man of all? Yudhishthira : One who is unaffected by joy and sorrow. Then said Yaksha, “O! Prince, you have answered my questions very well. Now you may drink the water. I also give you a boon. Name anyone of your brothers whom I may bring to life again.”

Yudhishthira said, “Let Nakula, the son of Madri, be brought to life.”

“But he is only your half-brother,” said Yaksha “Don't you want your real brothers Bhima and Arjuna to live again? Don’t you love them?”

“Yes I love them,” said Yudhishthira. “But I wish that Nakula should come back to life.” “Why?” asked the Yaksha.

Yudhishthira replied, “I am the son of Kunti and Nakul is the son of Madri. Please bring back Nakul to life so that one son of each mother remains alive.”

Yudhishthira had hardly spoken these words when Yaksha said, “O! Prince, I am Dharma, the God of Justice. I wished to know if you were just. I find that you are really so. I am highly pleased and shall bring all your brothers to life.” Yaksha sprinkled some drops of water on the dead bodies of the four brothers and they came back to life.

Virtue lives beyond the grave.

I. Glossary

Wandering (adj) – to go from place to place casually.

Greenery (n) green foliage or plants.

Weed (n) – a wild plant growing where it is not wanted.

Whereabouts (n) - where or approximately where?

Grieved (adj) – feel grief; cause grief to.

Overpowered (adj) – to overcome by greater strength or numbers.

Stooped (adj) – to bend forwards and down. Or lowered yourself.

Divine (adj) – of, from or like God.

Virtue (n) – behaviour showing high moral standards.

Content (n) – what is contained in something or the subject matter of a book. etc

Sprinkled (adj) – scattered small drops or particles over a surface.

Exile (n) – banishment or long absence from your country or home especially as a punishment.

Pay heed (phr) – pay attention to.

Half – brother-

II. Word Power

A. Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B.

Words Meaning 1. Symbol a. an imaginary creature with magic powers 2. wander b. a sign used to represent something 3. Spirit c. the plants found in a particular area or environment 4. Vegetation d. to walk slowly around without purpose Ans. [1-b] [2-d] [3-a] [4-c]

B. Give one word for the following:

(i) A small area of still water, especially one that is artificial pond

(ii) that hich is connected with god divine.

(iii) a wild plant growing where it is not wanted weed.

(iv) behaviour that shows high moral standards virtue.

III. Grammar

Study the given sentences

(i) No one in the world can do exactly what you do.

(ii) Some people can't do what you can.

(iii) I was late for school because I couldn't find my pen.

(iv) You may enter the room now.

(v) May I borrow your pen?

(vi) You can leave after 5 pm.

(vii) Could I come in?

(viii) There could be more trouble in future.

(ix) It might rain in a day or two.

The modal auxiliary verbs 'can' and 'could' are used to express ability, and permission. 'Can't' is used to express inability; 'may' or 'might' are used to ask for or express permission. In some cases, ‘could and might’ are used to express future possibility. Here 'could and 'might' are used to express future possibility. We can summarise it as

Modal auxiliary can is used for expressing ability

Modal auxiliary can't is used for expressing inability

Modal auxiliary could is used for expressing ability in the past.

Modal auxiliaries can, could and may are used for seeking permission.

Modal auxiliaries can and may are used for expressing possibility

Modal auxiliaries might and could are used for expressing future possibility.

Ability: I can speak English well.

Inability: I can't speak French.

Past ability: I could jump over the wall when I was young.

Permission: You can come in.

Could I borrow your bicycle?

Possibility: He can come tomorrow.

Impossibility: The sky is clear. It can’t rain today.

Future possibility: It might rain in a day or two.

A. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modal auxiliary verbs

(use negative where required) (Students to attempt on their own)

(i) The weather report says it ______rain today.

(ii) ______you read this poem for me, please?

(iii) He is a liar, what he says ______be true.

(iv) The new counter ______open next Monday. (v) ______I use your phone?

