02.066
Core-Pancharatra: Succumbing to Duryodhana, Dhritarastra sends messengers to bring back Pandavas for a game of dice.
Janamejaya said.
Having permitted them and knowing the collections of jewels and wealth of the Pāṇḍavas and the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, how was the mind at that time? (2-66-1)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O king, after realizing that the wise Dhṛtarāṣṭra had permitted them, Duḥśāsana quickly went to his brother. (2-66-2)
O best of the Bharatas, having approached Duryodhana along with his ministers, the illustrious descendant of Bharata, afflicted by sorrow, spoke these words. (2-66-3)
O great chariot-warriors, know that the old one destroys this wealth, which has been brought together by suffering, and the enemy, having led the wealth to ruin. (2-66-4)
Then Duryodhana, Karṇa, and Śakuni, the son of Subala, having come together, proudly advanced towards the Pāṇḍavas. (2-66-5)
They quickly approached the wise king Dhṛtarāṣṭra, descendant of Vicitravīrya, and addressed him with gentle words. (2-66-6)
Duryodhana said.
O king, this has not been heard by you, which Bṛhaspati, the learned priest of the gods, spoke while expounding the policy of Śakra. (2-66-7)
O subduer of enemies, enemies must be destroyed by all means. Before the battle, they may cause you harm by force or by other means. (2-66-8)
We, having honored all the kings with the wealth of the Pāṇḍavas, if we fight them, what ridicule will come to us? (2-66-9)
Who, having placed angry venomous serpents ready to bite on his neck and back, would be able to release them? (2-66-10)
O father, the Pāṇḍavas, having taken up weapons and mounted on their chariots, angry and enraged like venomous serpents, will indeed destroy us completely, just as serpents do. (2-66-11)
Arjuna, fully armed, moves forward after opening (his chariot), as the supreme archer. He repeatedly grasps his Gāṇḍīva bow, sighs, and surveys the surroundings. (2-66-12)
We have heard that Vṛkodara, after lifting his heavy mace and swiftly yoking his own chariot, departed quickly. (2-66-13)
Nakulah took up his sword, shield, and the eight-moon ornament; Sahadeva and the king also made a formation by gestures. (2-66-14)
But they all mounted their chariots equipped with many weapons and armours, and, striking at groups of chariots, set out for the battle array. (2-66-15)
Those who have wronged us will never be forgiven by us. Who among them is worthy to forgive the distress caused to Draupadī? (2-66-16)
Let us once again enjoy ourselves; may good befall you during the Pāṇḍavas' exile. In this way, we shall be able to keep these matters under control, O best of the Bharatas. (2-66-17)
Whether it is they or we who must spend twelve years, having been defeated in dice, let us enter the great forest clothed in skins. (2-66-18)
They spent the thirteenth year unknown among people, and the other twelve years known in the forest. (2-66-19)
Let us live here, or you may; otherwise, let the dice-game proceed. Having cast the dice, let the Pāṇḍavas play this game of dice again. (2-66-20)
O king, this is the most important thing for us to do, bull among the Bharatas. Śakuni indeed knows this; he possesses the knowledge and mastery of dice. (2-66-21)
We, firmly established in the kingdom, having gathered friends and honored a strong and abundant army, are difficult to overcome. (2-66-22)
If they complete the vow in the thirteenth year, O king, then we shall conquer them. Let this be pleasing to you, O scorcher of foes. (2-66-23)
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said.
Quickly bring them back as desired, even those who have already departed; let the Pāṇḍavas return and play this dice game again. (2-66-24)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Droṇa, Somadatta, Bāhlīka, and the great chariot-warrior, along with Vidura, the son of Droṇa, the son of a Vaiśya, and the powerful one, were present. (2-66-25)
Bhūriśravāḥ, the son of Śāntanu, Vikarṇa, and the great chariot-warrior all said: "Do not gamble" and also, "Let there be peace" by everyone. (2-66-26)
Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who was fond of his son, extended the invitation to the Pāṇḍavas, even though all the well-wishing and discerning friends were unwilling. (2-66-27)
Then Gandhari, worn down by grief and filled with righteousness, out of affection for her son, addressed the great king Dhritarashtra, the lord of men. (2-66-28)
After Duryodhana had left, the wise charioteer (Vidura) said, "Let this disgrace of the family be justly taken to the next world." (2-66-29)
O Bhārata, just as a newborn jackal cries out, so too, know that this marks the certain end of the Kurus of this family. (2-66-30)
O lord, do not consider the opinion of ill-mannered children. Do not become the terrible cause of the destruction of the family. (2-66-31)
O Bhārata, who would break a constructed bridge, or wish to put out a fire? Who would again provoke the steadfast sons of Pṛthā when they are at peace? (2-66-32)
O descendant of Jamīḍha, as you remember, I will remind you again. The scripture does not instruct a person of poor understanding, whether for his good or otherwise. (2-66-33)
O king, an old man should never be childish in mind. May your sons remain under your guidance; let them not, in distress, ridicule you. (2-66-34)
May the understanding that arises from tranquility, righteousness, and another's intellect be yours and not adverse. Prosperity, when accompanied by cruelty and destruction, departs even from the gentle and mature, going to the sons and grandsons. (2-66-35)
Then the great king said to Gāndhārī, the one who perceives dharma: 'Let the desire for the family remain within; I am unable to restrain it.' (2-66-36)
Let it be as they wish; let the Pāṇḍavas return. Let my people play dice again together with the Pāṇḍavas. (2-66-37)
