Chapter 1: Preface: Overview of the Bhārata, Layered Meanings, and Expansion
Victorious is Vyāsa, the son of Parāśara and the delight of Satyavatī’s heart; the whole world drinks the immortal nectar of literature flowing from the lotus of his mouth.
[PV-KDV:01_001_1] (Bharata)
Ugraśravas, the Suta, son of Lomaharṣaṇa and a reciter of ancient lore, at Kulapati Śaunaka’s twelve-year sacrificial session in the Naimiṣa Forest… (BORI: 1-001-1)
[PV-KDV:01_001_3] (Bharata)
One day, the Suta’s son bowed respectfully and approached the seated Brahmarshis, who were firm in their vows. (BORI: 1-001-2)
[PV-KDV:01_001_4] (Bharata)
When he arrived at the hermitage, the ascetics dwelling in the Naimisha Forest gathered around him there to hear wondrous tales. (BORI: 1-001-3)
[PV-KDV:01_001_5] (Bharata)
With palms joined, he greeted all those sages and asked about the progress of their austerities; the holy men welcomed him in turn. (BORI: 1-001-4)
[PV-KDV:01_001_6] (Bharata)
Then, when all the ascetics had taken their seats, Lomaharshana respectfully took the seat assigned to him. (BORI: 1-001-5)
[PV-KDV:01_001_7] (Bharata)
Then, seeing that he was comfortably seated and rested, one of the sages there began a conversation and asked: (BORI: 1-001-6)
[PV-KDV:01_001_8] (Bharata)
Where have you come from, O Suta, and where have you spent this time, lotus-eyed one? Tell me this, for I ask you. (BORI: 1-001-7)
[PV-KDV:01_001_9] (Bharata)
The Suta said:
[PV-KDV:01_001_10] (Bharata)
At the snake sacrifice of the great royal sage Janamejaya, in the presence of that foremost of kings, the worthy son of Parikshit... (BORI: 1-001-8)
[PV-KDV:01_001_11] (Bharata)
the various, most sacred tales proclaimed by Krishna Dvaipayana and duly recounted by Vaishampayana... (BORI: 1-001-9)
[PV-KDV:01_001_12] (Bharata)
After hearing those stories of varied content contained in the Mahabharata, and visiting many sacred fords and shrines… (BORI: 1-001-10)
[PV-KDV:01_001_13] (Bharata)
I went to the sacred land called Samantapañcaka, frequented by Brahmins, where long ago there was a war... (BORI: 1-001-11)
[PV-KDV:01_001_14] (Bharata)
between the Pandavas, the Kurus, and all the kings. (BORI: 1-001-11)
[PV-KDV:01_001_15] (Bharata)
Wishing to see them, I have therefore come here into your presence. Long-lived ones, I indeed regard you all as having become Brahman. (BORI: 1-001-12)
[PV-KDV:01_001_16] (Bharata)
In this sacrifice, O greatly blessed ones, radiant as the sun and fire, you sit here after performing your ablutions, purified, having recited your prayers and offered oblations into the fire… (BORI: 1-001-13)
[PV-KDV:01_001_17] (Bharata)
You are seated here at ease. What shall I tell you, O Brahmins— (BORI: 1-001-13)
[PV-KDV:01_001_18] (Bharata)
Sacred tales drawn from the Puranas or concerning dharma; the history of kings and great-souled seers? (BORI: 1-001-14)
[PV-KDV:01_001_19] (Bharata)
The seers said:
[PV-KDV:01_001_20] (Bharata)
That Purana which was proclaimed by the great seer Dvaipayana and, upon being heard by the gods and Brahmarshis, was highly esteemed... (BORI: 1-001-15)
[PV-KDV:01_001_21] (Bharata)
of that finest of narratives, with its varied words and sections, endowed with subtle meanings and reasoning, and adorned with the meanings of the Vedas... (BORI: 1-001-16)
[PV-KDV:01_001_22] (Bharata)
the sacred history of the Bhāratas, replete with the meaning of the work, refined, holy, and enriched by many śāstras… (BORI: 1-001-17)
[PV-KDV:01_001_23] (Bharata)
which the sage Vaishampayana accurately and gladly recited to King Janamejaya at the sacrificial session, at Dvaipayana’s command... (BORI: 1-001-18)
[PV-KDV:01_001_24] (Bharata)
