03.092
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
I do not think that my self is without qualities, O best of divine rishis. I am afflicted by sorrow as no other king is. (03-92-1)
Others as well, I think, who are devoid of qualities and not even devoted to dharma — how, O Lomaśa, do they prosper in this world, and by what means? (03-92-2)
Lomaśa said.
O king, you should not grieve here in any way, O Pārtha, that people fond of unrighteousness may prosper by unrighteous means. (03-92-3)
A man may prosper by unrighteousness and see good things, and then conquer his rivals, but in the end he is utterly destroyed. (03-92-4)
O king, I have indeed seen the Daityas and Danavas; they, who were once increasing through unrighteousness, have now again come to destruction. (03-92-5)
O mighty one, formerly in the age of the gods, all this was seen by me. The gods appreciated righteousness, while the asuras abandoned righteousness. (03-92-6)
The gods entered the sacred places, but the asuras, O Bhārata, did not enter them. The pride born of righteous deeds had already entered those places before. (03-92-7)
Arrogance arose from pride, from arrogance anger was born. From anger came shamelessness, and then a lack of shame; thus, their proper conduct was destroyed. (03-92-8)
Those who became shameless, without modesty, with fallen conduct and futile vows— forbearance, prosperity and righteousness quickly departed from them. Prosperity (Lakṣmī) went to the gods, misfortune to the asuras, O king. (03-92-9)
Kali (the spirit of discord) also entered those Daiteyas and Dānavas, who were filled with wealth and whose minds had been overcome by pride. (03-92-10)
O son of Kunti, Kali thus enshrouded those dānavas who were endowed with fortune, overcome by pride, devoid of righteous actions, and bereft of awareness. (03-92-11)
Overcome by pride, destruction soon befell them; then, deprived of glory, the Daityas were completely destroyed. (03-92-12)
But the gods, being of virtuous nature, approached the oceans, rivers, lakes, and holy sanctuaries. (03-92-13)
O Pāṇḍava, by austerities, sacrifices, gifts, and blessings, they gave up all sins and attained supreme good. (03-92-14)
Thus indeed, the wise who possessed liberality and ritual acts went to all the sacred places, and by that they attained the highest prosperity. (03-92-15)
Thus, O king, you too, after bathing at the holy places with your brother, will regain that fortune; this path is eternal. (03-92-16)
Just as indeed King Nṛga, Śibi, Auśīnara, and just as Bhagīratha, Vasumanas, Gaya, Pūru, and Purūravas (did). (03-92-17)
Those who always perform austerity while wandering, they are purified by the touch of water, by approaching sacred places, and by seeing great souls. (03-92-18)
They obtained fame, merit, and riches, O lord of the people. In the same way, you too, O king, have attained great prosperity. (03-92-19)
Just as Ikṣvāku acted together with his sons, people, and relatives, so too did Mucukunda, then Māndhātā, and King Marutta. (03-92-20)
Just as the gods obtained virtuous fame through the power of austerity, and the divine sages wholly so, you also will obtain (such fame). (03-92-21)
The sons of Dhritarashtra, being overpowered by arrogance and delusion, will soon perish like the Daityas; there is no doubt about it. (03-92-22)
