03.010
Pancharatra: Vyasa justifies his concern for Pandavas by narrating a story of Surabhi.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said.
O Lord, I do not approve of this praise of gambling. I think that, by fate, I have been made to act against the proper way, O sage. (3-10-1)
Neither Bhishma, nor Drona, nor Vidura approves of this; Gandhari does not desire the dice-game, and it was initiated out of delusion. (3-10-2)
O Lord, even though I know, due to my affection for my son, I am not able to completely abandon the unconscious Duryodhana, O steadfast one in vows. (3-10-3)
Vyāsa said.
Vichitravirya, the king, spoke the truth: "O king, as you say, I am certain that there is no one greater than a son." (3-10-4)
Even Indra was awakened by Surabhi through her falling tears. There is nothing greater than a son, not even by other abundant riches. (3-10-5)
Here I will tell you a great and excellent story, namely the conversation between Surabhi and Indra, O lord of the people. (3-10-6)
O king, once upon a time, Surabhi, the mother of cows, went to heaven and wept aloud; Indra felt compassion for her. (3-10-7)
Indra said.
"What is this, O auspicious one, that you are weeping about? Is everything well with the dwellers of heaven, among men, or among cows? Surely, this will not be a small matter." (3-10-8)
Surabhi said.
O lord of the gods, no one among you is seen to fall; but I grieve for my son, and for that reason I weep, O Kauśika. (3-10-9)
Look at this ploughman, fierce yet weak, my little son, being struck with a goad and oppressed by the plough. (3-10-10)
O Indra, seeing this one so utterly exhausted and being slain, I am overcome with compassion, and my mind is deeply disturbed. (3-10-11)
There, one who is strong bears a heavier yoke, while another, weak and frail, with veins showing, struggles to carry the burden; O Indra, it is for him that I feel sorrow. (3-10-12)
See, O Indra, though he is beaten with a goad and struck repeatedly, he is still unable to lift that burden. (3-10-13)
Then, overwhelmed by his sorrow and deeply distressed, I cried out, tears rolling from both my eyes as I wept with compassion. (3-10-14)
Indra said.
O beautiful one, among your thousands of sons being afflicted, what compassion is there here? Here, only one son is afflicted. (3-10-15)
Surabhi said.
Even if I had a thousand sons everywhere, O Śakra, my compassion for the one afflicted son would be greater. (3-10-16)
Vyāsa said.
Then Indra, upon hearing Surabhi's words, was greatly astonished; O Kauravya, he regarded his own son as dearer than his own life. (3-10-17)
Then, right there, the revered Indra suddenly caused a heavy rain, creating an obstacle for the farmer. (3-10-18)
Just as Surabhi spoke, so let it be for you as well. O king, among all your sons and especially among the poor, let your compassion be greater. (3-10-19)
You are just like my son Pandu, dear child. Vidura too is greatly wise. I say this out of affection. (3-10-20)
O king, for a long time, your hundred and one sons have been seen, and as for Pāṇḍu's sons, only five remain; even they are weak and deeply sorrowful. (3-10-21)
My mind is tormented with concern for the distressed sons of Pṛthā, thinking, 'How will they live, how will they prosper?' (3-10-22)
O king, if you wish the Kauravas to remain alive here, let your son Duryodhana make peace with the Pāṇḍavas. (3-10-23)