We wish to hear that sacred compilation of Vyasa, the performer of wondrous deeds, which is equal to the four Vedas, accords with dharma, and dispels the fear of sin. (BORI: 1-001-19)
[PV-KDV:01_001_25] (Bharata)
The Suta said:
[PV-KDV:01_001_26] (Bharata)
In this lightless, unillumined expanse, enveloped on every side in darkness, there arose a single vast egg, the imperishable seed of all creatures. (BORI: 1-001-27)
[PV-KDV:01_001_34] (Bharata)
At the beginning of the age, they declare it to be the great divine cause, within which, it is said, is that true light, eternal Brahman… (BORI: 1-001-28)
[PV-KDV:01_001_35] (Bharata)
wondrous and inconceivable, equally present everywhere—the unmanifest, subtle cause, that which is of the nature of both being and non-being... (BORI: 1-001-29)
[PV-KDV:01_001_36] (Bharata)
from which was born the Grandfather—the sole lord Prajāpati Brahmā, teacher of the gods—and then Sthāṇu, Manu, Ka, and Parameṣṭhin… (BORI: 1-001-30)
[PV-KDV:01_001_37] (Bharata)
all the abodes of beings, the threefold mystery, the application of the Vedas together with full understanding, and duty, wealth, and pleasure… (BORI: 1-001-46)
[PV-KDV:01_001_53] (Bharata)
The sage saw that treatises on righteousness, desire, and wealth, various other sciences, and the ordering of worldly life had come into being. (BORI: 1-001-47)
[PV-KDV:01_001_54] (Bharata)
Histories with their explanations, and various sacred traditions as well—all this has been covered here, and the character of the work has been stated. (BORI: 1-001-48)
[PV-KDV:01_001_55] (Bharata)
Through austerity and celibacy, Satyavatī’s son arranged the eternal Veda and composed this sacred history. (BORI: 1-001-52)
[PV-KDV:01_001_56] (Bharata)
Having composed that most excellent of narratives, the mighty Dvaipayana reflected, “How shall I teach it here to my disciples?” (KUMB: 1-1-80; NILA: 01.001.055; NILA: 01.001.056)
[PV-KDV:01_001_57] (Bharata)
Knowing what the sage Dvaipayana was pondering, the blessed Brahma, teacher of the world, came there in person. (KUMB: 1-1-81; NILA: 01.001.056; NILA: 01.001.057)
[PV-KDV:01_001_58] (Bharata)
to please that sage and out of a desire for the welfare of the worlds. Seeing him, the sage stood astonished, bowing with joined palms. (KUMB: 1-1-82; NILA: 01.001.057; NILA: 01.001.058)
[PV-KDV:01_001_59] (Bharata)
Surrounded by all the assembled sages, he prepared a seat. (KUMB: 1-1-83; NILA: 01.001.058)
[PV-KDV:01_001_60] (Bharata)
Vasava’s son circumambulated Hiranyagarbha, who was seated on that supreme throne, and then stood nearby. (KUMB: 1-1-84; NILA: 01.001.059)
[PV-KDV:01_001_61] (Bharata)
Then, with the permission of Brahmā, the Supreme Lord, the pure-smiling Kṛṣṇa sat down nearby, filled with delight. (KUMB: 1-1-85; NILA: 01.001.060)
[PV-KDV:01_001_62] (Bharata)
Hey
[PV-KDV:01_001_63] (Bharata)
O Brahmā, the secret of the Veda and whatever else I have set forth, as well as a detailed exposition of the Vedas together with their ancillary disciplines and Upaniṣads... (KUMB: 1-1-87; NILA: 01.001.062)
[PV-KDV:01_001_64] (Bharata)
By the lamp of history, which dispels the veil of delusion, the whole inner chamber of the world has been illuminated just as it is. (KUMB: 1-1-103; NILA: 01.001.087)
[PV-KDV:01_001_65] (Bharata)
with the Saṃgraha chapter as its seed, the Pauloma and Astika as its roots, the Sambhava as its spreading trunk, and the Sabha Parvan as its boughs… (KUMB: 1-1-104; NILA: 01.001.088)
[PV-PAN:01_001_66] (Bharata)
luxuriant in the form of the Aranyaka Parvan, with the Virata and Udyoga Parvans as its heartwood, the Bhishma Parvan as its great branch, and the Drona Parvan as its leaves... (KUMB: 1-1-105; NILA: 01.001.089)
[PV-PAN:01_001_67] (Bharata)
