01.087
Aṣṭaka said.
O king, which of these two reaches assimilation with the gods first, as among the Sun and the Moon when both are racing? (01-87-1)
King Yayāti said.
The mendicant, who is self-controlled, not having a fixed abode among householders living by desire and living only in the village, has progressed further than both. (01-87-2)
If one does not attain long life but having encountered adversity undertakes, he should perform austerity; having done that, if he continues, he should then undertake another austerity. (01-87-3)
That which is cruel, they say is unwholesome; he who serves righteousness with wrong judgement. Even a horse that is incapable, and likewise a king—such straightforwardness is not really straightforwardness, such concentration is not concentration, such nobility is not true nobility. (01-87-4)
Aṣṭaka said.
O king, by whom have you, a messenger, been sent today? You are young, garlanded, handsome, splendid. From where have you come, and in which direction? Or perhaps, is there a royal abode (you belong to)? (01-87-5)
King Yayati said.
Having said to you, "I shall fall immediately after," as one whose merit is exhausted enters this earthly hell, cast down from the sky to the earth, the Brahmins and guardians of the worlds urge me. (01-87-6)
But among the virtuous I was protected from falling, for all of them were associated and possessed excellences. Indeed, this boon was obtained by me from Indra for one about to fall onto the earth, O king. (01-87-7)
Ashtaka said.
I ask you, do not fall into the abyss; if the earthly worlds are here for me, or if they abide in the sky or in heaven; I consider you the knower of the domain of that duty. (01-87-8)
King Yayati said;
O lion among kings, know that as many cows, horses, wild animals, beasts, and mountains as there are on the earth, so many worlds are indeed established for you in heaven. (01-87-9)
Aṣṭaka said.
I grant them to you; do not fall into the abyss. Those worlds of mine which exist in heaven, O king of kings, whether they are in the midspace, or situated in heaven, attack them quickly, O subduer of enemies. (01-87-10)
Yayati said.
O king, one such as myself, who is not a Brahmin but a knower of Brahman, should not accept gifts, O best of kings. However, just as gifts are always to be given to the twice-born, so I too formerly accepted, O king. (01-87-11)
A non-brāhmaṇa who is miserable should never live; and even the earth ought to be a Brahmin woman, the wife of a hero. So, when I, desiring to understand, would do what has never been done before, what then is the right thing there? (01-87-12)
Pratardana said;
I ask you, O one of desirable form. I am Pratardana—if there are worlds for me, whether they exist in the atmosphere or in heaven, I consider you the knower of the field for that dharma. (01-87-13)
King Yayāti said.
O king, there are many worlds; for each, even the seven (sacred) days—sprinkled with honey, mixed with ghee, and free from sorrow—those (pleasures) that are not perishable await.
Pratardana said.
I grant them to you, do not fall down the precipice; those worlds which are mine, let them now be yours indeed. Whether they reside in the sky or in heaven, quickly go there, freed from delusion. (01-87-15)
Yayati said.
O king, a person of equal splendor should not desire good deeds only for acquisition and preservation; being a king, even upon facing calamity due to fate, a wise king should never commit a cruel act. (01-87-16)
A king should follow a righteous and glorious path, reflecting and being mindful of righteousness. Someone like me, with a mind set on dharma, should not do to my subjects something as ignoble as you have suggested. (01-87-17)
Vasumanas, the best of kings, thus spoke to King Yayāti: "Should we not do something unprecedented, not done by others? Why should what is right not be attempted there?" (01-87-18)
