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Writing a blog might seem easy, but achieving success in blogging requires dedication and skill. To become a successful blogger, you need to develop certain key abilities. As a devoted follower of the Mahabharata, I decided to explore blogging lessons inspired by this ancient epic. It may sound unusual, but there are valuable insights to be gained!
The Mahabharata is a treasure trove of wisdom and valuable lessons that can be applied not only to our personal lives but also to blogging and various other fields. The characters in this ancient Indian epic offer insights that go far beyond the narrative, helping us improve our blogging skills and navigate life’s challenges.
For those who might be unfamiliar, the Mahabharata is a central text in Indian mythology and literature. It chronicles the epic battle between two families—the Pandavas and the Kauravas—fighting for control of the throne of Hastinapura. While it is both a historical and religious text, the Mahabharata is also rich in philosophy and strategic wisdom, making it relevant even today. One of its most important sections, the Bhagavad Gita, contains profound insights into spirituality and life, delivered by Lord Krishna to the Pandava prince Arjuna.
In essence, the Mahabharata is not just a story of war but also an exploration of moral dilemmas, duty, and human nature, with Lord Krishna providing strategic guidance without resorting to violence. As we explore the lessons from this epic, you’ll find how these teachings can enhance your approach to blogging and offer deeper reflections on life.
Now that we have a brief understanding of the Mahabharata, let’s delve into the top 10 lessons that stand out as especially valuable.
1) Quality Over Quantity (Krishna vs Narayani Sena)
A key lesson from the Mahabharata for bloggers is the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity. Before the epic battle, both the Pandavas and Kauravas sought assistance from the Yadavas. Krishna offered to help without weapons, while Duryodhana chose the formidable Narayani Sena, Krishna’s powerful army, due to its sheer numbers. Arjuna, however, selected Krishna, despite his lack of weapons. Krishna’s strategic guidance ultimately led the Pandavas to victory, demonstrating that quality and strategy can triumph over mere numbers.
This principle holds in blogging as well. It’s far more effective to focus on producing fewer high-quality posts than to publish many low-quality articles. A single, well-researched, and engaging post can attract more readers and perform better in search engine rankings than multiple subpar pieces. You’ve probably heard the phrase “Content is King”—though it may sound overused, it’s undeniably accurate. High-quality content is the cornerstone of successful blogging.
The same applies to backlinks. Focusing on obtaining high-quality backlinks is far more valuable than just accumulating a large number. Many bloggers, including myself, have made the mistake of buying cheap backlinks, which can seriously harm a blog’s reputation and SEO performance. I had to go through the hassle of disputing those backlinks to recover from the damage. So, always aim for relevant, authoritative backlinks to boost your blog’s credibility and rankings.
2) Learning Never Ends
Another important lesson from the Mahabharata is that learning is an ongoing journey. The Pandavas and Kauravas both began their education under Guru Drona at an early age. However, while the Kauravas became complacent, the Pandavas constantly sought new knowledge and skills. Arjuna, for example, acquired divine weapons from Indra and learned the powerful Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva. Similarly, Bhima gained immense strength by worshipping Lord Hanuman. This constant pursuit of self-improvement played a vital role in their ultimate success.
In blogging, this lesson highlights the importance of continuous learning. To succeed, you must stay updated on new trends, tools, and techniques in the ever-evolving digital world. Even small updates or new skills can significantly enhance your blog and create new opportunities. By remaining curious and adaptable, you can improve your content and stay ahead of the competition in the fast-paced blogging landscape.
3) Networking is Power (Have Powerful Allies)
Networking is essential for any business model, and having strong, loyal allies can make all the difference. In the Mahabharata, the Kauravas were powerful and ruled a prosperous kingdom, Hastinapura, but the Pandavas had neither wealth nor a kingdom. However, both sides sought alliances with other kingdoms before the battle to strengthen their positions, showcasing the importance of building valuable connections
In the Mahabharata, the Kauravas managed to secure a few alliances based on old connections, such as Gandhara (Shakuni), Sindhu (Jayadrath), and Shalya (whom they deceived). On the other hand, despite having limited resources, the Pandavas forged powerful alliances with key kingdoms. They gained support from Panchala (via Draupadi’s marriage), Dwarka (through Arjuna’s marriage to Subhadra), Matsya (through Abhimanyu’s marriage to Uttara), and the Rakshasas (through Bhima’s marriage to Hidimba). This network of loyal allies played a vital role in their success during the war, proving the power of strong alliances in achieving victory.
