Q.2) We have 18 Puranas, but why are the Ramayana and Mahabharata not included in the Puranas? Is there a difference between the Granth and the Purana?
Sri Krishna and Arjun are one in their being. But Arjun is bound by his nature, and so is Yudhistira. Their physical body follows the laws of trigunatmic Prakriti. Yudhistira, being Sattwic, was more qualified than Arjuna and others. However, as far as the soul is concerned, Arjun was a vibhuti of Sri Krishna, inwardly free from the outer actions. This is explained in the Gita itself, where the gunas are explained in the workings of Prakriti, which remain unchanged and follow their own course of consequences. However, the soul can yet get freedom and become one with the Divine regardless of the limitations of Nature. As a matter of fact, Draupadi was closest to Krishna.
But the story can be seen as symbolic rather than factual. It indicates that regardless of your inner evolution, none escapes the law of karma and death. It is only one who has lived by the Dharma who can escape the grip of death. The idea of the transformation of gunas or physical immortality was not there at that time. Even Sri Krishna himself goes the way as everyone else.
Of course, all of them eventually ascend to heaven after dropping off the body.
The Ramayana and The Mahabharata are regarded as Itihasa, which means ‘thus it happened.’ Puranas simply means ancient, mythological, or legendary, for which it is difficult to get proof. The Ramayana and The Mahabharata, on the other hand, are based on historical events witnessed by the authors themselves.
To add to what I wrote yesterday, being an instrument of the Divine and the recipient of a special Grace, as we see in Arjuna’s life, does not guarantee all will be smooth and easy. In fact, it increases the responsibility much more and the slightest egoism, the least deviation can hit much more than it would an average person. That is what one sees in the life of all who were chosen as Arjuna was. Read the lives of Shiva Ji, Napoleon, and even the great Master Guru Gobind ji and one will see this. It is a great responsibility that the Pandavas and especially Arjuna were carrying, as we see in the last parts of the Mahabharata. Sri Krishna revealed to him the greatest teaching of that time. He promised to Arjuna the royal road to freedom if he lived according to the teaching and then gave the choice to him. The revelation is not enough; one has to be sincere in living it. I am not suggesting that Arjuna, the great hero of the Mahabharata, faltered, but just pointing out towards the law of the Way that applies to everybody.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
