Jnana Yoga

Krishna resolved Arjunas impossible dilemma of having to kill his brother for insulting his bow, teaching that rigid vows require contextual wisdom.

A mouse allied with a cat to escape a trap, then wisely refused friendship afterward, teaching that circumstances dictate relationships.

Bhishma advised grief-stricken Yudhishthira that engaging in meaningful activities naturally replaces painful memories.

Despite being a scholar and devotee, Ravanas arrogance and uncontrolled desires led to destruction. Knowledge without wisdom leads to ruin.

Brothers became enemies through misunderstanding. Ego and lack of communication destroy relationships.

Sita entered fire to prove her purity. Agni himself emerged carrying her unharmed, demonstrating truth always triumphs.

Maricha disguised as a golden deer lured Rama away, enabling Sitas abduction. The story warns that desires for beautiful illusions lead to catastrophe.

Mandodari repeatedly warned Ravana to return Sita. Her wisdom went unheeded. Speaking truth to power matters even when ignored.

Sitas twin sons captured Ramas horse and sang the Ramayana in his court, leading to recognition. Virtue persists despite circumstances.

Young Nachiketa, sent to Death by his angry father, waits three days at Yama's abode. Granted three boons, he refuses wealth and pleasures, persisting in asking about death's mystery. Yama reveals the eternal Self (Atman) is unborn and undying - immortality comes through Self-knowledge, not rituals.

Satyakama honestly admits to sage Gautama that he doesn't know his father. Impressed by his truthfulness, Gautama accepts him, declaring only a true Brahmin would speak such truth. While tending cows, Satyakama receives teachings about Brahman from a bull, fire, swan, and bird.

When Yajnavalkya prepares to renounce worldly life, wife Maitreyi rejects wealth, asking instead for immortality. Yajnavalkya teaches that all love is really love for one's own Self, and immortality comes through knowing the Self, described as 'neti neti' - beyond all descriptions.

Prajapati teaches the same syllable 'Da' to gods, humans, and demons. Each interprets according to their nature: gods hear 'Damyata' (self-control), humans hear 'Datta' (charity), demons hear 'Dayadhvam' (compassion). Wisdom is tailored to the listener's disposition.

At King Janaka's philosophical debate, Yajnavalkya defeats all challengers including Gargi. He explains consciousness as the unchanging witness of waking, dreaming, and deep sleep states. When external lights are absent, 'the Self indeed is his light' - culminating in non-dual vision.

King Janashruti learns from passing swans about a humble sage named Raikva with greater knowledge. Despite offering wealth, Raikva initially dismisses him. Only when the king approaches with humility does Raikva teach the Samvarga Vidya - that Air and Prana are the ultimate absorbers.

Despite mastering all sciences, sage Narada lacks inner peace. Sanatkumara guides him through 15 progressive stages - from Name through Speech, Mind, to Space and beyond - culminating in Bhuma (the Infinite). Happiness exists only in the Infinite, not in finite things.

Two birds sit on the same tree (body). One bird (individual self) eats sweet and bitter fruits (karma). The other bird (witness consciousness) simply watches. Liberation comes when the lower bird realizes its true identity as the watching self, free from pleasure and pain.

After winning a battle, the vain gods encounter a mysterious Yaksha (Brahman). Agni and Vayu fail to burn or move a blade of grass. When Indra approaches, goddess Uma appears to reveal that Brahman, not the gods, is the true source of all power.

King Alarka, facing adversity, seeks guidance from Sage Dattatreya who teaches Jnana Yoga - attachment is the root of suffering, ego obscures liberation. Alarka attains enlightenment, renounces his kingdom, and departs for the forest.

King Vikramaditya must carry a corpse possessed by a Vetala who tells riddles. Each tale presents a moral dilemma the king must solve. Classic framework teaching discernment.