The key lesson here is to build a network with the right people and broaden your influence. Connect with individuals who share your goals and passions. Networking is an essential takeaway from the Mahabharata for bloggers. If you’re finding it challenging to network, try joining online communities that align with your blog’s niche and actively engage with fellow bloggers. Guest posting on other blogs and inviting contributions to your own can also boost your network. Leverage social media to connect with like-minded individuals and grow your reach.
4) Half of Knowledge Is Dangerous
The Mahabharata teaches a powerful lesson through the story of Abhimanyu and the Chakravyuha. Duryodhana, determined to kill Abhimanyu, set up this deadly battle formation, which was designed to end the war quickly. Abhimanyu knew how to enter the formation but lacked the knowledge to exit it. Despite being at a disadvantage, he bravely chose to break the Chakravyuha to protect his army. His courage was commendable, but his lack of complete knowledge ultimately led to his tragic demise at the hands of several powerful Kaurava warriors. This story emphasizes the importance of complete knowledge and preparation.
This story highlights that success hinges on careful preparation and a complete understanding of the task at hand. When venturing into new strategies, such as buying blog services, investing in ads (which can sometimes be deceptive), or making significant changes to your blog, it’s important to proceed with caution.
Abhimanyu’s story also emphasizes that dedication often surpasses raw ability. Even when you’re not fully prepared, a deep commitment to your goals can still lead to remarkable success.
5) Passion Always Find Success
Karna’s story illustrates how passion and determination can help overcome any obstacle. Despite being abandoned by his mother, Kunti, and facing rejection from society due to his lower caste status, Karna never gave up on his dream of mastering archery. Even though he was initially denied the opportunity to learn, his relentless drive led him to Lord Parashurama, who taught him divine skills and archery. Karna became a formidable warrior, rivalling Arjuna in strength and skill. This teaches us that passion and perseverance can help us triumph over challenges.
In conclusion, Karna’s life serves as a profound reminder that passion and perseverance can lead to success, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Despite being bound by fate and encountering numerous obstacles, his relentless commitment to his goals propelled him to greatness. This teaches us the importance of pursuing our passions with dedication, no matter the hurdles. For bloggers, this means continually experimenting with fresh strategies, tools, and content. Stay focused on your blogging goals, and with consistent effort, your blog will flourish and reach new heights.
6) Using Illegal Techniques Can’t Help You Win
Shakuni, the cunning mastermind behind the Kauravas, was relentless in his pursuit of his objectives, often resorting to unscrupulous methods. His singular focus was to see Duryodhana crowned as the King of Hastinapura, and to achieve this, he employed numerous deceitful tactics. These included plotting to burn the Pandavas alive in a wax palace, poisoning Bheema, manipulating dice games to trap the Pandavas in servitude, and publicly shaming Draupadi. Despite his many underhanded schemes, Shakuni’s efforts ultimately proved futile in the face of the Pandavas’ resilience during the Mahabharata war.
The Pandavas were guided by Lord Krishna, who served as their primary strategist and advisor. His profound wisdom and tactical expertise played a pivotal role in securing their victory in the Kurukshetra war of the Mahabharata.
A crucial blogging lesson from the Mahabharata is the importance of avoiding shortcuts and unethical methods. Just as Shakuni’s deceitful strategies ultimately failed, using Black Hat SEO techniques like keyword stuffing, cloaking, or purchasing fake traffic can harm your blog over time. While these tactics may yield short-term gains, they often result in penalties from search engines. Instead, prioritize White Hat SEO practices, such as incorporating LSI keywords and building authentic backlinks. While these approaches may take longer to produce results, they ensure long-term success and a stronger, more reliable blog.
7) Teamwork and Correct Task Assignment
Building a team is one thing, but fostering effective teamwork and assigning tasks properly is what truly matters. This principle is reflected in the Mahabharata. The Kauravas had a powerful team, with formidable warriors like Bhishma Pitamah, Guru Drona, and Angraaj Karna, who were nearly invincible. However, despite their strength, the Kauravas lost the war due to a lack of unity and a shared objective. Bhishma and Drona hesitated to kill the Pandavas, only aiming to capture them, while Karna’s focus was solely on defeating Arjuna. His vow to Kunti not to harm the other Pandavas further undermined their collective strength and weakened their chances of victory.
