03.008
Pancharatra: To please Duryodhana Karna suggests killing Pandavas by attacking them in the forest. Vyasa intervenes.
Vaiśampāyana said.
When the evil-minded king, son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, heard that Vidura had arrived and had been consoled by the king, he was greatly troubled. (3-8-1)
He brought together Saubala, Karṇa, and Duḥśāsana; then the king entered and spoke about the darkness born of ignorance. (3-8-2)
This is the returned minister, approved by Dhṛtarāṣṭra. Vidura, the wise friend of the sons of Pāṇḍu, is devoted to their welfare. (3-8-3)
As long as Vidura does not again change his mind, continue to deliberate for my welfare regarding bringing the Pāṇḍavas. (3-8-4)
Then I see the sons of Pṛthā, who have somehow arrived here. Again, I will fall into desolation, devoid of hope and without any restraint. (3-8-5)
I am ready to take poison, be bound, enter fire, or face weapons; for I am not able to see those prosperous ones here again. (3-8-6)
Shakuni said.
O king, have you adopted the opinion of the foolish, O lord of the people? Your promises, once made, are gone; it will not be so. (3-8-7)
O best of the Bharatas, all the Pāṇḍavas are established in truthfulness; O dear one, they will never accept your father's word at any time. (3-8-8)
Now, either they will seize or return again to the city. If they reject the agreement again, the wager will be ours. (3-8-9)
We are all neutral, following the king's wishes, and though we observe many faults of the Pāṇḍavas, they are well-concealed. (3-8-10)
Duḥśāsana said.
O greatly wise uncle, it is just as you say. I always find your intellect pleasing whenever you speak. (3-8-11)
Karna said.
O Duryodhana, we all consider your wish; indeed, unanimity among all of us is apparent, O king. (3-8-12)
Vaiśampāyana said.
When Karṇa spoke thus, King Duryodhana then, not very pleased in his mind, quickly turned away. (3-8-13)
Then, having perceived, Karṇa opened his auspicious eyes in anger at both Duḥśāsana and the son of Subala (Śakuni), those two together. (3-8-14)
Extremely enraged, he said, having composed himself. "Indeed, O kings, listen to what my opinion is." (3-8-15)
We, all the king's ready servants, wish to do what is dear to him; but, dear one, we are not all able to remain constantly attentive for him. (3-8-16)
But we, having taken up weapons, mounted on chariots and armed, go together to slay the Pāṇḍavas who dwell in the forest. (3-8-17)
When all those who are pacified have departed on the unknown path, the sons of Dhritarashtra and we too will become free from disputes. (3-8-18)
My opinion can be followed only as long as they are distressed, absorbed in grief, and bereft of friends. (3-8-19)
Having heard his words, they all honored him again and again and replied to the son of the charioteer, saying, "Certainly!" (3-8-20)
Thus, having spoken, all of them, greatly enraged, set out separately in their chariots, determined in groups to slay the Pāṇḍavas. (3-8-21)
Then Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana (Vyāsa), whose soul was pure, having perceived with his divine eye that they had departed, arrived there. (3-8-22)
Having restrained all of them, then the revered one, honored by the world, quickly approached and spoke to the wise one who was seated. (3-8-23)