with white flowers in the form of the Karṇa Parvan, fragrant with the Śalya Parvan; with the Strī and Aiṣīka Parvans as its resting place, and the Śānti Parvan as its great fruit... (KUMB: 1-1-106; NILA: 01.001.090)
[PV-PAN:01_001_68] (Bharata)
with the Aśvamedha as its nectar-like sap, the Āśramasthāna as its abode, and the Mausala as its epitome of sacred tradition, frequented by learned Brahmins… (KUMB: 1-1-107; NILA: 01.001.091)
[PV-PAN:01_001_69] (Bharata)
The inexhaustible, mighty tree will sustain all the foremost poets, just as Parjanya sustains living beings. (KUMB: 1-1-108; NILA: 01.001.092)
[PV-PAN:01_001_70] (Bharata)
O sage, call Ganesha to mind so that he may write the poem. (KUMB: 1-1-109; NILA: 01.001.074)
[PV-KDV:01_001_71] (Bharata)
Having spoken to him thus, the blessed Brahmā, creator of the world, departed for his own abode together with the hosts of seers and gods. (KUMB: 1-1-110; NILA: 01.001.074)
[PV-KDV:01_001_72] (Bharata)
Then Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, called Heramba to mind. (KUMB: 1-1-111; NILA: 01.001.075)
[PV-KDV:01_001_73] (Bharata)
As soon as he was remembered, Ganesha, the Lord of Obstacles who fulfills his devotees’ wishes, came to the place where Vedavyasa was staying. (KUMB: 1-1-112; NILA: 01.001.075; NILA: 01.001.076)
[PV-KDV:01_001_74] (Bharata)
After he had been honored and had taken his seat, Vyasa addressed him, O sinless one: “Leader of the Ganas, be the scribe of this Bharata, conceived in my mind and recited by me.” (KUMB: 1-1-113; NILA: 01.001.076; NILA: 01.001.077)
[PV-KDV:01_001_75] (Bharata)
Hearing this, Vighnesha said, “If my pen does not pause for even a moment as I write, then I shall indeed be the scribe.” (KUMB: 1-1-114; NILA: 01.001.078)
[PV-KDV:01_001_76] (Bharata)
Vyāsa in turn said to the god, “Never write anything without understanding it.” Saying “Om,” Gaṇeśa then became his scribe. (KUMB: 1-1-115; NILA: 01.001.079)
[PV-KDV:01_001_77] (Bharata)
Then, out of curiosity, the sage fashioned an obscure knot in the text, concerning which the sage Dvaipayana made this declaration: (KUMB: 1-1-116; NILA: 01.001.080)
[PV-KDV:01_001_78] (Bharata)
I know eight thousand eight hundred verses; Śuka knows them, and Saṃjaya may or may not know them. (KUMB: 1-1-117; NILA: 01.001.081)
[PV-KDV:01_001_79] (Bharata)
Even today, O sage, that knot of verses remains firmly tied and cannot be unraveled because its meaning is obscure and compressed. (KUMB: 1-1-118; NILA: 01.001.082)
[PV-KDV:01_001_80] (Bharata)
While even the all-knowing Ganesha paused for a moment to consider it, Vyasa composed many other verses. (KUMB: 1-1-119; NILA: 01.001.083)
[PV-KDV:01_001_81] (Bharata)
I shall describe the growth of that tree—its branches, flowers, and fruit—filled with sweet, wholesome sap and impossible even for the immortals to cut down. (KUMB: 1-1-120; NILA: 01.001.093)
[PV-KDV:01_001_82] (Bharata)
Dvaipāyana first taught this to his son Śuka; then the master imparted it to other worthy disciples. (BORI: 1-001-63)
[PV-KDV:01_001_83] (Bharata)
When questioned by Janamejaya and by Brahmins in their thousands, he instructed his disciple Vaishampayana, who was seated nearby. (BORI: 1-001-57)
[PV-KDV:01_001_84] (Bharata)
Seated with the assembly, he recited the Bharata during intervals in the sacrifice, prompted again and again. (BORI: 1-001-58)
[PV-KDV:01_001_85] (Bharata)
He composed the Bhārata collection in twenty-four thousand verses; the learned say that this is the extent of the Bhārata without the subsidiary tales. (BORI: 1-001-61)
[PV-KDV:01_001_86] (Bharata)
After expounding this great body of knowledge at length, the sage also presented it in brief; for learned people in this world value both concise and detailed accounts. (BORI: 1-001-49)
