When Arjuna was about to kill Aswatthama, Droupadi fell at his feet and reasoned with him thus: “Arjuna! Will my sons be revived by killing Aswatthama? His mother too would experience the same kind of sorrow that I am undergoing at the loss of my sons. Having studied the Vedas and Sastras, how is it that you are not able to maintain your tranquillity?”
Thus, Droupadi pleaded with Arjuna to forgive Aswatthama for his heinous act. Arjuna replied, “You are preventing me from keeping up my vow.” To this Droupadi said, “Tonsuring his head and removing the crown jewel from his head is equivalent to killing him.” Arjuna paid heed to Droupadi’s advice and as a token punishment shaved Aswatthama’s head, took his crown jewel and sent him away. What is Papa (sin)? Hurting, abusing and killing others is sin. What is Punya (merit)? Helping others is merit. Therefore, one should not retaliate to an evil act with an evil act. Instead, one should be magnanimous in forgiving the offender. There are many such sacred teachings in the Mahabharata - taken from Swami's Krishnastami Discourse in 2004...
