03.029
Core: Draupadi’s advice on how to balance forgiveness, and time has come not to forgive Kauravas.
Draupadī said.
Here too, they recount this ancient story: the conversation between Prahlāda and Bali, the son of Virocana. (3-29-1)
Bali, the lord of the asuras, who was greatly wise and versed in the traditions of dharma, asked Prahlāda, the lord of the daityas and his grandfather. (3-29-2)
O father, is forbearance indeed better, or is energy? This is my doubt, O father; please properly explain it to me who asks. (3-29-3)
O knower of dharma, tell me without doubt what is better here; I shall indeed do all that as properly instructed. (3-29-4)
The grandsire, wise and knower of all certainty, having been asked thus, spoke all that to him who was asking the doubt. (3-29-5)
Prahlada said.
Neither energy is always superior, nor is forbearance always more excellent; thus, O dear one, know both of these to be so without doubt. (3-29-6)
O father, he who always forgives many faults finds that his servants disregard him, and so do the indifferent ones. (3-29-7)
All beings never bow to him at any time; therefore, dear one, forgiveness is always declared by the wise. (3-29-8)
Indeed, having disregarded him, the servants associate with a state full of faults; and those of little intelligence desire to take his wealth. (3-29-9)
Vehicles, garments, ornaments, beds, seats, as well as foods, drinks, and all implements. (3-29-10)
The appointed officials, acting thoughtlessly, would take whatever they wished; and the things that were supposed to be given, they would not give as per the master's orders. (3-29-11)
Nor do they ever honour him with acts of respect for the husband. For in this world, disrespect is considered even more blameworthy than death. (3-29-12)
O father, even a person as forbearing as this is spoken to with harsh words by servants, sons, dependents, and those who behave indifferently. (3-29-13)
Even his wives do not desire him, disregarding the patient one; and his wives behave as they please, like those without sense. (3-29-14)
Thus, even if always joyful, if the wicked deserve even a little punishment from the lord, they become corrupted and also do wrong. (3-29-15)
These and many other faults are always found in the patient; now, O son of Virocana, know these faults of the impatient. (3-29-16)
One who is always covered by passion, whether in the wrong place or the right, inflicts various punishments in anger by his own power. (3-29-17)
When one is enveloped by brilliance, he comes into opposition even with friends and becomes hated both by people in general and by his own kin. (3-29-18)
A man, due to disrespect, incurs loss of wealth, reproach, disregard, affliction, hatred, greed, and also gains enemies. (3-29-19)
A man, inflicting various punishments among men out of anger, quickly falls from sovereignty, even more than from his own life or kinsmen. (3-29-20)
He who, by his very brilliance, approaches both wrongdoers and doers of good—people shrink away from him just as they would from a serpent that has entered the house. (3-29-21)
If people are agitated by someone, how can his existence be proper? Indeed, merely perceiving his difference, people are certainly disturbed. Therefore, one should not abandon energy excessively, nor should one always be gentle. (3-29-22)
He who is gentle at the right time and harsh at the right time, he indeed attains happiness in this world and the next. (3-29-23)
But I will explain to you, in detail, the times of forbearance; listen to me. These are those which, as the wise have said, are never to be abandoned. (3-29-24)
If someone who has previously done a favor commits a greater offence, that offence of the benefactor should be forgiven because of the earlier favor. (3-29-25)
Forgiveness should be given to those who act out of ignorance and to offenders, for indeed, wisdom is not easily found in everyone. (3-29-26)
Now, if they, having regarded something as arising from understanding, say to you that it is not so, then even for a small offense, those sinful and unrighteous ones should be punished for their transgression. (3-29-27)
A single offense by anyone should be forgiven, but if a second occurs, even if it is a minor wrongdoing, the person deserves to be punished with death. (3-29-28)
If someone unknowingly commits an offense, it is said that it should indeed be forgiven after thoroughly examining the matter. (3-29-29)
Gentleness overcomes gentleness; gentleness overcomes harshness; nothing is impossible for the gentle; therefore, gentleness is more powerful than sharpness. (3-29-30)
But having considered place and time, as well as one's own strength and weakness, nothing should be done at an improper place or time; one should wait for the proper place and time. (3-29-31)
Likewise, out of fear of public opinion, the offenders should indeed be forgiven. (3-29-31)
These are the kinds of times described for forbearance. Therefore, when things proceed otherwise, it is called the time of energy. (3-29-32)
Draupadī said.
O king, I consider that time, which is your energy, is always present among the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, among the greedy, and among the wrongdoers. (3-29-33)
Indeed, there is no time for delay today regarding the Kurus. When the time has come, you ought to release your energy. (3-29-34)
A gentle person is disregarded, while people shrink from the harsh; but when the right time comes, he who knows both of these is a true king. (3-29-35)