[PV-KDV:01_001_87] (Bharata)
Some Brahmins study the Bharata properly from the story of Manu onward, others from the story of Astika, and still others from the story of Uparicara. (BORI: 1-001-50)
[PV-KDV:01_001_88] (Bharata)
The learned illuminate the diverse lore of the compilation; some are skilled at expounding it, while others can commit the text to memory. (BORI: 1-001-51)
[PV-KDV:01_001_89] (Bharata)
Then the sage made a further abridgment in one hundred and fifty verses: the Anukramaṇī chapter, covering the events together with their books. (BORI: 1-001-62)
[PV-KDV:01_001_90] (Bharata)
The learned son of Parāśara, a righteous Brahmarṣi of strict vows, at the behest of his mother and of the wise son of Gaṅgā… (BORI: 1-001-53)
[PV-PAN:01_001_91] (Bharata)
Long ago, the powerful Krishna Dvaipayana fathered three Kauravas, like three fires, in the field of Vicitravirya. (BORI: 1-001-54)
[PV-PAN:01_001_92] (Bharata)
After begetting Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and Vidura, the wise man returned once more to his hermitage to practice austerities. (BORI: 1-001-55)
[PV-PAN:01_001_93] (Bharata)
When they had been born, grown up, and passed on to the highest state, the great seer recounted the Bharata in this human world. (BORI: 1-001-56)
[PV-PAN:01_001_94] (Bharata)
Dvaipayana gave a full account of the Kuru lineage, Gandhari’s righteousness, the Kshattri’s wisdom, and Kunti’s steadfastness. (BORI: 1-001-59)
[PV-PAN:01_001_95] (Bharata)
The blessed sage recounted Vasudeva’s greatness, the Pandavas’ truthfulness, and the wicked conduct of Dhritarashtra’s sons. (BORI: 1-001-60)
[PV-PAN:01_001_99] (Bharata)
Nārada recited it to the gods, Asita Devala to the ancestors, and Śuka recited it to the Gandharvas, Yakṣas, and Rākṣasas. (BORI: 1-001-64)
[PV-PAN:01_001_100] (Bharata)
Duryodhana is a great tree made of wrath; Karna is its trunk, Shakuni its branches, and Duhshasana its abundant flowers and fruits. Its root is the unwise King Dhritarashtra. (BORI: 1-001-65)
[PV-PAN:01_001_101] (Bharata)
In Yudhishthira stands the great tree of dharma: Arjuna is its trunk, Bhimasena its branches, and the two sons of Madri its abundant flowers and fruit; Krishna, Brahman, and the Brahmins are its roots. (KUMB: 1-1-129; NILA: 01.001.111)
[PV-PAN:01_001_102] (Bharata)
Having conquered many lands through warfare and valor, Pandu lived in the forest with his retinue, devoting himself to hunting. (KUMB: 1-1-130; NILA: 01.001.112)
[PV-PAN:01_001_103] (Bharata)
By killing a deer while it was mating, he met with a grievous calamity. There follows the ordered account of the Pārthas’ conduct and rites from their birth onward… (KUMB: 1-1-131; NILA: 01.001.113)
[PV-PAN:01_001_104] (Bharata)
The two mothers’ acceptance of the secret teaching on dharma, and how she, desiring sons, invoked Dharma, Anila, and Indra by means of them… (KUMB: 1-1-132)
[PV-PAN:01_001_105] (Bharata)
Then Pṛthā, dear to her husband and privy to the secret teaching of dharma, invoked Dharma, Wind, and Indra by those means, longing for sons. (KUMB: 1-1-133)
[PV-PAN:01_001_106] (Bharata)
Madri, having been given that secret formula, also invoked the Ashvins. Thus all the Parthas were born through the mantras of Kunti and Madri, and were raised among ascetics under the protection of their two mothers... (KUMB: 1-1-134)
[PV-PAN:01_001_107] (Bharata)
in pure and sacred forests and in the hermitages of great sages. When all those noble sons of Pandu had been born, (KUMB: 1-1-135)
[PV-PAN:01_001_108] (Bharata)
And the coming of Dharma, Vayu, Shakra, and likewise the twin gods, the Ashvins, to the two mothers in accordance with the secret teaching of dharma; (BORI: 1-001-69)
