03.027
Library: Baka Dalbhya advises Yudhisthira to have Brahmanas always with him for his own welfare.
Vaiśampāyana said.
When the great-souled Pāṇḍavas were living in the Dvaita forest, the vast forest became filled with Brāhmaṇas. (3-27-1)
As it was being traversed, the Dwaita forest lake, always resounding with the sacred chant of Brahman on all sides, was as holy as Brahma-loka. (3-27-2)
The recitation of the Yajus, Ṛc, Sāman, and all prose passages produced a resonance, as they were uttered, that touched the heart. (3-27-3)
The twang of the bows of the sons of Pāṇḍu and the chanting of the wise blended together; the combined power of the Brāhmaṇas and Kṣatriyas shone forth even more. (3-27-4)
Then Baka Dalbhya addressed Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kunti, who was seated at twilight and surrounded by sages. (3-27-5)
O Partha, see in the Dvaita forest the ascetic Brāhmaṇas at the time of their oblation, O best of the Kurus, with the fire blazing. (3-27-6)
The Bhṛgus, Aṅgirasas, and Vāsiṣṭhas, together with the Kāśyapas, who are steadfast in their vows and protected by you, practice dharma in this holy place. (3-27-7)
The most fortunate descendants of Agastya and the excellent-vowed descendants of Atri, the best brāhmaṇas in the world, have all assembled here by you. (3-27-8)
But listen attentively to this speech of mine, O son of Pṛthā, along with your brothers, O son of Kuntī, which I am about to tell you, O descendant of Kuru. (3-27-9)
When priestly and warrior powers are united, and both rise up together, they burn their enemies like fire and wind burn forests. (3-27-10)
O dear, a non-brāhmaṇa does not long endure who desires to conquer both this world and the next; but a king, having obtained a brāhmaṇa who is trained in dharma and artha and free from delusion, drives away his rivals. (3-27-11)
While following the supreme duty arising from protecting his subjects, Bali did not find in the world any holy place greater than that which comes from a Brāhmaṇa. (3-27-12)
The asura was not lacking in enjoyments; the prosperity of Virocana's son was also undiminished. Having obtained the earth through association with a Brāhmaṇa, when they acted wickedly among themselves, therefore, they perished. (3-27-13)
This earth, with all its riches, does not long belong to a non-brāhmaṇa; it is the other class that enjoys it for a long time. The ocean's rim bows only to him whom a brāhmaṇa, disciplined in conduct, instructs. (3-27-14)
Just as the strength of an elephant in battle is diminished if the goad-handle is not seized, so too the strength of a Kṣatriya bereft of Brāhmaṇas is diminished. (3-27-15)
When those two, endowed with devotion to Brahman and incomparable vision, and possessing unrivaled kṣatriya strength, move about together, then the world becomes pleased. (3-27-16)
Just as a very great fire, aided by the wind, burns dry wood, so too does a kṣatriya, together with a brāhmaṇa, destroy his enemies. (3-27-17)
Then, for the Brāhmaṇas, the intelligent person should pursue intellectual inquiry; so that what has not been gained may be obtained, and what has been gained may be increased. (3-27-18)
For those who have not obtained gain and for those whose gain has increased, and for the proper establishment of sacred places, cause to reside a glorious, Veda-knowing, wise, and well-learned brāhmaṇa. (3-27-19)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, your conduct is always excellent among Brāhmaṇas; by that, your renowned fame shines in all worlds. (3-27-20)
Then all those Brāhmaṇas honored Baka Dalbhya. While Yudhiṣṭhira was being praised, they again became happy-minded. (3-27-21)
Dvaipayana, Narada, Jamadagnya, Prithushrava, Indradyumna, Bhaluki, Kritacheta, and Sahasrapat were present. (3-27-22)
Karṇaśravas, Muñja, Lavaṇāśva, Kāśyapa, Hārīta, Sthūṇakarṇa, Agniveśya, and then Śaunaka. (3-27-23)
Bṛhadaśva, Ṛtāvasu, Vṛṣāmitra, Suhotra, and Hotravāhana were all known for their truthful and virtuous speech; among them was also one whose seed was upward. (3-27-24)
These and many other Brāhmaṇas of firm vows worshipped Ajātaśatru, just as sages worship Purandara. (3-27-25)
