We often talk about what’s wrong with the world — corruption, violence, pollution, hunger.
But what would it take to truly change the world?
Most of these problems feel too big for any one person to fix in a lifetime.
A conversation between Duryodhana, Yudhishthira, and Bhagwan Krishna offers a deeper insight.
Duryodhana’s Quest
Bhagwan Krishna was sitting by himself when Duryodhana walked in and asked,
“Why do you look worried today?”
In truth, Duryodhana was worried himself — and so, everyone around him seemed troubled too.
Krishna smiled and replied,
“Yes, sometimes you meet such people that your mind becomes restless.
“How I wish I could meet a truly good-hearted person — someone whose presence brings peace.”
“If you can find such a person and bring him to me, I would be very grateful.”
Eager to please, Duryodhana agreed and set out in search of a good-hearted person.
Yudhishthira’s Quest
A little later, Yudhishthira entered – he had come to pay respects to his dear cousin whom he venerated.
He bowed to Krishna and said,
“You look so peaceful today! You seem in such a joyful mood that even if the most wicked person stood before you, you would forgive him.”
In reality, Yudhishthira himself was in great peace — he had just forgiven someone that day.
Krishna laughed and said,
“Then that’s exactly what we should do today.”
“Why don’t you go find me a truly wicked person — I’d like to grant him pardon.”
Yudhishthira agreed and set out in search of a wicked soul.
After a Long Search
After a long search, both Duryodhana and Yudhishthira returned empty-handed.
Krishna asked Duryodhana,
“Did you find a good-hearted person?”
Duryodhana shook his head.
“I could not find a single one. Everyone I met had some flaw or the other.”
Then Krishna turned to Yudhishthira.
“And you? Did you find the wicked person?”
Yudhishthira smiled gently.
“I could not find one either. Everyone I met had some goodness in them — in one form or another.”
The Lesson for Our Times
The story carries a simple yet profound lesson – Duryodhana couldn’t see the good in others. Yudhishthira couldn’t see evil. Each was projecting his own state of mind onto the world.
Everyone carries seeds of both good and evil. It depends on what we choose to see — the glass half full or half empty. When we look for potential — not for what people are, but for what they can become — the world begins to change before our eyes.
Jaisi drishti, vaisi srishti.
As the vision, so the creation. Change , and the world will change
As William James observed,
“The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human can alter his life by altering his attitude.”
References
- My Gita — Devdutt Pattanaik
- Dharam Ki Yatra — Giani Jaswant Singh Parwana
Reflection
Have you ever tried looking at the positive side of a problem you faced? How did it change your experience?
The Sabad Project - Wisdom stories 
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