[PV-PAN:01_001_109] (Bharata)
raised among ascetics and protected by their two mothers in pure, holy forests and in the hermitages of great sages; (BORI: 1-001-70)
[PV-PAN:01_001_110] (Bharata)
But after having intercourse with Madri, Pandu died on the great and most sacred mountain Shatashringa, through the power of the sage’s curse. (KUMB: 1-1-136)
[PV-PAN:01_001_111] (Bharata)
The seers themselves then brought them to the sons of Dhritarashtra. They were handsome young boys, celibate students with matted hair. (BORI: 1-001-71)
[PV-PAN:01_001_112] (Bharata)
“These Pandavas are your sons and brothers, your disciples and friends.” Having said this, the sages vanished. (BORI: 1-001-72)
[PV-PAN:01_001_113] (Bharata)
Seeing the Pandavas presented by those sages, the Kauravas and the respectable townspeople of every class cried out loudly for joy. (BORI: 1-001-73)
[PV-PAN:01_001_114] (Bharata)
Some said, “These are not his sons,” while others said, “They are indeed his.” Still others said, “Since Pandu died long ago, how can they be his?” (BORI: 1-001-74)
[PV-PAN:01_001_115] (Bharata)
Then, at an assembly of kings, Arjuna accomplished an exceedingly difficult feat and won Krishna, the maiden who was choosing her own husband. (BORI: 1-001-82)
[PV-PAN:01_001_123] (Bharata)
From that time onward, he was honored in this world above all bowmen and became as difficult to look upon as the sun, even in battle. (BORI: 1-001-83)
[PV-PAN:01_001_124] (Bharata)
Having conquered all the kings and all the great confederacies, Arjuna secured for the king the great Rājasūya sacrifice. (BORI: 1-001-84)
[PV-PAN:01_001_125] (Bharata)
Yudhishthira accomplished the great Rajasuya sacrifice, abundant in food and sacrificial gifts and endowed with every excellence. (BORI: 1-001-85)
[PV-PAN:01_001_126] (Bharata)
Through Vasudeva’s wise counsel and the strength of Bhima and Arjuna, after having Jarasandha and the strength-proud Caidya slain… (BORI: 1-001-86)
[PV-PAN:01_001_127] (Bharata)
Then offerings came to Duryodhana from every quarter: precious stones, gold, and jewels, as well as wealth in cattle, elephants, and horses; (BORI: 1-001-87)
[PV-PAN:01_001_128] (Bharata)
and garments of various kinds, cloaks and coverings, costly blankets and hides, and coverlets made from the wool of the ranku deer. (KUMB: 1-1-154; NILA: 01.001.133)
[PV-PAN:01_001_129] (Bharata)
Seeing then the Pāṇḍavas’ abundant prosperity, a tremendous anger born of envy arose in him. (BORI: 1-001-88)
[PV-PAN:01_001_130] (Bharata)
He was tormented at the sight of the splendid assembly hall, resembling a celestial palace, which Maya had built and presented to the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-001-89)
[PV-PAN:01_001_131] (Bharata)
where, as he stumbled in confusion, Bhima had laughed at him like a man of low birth, in Vasudeva’s presence. (BORI: 1-001-90)
[PV-PAN:01_001_132] (Bharata)
Though enjoying many kinds of pleasures and various jewels, he was described to Dhritarashtra as wan, sallow, and emaciated. (BORI: 1-001-91)
[PV-PAN:01_001_133] (Bharata)
Then Dhritarashtra, devoted to his son, gave permission for the dice game. On hearing this, Vasudeva became exceedingly angry. (BORI: 1-001-92)
[PV-PAN:01_001_134] (Bharata)
Though not greatly pleased, he condoned the disputes and ignored the dreadful practices beginning with gambling, even as they escalated. (BORI: 1-001-93)
[PV-PAN:01_001_135] (Bharata)
Casting aside Vidura, Drona, Bhishma, and Kripa, son of Sharadvat, he destroyed the warrior class through mutual slaughter in that tumultuous conflict. (BORI: 1-001-94)
[PV-PAN:01_001_136] (Bharata)
