01.154
Core:Drona's encounter with Drupada.
The Brahmin said:
Towards Gangadwara, the great sage Bharadvaja, who was greatly wise and firm in his vows, always engaged in great penance.
He went to the Ganges to consecrate, where he saw the apsara Ghritachi immersed there, the chaste one who had arrived before.
The wind carried away her clothing on the riverbank. Seeing her with disheveled garments, the sage desired her thereafter.
In her, the mind of the youthful celibate became attached; the delighted sage Drona accepted the spilled semen.
Then, the wise boy Droṇa was born. He studied the Vedas and Vedangas completely.
Bharadvaja's friend was a king named Prishata. His son, named Drupada, was born then.
He always went to the hermitage and, together with Droṇa, the son of Pṛṣata, the best among the warriors, played and studied.
Then, after Pṛṣata had passed away, he became King Drupada. Droṇa also heard of Rāma giving wealth in all ways.
But when Rama had departed to the forest, the son of Bharadvaja said, 'Know me as Drona, the best of the twice-born, who has come desiring wealth.'
Rama said:
Today, only the body is left by me. O Brahman, choose either the weapons or the body.
Droṇa said:
You are indeed worthy to give me all the weapons, their destruction, and the use of all.
The Brahmin said:
Thus having spoken, the son of Bhrigu gave it to him. Having received it, Drona then became accomplished in his task.
With a delighted mind and also supremely approved by Rāma, having obtained the Brahmāstra weapon, he became superior among men.
Then, having approached Drupada, the powerful Bharadvaja, a tiger among men, said, "Know me as your friend."
Drupada said:
A person who is not learned in the Vedas is not a friend of one who is learned in the Vedas; a person who is not a charioteer is not a friend of a charioteer; a person who is not a king is not even a friend of a prince. What is desired before friendship?
The Brahmin said:
He, having decided in mind, wisely went towards the son of Pāñcāla to the city of Nāgasāhvaya of the chief Kurus.
Bhishma, having gathered his grandsons and various kinds of wealth, gave them to the wise Drona who had arrived.
Droṇa then said this speech to all his disciples, having gathered them, for the discomfort of Drupada, indeed.
The teacher's fee revolves a little in the heart; it should be given by those skilled in weapons, that is the truth, speak it, O sinless ones.
When all the Pāṇḍavas were trained in weapons and had completed their training, then Droṇa said this speech again for the sake of salary.
The kingdom of Drupada, the son of Pṛṣata, named in Chatravati, should be quickly given to me after taking it away from him.
Then the five sons of Pandu, having conquered Drupada in battle, showed him to Drona, having bound him with his ministers.
Droṇa said:
I request friendship with you again, O king. Indeed, a non-king does not deserve to become a friend of a king.
Therefore, Yajnasena, I have endeavored in your kingdom. You are the king on the southern bank of the Ganges, and I am on the northern.
The Brahmin said:
The disrespect was very great, but even for a moment, it did not depart from the heart of the king. He became dejected and emaciated.
