01.133
Core:Pandavas depart to Varanavrata.
Vaiśampāyana said:
The Pāṇḍavas, having yoked their chariots with excellent horses like the wind, ascended and reverently touched Bhīṣma’s feet.
They also honored the great-souled Droṇa, King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, and the other elders, including Vidura and Kṛpa.
Thus, the self-restrained ones bowed to all the Kuru elders, embraced their equals, and were greeted by the young.
Having respectfully asked all the mothers and circumambulated them, all the citizens too departed for Vāraṇāvata.
Vidura, the wise one, other Kuru chiefs, and the citizens, followed the tiger-like men, tormented with grief.
At that time, some fearless Brāhmaṇas there, deeply lamenting the sons of Pāṇḍu, spoke thus, O bull among the Bharatas.
Blinded by darkness, the king sees only injustice; Dhṛtarāṣṭra, of very poor judgment, does not perceive righteousness.
The sinless Pāṇḍava would not choose evil, nor Bhīma, the best among the strong, nor Arjuna, the son of Kuntī. How then would the wise sons of Mādrī do so?
Dhṛtarāṣṭra cannot tolerate that kingdom, rightfully inherited. Why then does Bhīṣma approve of this complete unrighteousness—the unjust exile of the sons of Kuntī, the bulls of the Bharatas?
The son of Śāntanu was like a father to us in former times—Vicitravīrya, the royal sage, and Pāṇḍu, delight of the Kurus.
Though that tiger among men has met his destined end, Dhṛtarāṣṭra cannot tolerate these royal boys.
We, unable to tolerate this, will all leave our homes in this great city and go wherever Yudhiṣṭhira goes.
Yudhiṣṭhira, the righteous king, greatly moved, spoke to those sorrowful citizens who were grieved and speaking thus.
Whatever the honorable and supreme teacher, the lord of the earth, has said must be done by us without suspicion—that is our vow.
You, our friends, having circumambulated us and blessed us, may return to your homes.
When the time comes for you to act on our behalf, then you shall do what is pleasing and beneficial for me.
They promised thus, circumambulated them, saluted them with blessings, and returned to the city indeed.
When the citizens had withdrawn, Vidura, knower of all dharma, spoke these words to the best of the Pāṇḍavas, a wise man to a wise man, knowing hints, and a seer of true dharma and wealth.
One should act with understanding and escape danger, as one avoids a sharp weapon made of non-metal that cuts the body. He who knows how to counter is not struck by enemies.
Fire that destroys trees and cold cannot burn one who dwells in a deep hole during a great blaze; he who protects himself in that way survives.
The eye does not know the path; the eye does not find the directions. One without firmness does not attain success. Understand this as you are instructed.
A man takes a non-metal weapon given by strangers; by seeking the refuge of a jackal, he may escape from the fire.
While moving, one discerns the path and finds directions by the stars; suppressing one’s five senses, one is not afflicted.
Having instructed and followed them, and having circumambulated the Pāṇḍavas, Vidura gave his permission and returned home.
When Vidura, Bhīṣma, and the citizens had departed, Kuntī spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira, addressing him as Ajātaśatru.
What the minister said among the people was as if not plainly spoken, and though you agreed, we do not understand it.
If it is possible for us to hear and not inappropriate, I wish to hear all that conversation between you and him.
Yudhiṣṭhira said:
Vidura told me, "Be aware of poison and fire" and said, "No path shall be unknown to you."
He told me, "You who have conquered your senses will obtain the earth." I said to Vidura, "All this is understood."
Vaiśampāyana said:
On the eighth day under the Rohiṇī constellation of the month Phālguna, they departed and, reaching Vāraṇāvata, saw the city’s people.