B. What question will you ask in each of the following situations

(Use a modal in each sentence) (Students to attempt on their own)

(i) You want to have some ice-cream.

______?

(ii) You want to know who is on the telephone.

______?

(iii) You want to know the time.

______?

C. Frame sentences with the help of the given information as given in the example

The Yaksha was Nakula was a divine spirit. Madri’s son.

Bhima was very Yudhishthira was strong. famous for his justice.

Sahadeva was the Arjun was very good at youngest Pandava. archery.

was Madri’s son. 1. Nakul looked all over the forest.

Ans. Nakul, who was Madri’s son, looked all over the forest

2. The Yaksha asked many questions.

Ans. The Yaksha, who was a divine spirit, asked many questions.

3. Bhima paid no heed to the strange voice.

Ans. Bhima, who was very strong, paid no heed to the strange voice.

4. Arjun was a great return.

Ans. Arjun, who was very good at archery, was a great warrior.

5. Sahadeva failed to return.

Ans. Sahadeva, who was the youngest Pandava, failed to return.

6. Yudhishthira answered all the question very well.

Ans. Yudhishthira, who was famous for his justice, answered all the question very well.

IV. Let’s Talk

Make two groups. One will ask the questions in column A and the other will find correct answers from column B.

S. No.

A B

1. Who was Madri’s son? Virtue is the best road to Heaven. 2. What was the name of the eldest Anger is the worst enemy of man. Pandava? 3. Who was Yaksha? The man who has much but gives nothing. 4. Which is the best road to Heaven? To tell the truth and be kind. 5. Which is the best of virtues? Nakula was the son of Madri. 6. Who is the worst enemy of man? One who is unaffected by joy and sorrow. 7. What is the way to be happy? A poor man may become rich by being contended. 8. Who is the greatest man? The best virtue is to hate none. 9. Which man is rich and poor at the Yaksha was the spirit of the woods. same time? 10. How may a poor man become rich? Yudhidhthira was the eldest Pandava.

V. Reading Skills

Given below Yudhishthira's diary. Go through this record and answer the questions given below.

Monday

4 pm - We were wandering in the forest.

4.05 pm - We felt thirsty.

4.30 pm - I ordered Nakula to bring water.

4.35 pm - Nakula went to bring water.

4.50 pm - He didn't return.

5 pm - I ordered Sahadev to find out Nakula.

5.15 pm - I waited for Sahadev.

5.25 pm - I ordered Arjuna to find out Nakula and Sahdeva.

5.45 pm - I ordered Bhima to find them all.

6 pm - I myself went to pool.

1. Who was wandering in the forest?

Ans. The Pandavas were wandering in the forest. 2. When were the Pandavas wandering in the forest?

Ans. At 4pm the Pandavas were wandering in the forest.

3. At what time did they feel thirsty?

Ans. They felt thirsty by 4.05pm.

4. When did Yudhishthira order Nakula to bring water?

Ans. Yudhisthira ordered Nakula to bring water by 4.35 pm.

5. When did Yudhishthira himself go to pool?

Ans. Yudhisthira went to the pool by 6pm.

VI. Writing Skills

A. Read the telephonic conversation and the message given below:

Mohit : Can I talk to Rakesh?

Mr. Ahuja : Sorry, he has gone to market.

Mohit : I am his classmate Arjun. Please tell him to call me back when he returns. Mr. Ahuja : O.K. But does he have your phone number?

Mohit : I think so, still note my phone number. It is 6369522.

Mr. Ahuja : O.K. I’ll tell him.

Mohit : Thank you uncle.

Message Date & time 21 Oct. 2006, 5.00 p.m. Salutation Rakesh Content Your classmate Arjun rang up. He wanted to talk to you. Please call him back. His phone number is 6369522. Signatory Daddy B. Now read the following telephonic conversation and write the message.

Reena : May I talk to Nidhi?

Abha : Sorry, she has gone out for shopping. May I know who is calling?