In contrast, the Pandavas had a unified goal and a clear task division. Every member of their team was dedicated to the same purpose—winning the war. This strong sense of unity and well-defined responsibilities played a key role in their ultimate success.
- Shikhandi was fated to be the one to slay Bheeshma, a destiny granted by a boon from Lord Shiva.
- Drishtadyumna was fated to kill Guru Drona, as he was born with the sole purpose of fulfilling that destiny.
- Arjuna was destined to be the one to slay Karna.
- Bheem had sworn to eliminate all the Kauravas, and this responsibility was entrusted to him.
- Yudhishtra, Nakul, and Sahdev were responsible for defeating the enemy’s army and handling other tasks according to their unique talents and skills.
Their outstanding teamwork was the key to their triumph in the legendary war.
The key takeaway is that building an effective team starts with selecting the right people. In a team, it’s crucial to recognize each individual’s unique strengths and assign tasks based on those skills. Everyone brings something valuable to the table. In the world of blogging, we often collaborate as a team, with various members handling tasks like writing, social media management, marketing, and more. The success of the team relies on everyone working towards a shared goal and utilizing their skills to contribute to the overall achievement.
8) Keep Your Words & Promises
Karna was renowned for his immense kindness and generosity, earning him the title “Danveer” for his selfless acts of charity. Each day, after his morning prayers and Surya Namaskaram, he would willingly give away anything requested of him without hesitation. Karna possessed divine armour (Kavacha and Kundalas), a gift from the Sun God, which provided him with protection during battle. Despite this armour being vital for his survival and possibly ensuring victory for the Kauravas, Karna selflessly gave it away to Indra, who had disguised himself as a beggar. Touched by Karna’s unwavering generosity, Indra bestowed upon him a mighty weapon, the vajra.
This story highlights the importance of honouring our promises. As a blogger, this lesson holds great significance. When promoting affiliate products, we must place honesty and the welfare of our audience above short-term gains. It’s essential to recommend only those products we have personally used or are certain will add value to our readers. Upholding our words and commitments is key to preserving trust and integrity in our work.
9) Motivation Is the Key To Success
Motivation is one of the fundamental lessons we can draw from the Mahabharata. It shows that with genuine motivation, you can overcome obstacles and reach your goals. Motivation acts as the driving force that fuels your pursuit of success and is crucial for achieving your ambitions. Everyone has their unique sources of motivation, whether it’s setting rewards for accomplishments or finding powerful reasons to succeed. This motivation keeps you focused and determined, no matter how difficult the path may be.
10) Sometimes Smaller Sacrifices Have To Be Made
After Arjuna, with Lord Krishna’s guidance, defeated Jayadratha, the Kauravas launched a night attack on the Pandavas’ camp with the intent of eliminating Arjuna. Karna, armed with a deadly weapon given by Indra, had the means to kill Arjuna, and the Kauravas were determined to bring Arjuna before him at any cost. Aware of their plan, Krishna instructed Bheema to seek the assistance of his mighty son, Gatotkachcha. Gatotkachcha unleashed chaos on the Kaurava army, forcing Karna to use the devastating weapon on him instead of Arjuna. Krishna’s brilliant strategy led to sacrificing Gatotkachcha to save Arjuna’s life.
The tools and resources I recommend and use include SEMrush, Genesis Framework, WP Rocket, Grammarly, OptinMonster, Long Tail Pro, and the Revive Old Post Plugin. Don’t hesitate to make short-term sacrifices if they help you achieve long-term, greater success.
That wraps up this article. While the Mahabharata offers many more valuable blogging lessons, adding them would make the article too lengthy. I hope you found it enjoyable. Feel free to share it on social media, and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Conclusion
The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics ever, provides timeless wisdom that can be applied to many aspects of life, including blogging. From emphasizing quality over quantity to highlighting the importance of continuous learning, teamwork, and ethical practices, the lessons from this epic are invaluable. By incorporating these principles into your blogging journey, you can build a successful, sustainable, and ethical blog that resonates with your audience and stands the test of time. Remember, perseverance, strategy, and integrity are the keys to achieving victory, just as they were in the Mahabharata.