Hearing the deeply unwelcome news that the sons of Pandu were victorious, and learning the views of Duryodhana, Karna, and Shakuni as well... (BORI: 1-001-95)
[PV-PAN:01_001_137] (Bharata)
After pondering for a long time, Dhritarashtra said to Sanjaya: (BORI: 1-001-95)
[PV-PAN:01_001_138] (Bharata)
Listen, Sanjaya, to all that I have to say, and do not find fault with me. You are learned, discerning, intelligent, and esteemed by the wise. (BORI: 1-001-96)
[PV-PAN:01_001_139] (Bharata)
My mind is not set on conflict, nor do I delight in the destruction of the Kurus. I make no distinction between my own sons and the sons of Pandu. (BORI: 1-001-97)
[PV-PAN:01_001_140] (Bharata)
My wrathful sons resent me because I am old; but blind and weak-hearted, I endure it out of love for my sons. (BORI: 1-001-98)
[PV-PAN:01_001_141] (Bharata)
And I share in the delusion of the witless Duryodhana as he goes astray. (BORI: 1-001-98)
[PV-PAN:01_001_142] (Bharata)
Having seen at the Rājasūya the splendor of the mighty Pāṇḍava and having been subjected to ridicule at the sight of his entrance into the assembly hall... (BORI: 1-001-99)
[PV-PAN:01_001_143] (Bharata)
Unable to bear it, yet powerless to defeat the Pandavas himself in battle and lacking the resolve to attain such prosperity, like one who was no Kshatriya… (BORI: 1-001-100)
[PV-PAN:01_001_144] (Bharata)
Together with the king of Gandhara, he planned a deceitful dice game. (BORI: 1-001-100)
[PV-PAN:01_001_145] (Bharata)
Sanjaya, listen to everything I have learned there, just as it happened. For when you have heard my words, grounded in reason and truth... (BORI: 1-001-101)
[PV-PAN:01_001_146] (Bharata)
Then, O son of a Suta, you will know me to be what is called “one whose eye is wisdom.” (BORI: 1-001-101)
[PV-PAN:01_001_147] (Bharata)
Gandhari is to be pitied, bereft of her sons and grandsons, as are the widows, bereft of their fathers and brothers. The sons of Pandu have accomplished a difficult task, and they have regained a kingdom free of rivals. (BORI: 1-001-157)
[PV-PAN:01_001_219] (Bharata)
Alas, I have heard that only ten survived the battle—three on our side and seven on the Pandavas’—while eighteen armies were struck down in that conflict among the Kshatriyas. (BORI: 1-001-158)
[PV-PAN:01_001_220] (Bharata)
I am engulfed in darkness, and bewilderment seems to overcome me. I cannot regain my senses, Suta; my mind seems to reel. (BORI: 1-001-159)
[PV-PAN:01_001_221] (Bharata)
Having spoken thus, Dhritarashtra lamented in deep distress and fainted. When he had recovered, he said to Sanjaya: (BORI: 1-001-160)
[PV-PAN:01_001_222] (Bharata)
Sanjaya, now that matters have come to this, I wish to give up my life without delay, for I see not even the slightest benefit in continuing to live. (BORI: 1-001-161)
[PV-PAN:01_001_223] (Bharata)
The wretched king, speaking thus and lamenting, sighing like a serpent and repeatedly losing consciousness… (KUMB: 1-1-246; NILA: 01.001.221)
[PV-PAN:01_001_224] (Bharata)
To the despondent king, who was speaking and lamenting in this way, the wise son of Gavalgana spoke these profoundly significant words: (BORI: 1-001-162)
[PV-PAN:01_001_225] (Bharata)
Your sons were wicked, inflamed by anger, greedy, and overwhelmingly prone to misconduct. You should not grieve for them. (BORI: 1-001-183)
[PV-PAN:01_001_246] (Bharata)
You are learned, discerning, intelligent, and esteemed by the wise. Those whose understanding follows the teachings do not fall into delusion, descendant of Bharata. (BORI: 1-001-184)
[PV-PAN:01_001_247] (Bharata)
You also understand restraint and favor, O king. It is said that one should not go to extremes in protecting one’s sons. (BORI: 1-001-185)