Reena : I am her friend Reena. I am celebrating my birthday on 26th Nov. at 7.00 pm at Nirula’s at Defence Colony. Please tell her to reach there. I’ll drop her back home. Abha : O.K. I’ll tell her. Is there any other message?

Reena : Please tell her to confirm by tomorrow.

Abha : O.K. your message will be conveyed.

Abha was going for her evening classes. So she left a message for Nidhi.

VII. Read and Repeat wander weeds stoop divine grieve fate virtue heaven vegetation boon half-brother exile content symbol pool sprinkle pay heed over power spirit heed

VIII. Comprehension

A. Answer these questions:

1. What did Yudhishthira say to Nakula?

Ans. Yudhisthira told Nakula to climb the tree and look all over the forest and see if there was water nearby and also to look for trees, birds and plants who were the sure signs of water.

2. What did the voice from the pond say?

Ans. The voice from the pond told him to stop and to not drink water till he had obeyed the laws of that pool. And that he should answer the questions if he wanted to drink water and if he drank even one drop water before answering, he could die at once.

3. Did Nakula pay heed to the voice?

Ans. No Nakula did not pay heed to the voice.

4. What were the questions put up by Yaksha? Mention at least four.

Ans. The questions put up by Yaksha are

1. Which is the best road to Heaven?

2. Which is the worst enemy of man?

3. What is the way to be happy?

4. Who is the greatest man of all?

5. Which is the best of all virtues?

Ans. The best virtue of all is to hate none.

6. Why did Yudhishthira wish to get back Nakula?

Ans. Nakula was the son of Madri and Yudhishthira was the son of Kunti and so he wanted one son of each mother to remain alive. So Yudhishthira wished to get back Nakula.

7. How did the four brothers rise to their former selves?

Ans. When Dharma, the God of Justice come to know that Yudhisthira was a just king. He was highly pleased with him and so he brought all his brothers to life. He sprinkled some drops of water on the dead bodies of the four brothers and they came back to life. Then the four brothers rose to their former selves.

8. What moral do you draw from this story?

Ans. This story tells us that we should always be a righteous and just person. We should love our own family but when it comes to choosing between our family and doing the right thing we should always choose the right and just thing. This is the moral we draw from this story.

Extra Questions

1. When did the Pandavas grew thirsty?

Ans. When the Pandavas were wondering through the forest they grew thirsty.

2. What was Nakula’s relation to Yudhisthira?

Ans. Nakula was Yudhisthira’s half-brother.

3. What did Nakula see when he climbed the tree?

Ans. Nakula saw some plants and greenery at a distance and there was a pond.

4. What happened when Nakula touched the water?

Ans. Nakul fell dead among the weeds growing near the pond.

5. Why did Sahadeva grieve?

Ans. Sahadeva grieved because he saw Nakula lying dead near the pond.

6. How did Sahadeva die?

Ans. Sahadeva did not listen to the voice of pond and drank little water from the well so he died.

7. Whom did Yudhishthira save first?

Ans. Yudhisthira saved Nakula first.

8. What quality of Yudhisthira impressed the Yaksha?

Ans. Yudhisthira’s obedience, righteousness and just nature impressed the Yaksha.

9. How did Yaksha revive the dead brothers?

Ans. Yaksha sprinkled some drops of water on the dead bodies of the four brothers and they came to life.

10. Who was Yudhisthira’s mother?

Ans. Kunti was Yudhisthira’s mother.

B. Tick the correct one:

1. Yudhishthira was Nakula's -

(a) real brother (b) half brother (c) cousin

Ans. (b) half brother 2. Sahadeva wept for his -

(a) dead brother (b) dead mother (c) dead father

Ans. (a) dead brother

3. Who paid special heed to the strange voice?

(a) Arjuna (b) Nakula (c) Yudhishthira

Ans. (c) Yudhidhthira

4. Yaksha was highly pleased with -

(a) Nakula (b) Yudhishthira (c) Arjuna

Ans. (b) Yudhishthira

IX. Do It Yourself

Read more stories about great men and mythological heroes and tell them in your class.