Previous life of Draupadi

Mahabharata Adiparva Chaitrarathaparva section 171-172

Hearing the narrative of the Brahmana about birth of Draupadi, and also listening of the Draupadi's swayamvara, Pandavas with their mother set out towards Panchala kingdom. While they were living in Ekachakra town, Vyasa visited them once more to tell them about their future wife.

There lived a certain maiden in a rishis hermitage. Due to her past karma, she couldn't get married in that life. So she did great penance pleasing Lord Shankara. Shiva being Bhaktavatsala appeared before her and told her to ask any boon she wants. She asked him for a husband with various qualities, repeatedly. Lord Shankara then granted that boon and said, she will have five husbands from Bharata clan. She said, "Lord, I want only one husband", to this the Lord said, "You asked for a husband, five times, hence you will have five husbands in your next life".

Having narrated the above story, Vyasa then said to Pandavas "Sons, that damsel is reborn as Draupadi to Panchala king, Drupada. She is set aside as the Queen for all five of you. Go to Panchala and obtain her as your wife".

Reflections From the Story:

When people pray, they have to make a sankalpa (statement of intention) properly and their objective should be clear in their mind. One has to be careful what one utters, and also what one thinks apart from being careful about actions.So we need to be careful even in your thoughts, not only in your actions.Budhdha also said, One has to be clear about the objective of their prayers.

Ramana Maharshi Mind has two faculties [or read it thoughts are of two types] : ahamkara Vritti, idamkara vritti.

Ahamkara Vritti means "I" thought and related modifications.Ahamkara vritti is identification with a particular notion in mind.

Example: If i see a tree the corresponding thought arises in mind. This is idamkara vritti.It just tells us what is.

Pain is idamkara vritti.

Ahamkara vritti's non presence is required. but idamkara vritti is basic necessity for us to function, talk, speak etc.

The scriptures teach "Learn not to come in the sway of Raga-Dvesha" ! that is the essential sadhana.

To have no Raga-Dvesha. Not possible.

To not come under the Sway of Raga-Dvesha is Realization.

Thought has it's place when action is required even in the case of saints. We should not give place to thoughts in our mind which are out of context and not in anyway required and for many it became such a strong habit that it is impossible to stop the thought flow.

Sources:

1) http://atmajyoti-prasad-jayakavya.blogspot.com/2010/04/previous-life-of-draupadi.html
2) http://prashantaboutindia.blogspot.com/2010/03/different-types-of-thoughtsvritti.html
3) http://prashantaboutindia.blogspot.com/2009/07/role-of-thought-in-daily-life-by-dr-p-v.html