[PV-PAN:01_001_248] (Bharata)
It was destined to be so; therefore you should not grieve. Who can avert fate through superior wisdom? (BORI: 1-001-186)
[PV-PAN:01_001_249] (Bharata)
No one can overstep the path ordained by the Creator. All this is rooted in time—existence and nonexistence, happiness and unhappiness. (BORI: 1-001-187)
[PV-PAN:01_001_250] (Bharata)
Time ripens all beings; time destroys all creatures. And time in turn extinguishes time as it burns up creatures. (BORI: 1-001-188)
[PV-PAN:01_001_251] (Bharata)
Time transforms all conditions in the world, both good and bad. Time gathers up all creatures and sends them forth again. (BORI: 1-001-189)
[PV-PAN:01_001_252] (Bharata)
Time keeps watch while others sleep, for Time is difficult to overcome. Time moves impartially among all beings, unhindered. (KUMB: 1-1-275; NILA: 01.001.250)
[PV-PAN:01_001_253] (Bharata)
Time moves equally among all beings, unchecked. (BORI: 1-001-189)
[PV-PAN:01_001_254] (Bharata)
The Suta said:
[PV-PAN:01_001_256] (Bharata)
Having thus consoled King Dhritarashtra, who was tormented by grief for his sons, the Suta, son of Gavalgana, restored him to composure. (KUMB: 1-1-277; NILA: 01.001.252)
[PV-PAN:01_001_257] (Bharata)
Having heard this, Dhritarashtra too took refuge in fortitude, thinking, “By fate this has come to pass”—that wisest of men. (KUMB: 1-1-278)
[PV-PAN:01_001_258] (Bharata)
Asceticism is not sinful; study is not sinful; the natural ordinance of the Veda is not sinful; forcibly seizing wealth is not sinful. But those very things are sinful when corrupted by one’s motives. (BORI: 1-001-210)
[PV-PAN:01_001_280] (Bharata)
This entire Bhārata has been set forth through the summary of its books. Eighteen armies assembled, eager for battle, and that great and terrible war lasted eighteen days. (BORI: 1-002-234)
[PV-PAN:01_001_562] (Bharata)
A twice-born man who knew the four Vedas, together with their ancillary disciplines and the Upanishads, but did not know this narrative, would not be truly learned. (BORI: 1-002-235)
[PV-KDV:01_001_563] (Bharata)
After hearing this tale, one takes no pleasure in hearing any other—just as, after hearing the male cuckoo’s song, one finds the crow’s harsh voice unpleasing. (BORI: 1-002-236)
[PV-PAN:01_001_564] (Bharata)
From this finest of histories arise the inspirations of poets, just as the three realms of the world arise from the five elements. (BORI: 1-002-237)
[PV-PAN:01_001_565] (Bharata)
The Purana lies within the compass of this narrative, O twice-born ones, just as the four kinds of creatures dwell within the realm of space. (BORI: 1-002-238)
[PV-PAN:01_001_566] (Bharata)
This narrative is the basis of all actions and qualities, just as the manifold activity of the mind is the basis of all the senses. (BORI: 1-002-239)
[PV-KDV:01_001_567] (Bharata)
No tale exists on earth that does not draw upon this narrative, just as the body cannot be sustained without food. (BORI: 1-002-240)
[PV-KDV:01_001_568] (Bharata)
All the finest poets draw sustenance from this narrative, just as servants seeking advancement depend upon a noble lord. (BORI: 1-002-241)
[PV-PAN:01_001_569] (Bharata)
What need has one who listens to the immeasurable, holy, purifying, sin-destroying, and auspicious Bharata as it is recited—issued from Dvaipayana’s lips—to bathe in the waters of Pushkara? (BORI: 1-002-242)
[PV-PAN:01_001_570] (Bharata)
This great, unsurpassed narrative, profound in meaning, has been set out here in a summary of its books. Once people have heard this at the outset, it becomes easy for them to enter, like the vast ocean of salt water with a boat. (BORI: 1-002-243)
[PV-KDV:01_001_571] (Bharata)