03.183
Markandeya said.
But now again, listen from me to the greatness of the Brāhmaṇas. Here, a royal sage named Vainya was consecrated for the horse-sacrifice. Atri began to go to him for the sake of wealth—thus we have heard. (03-183-1)
Then again, not wishing (to act) because of the clarity of righteousness, and having thought deeply, the powerful one chose the forest alone. Calling his lawful wife and sons, he spoke this. (03-183-2)
We shall obtain extremely abundant, trouble-free results. May quick departure to the forest, which is superior in qualities, be agreeable to you. (03-183-3)
His wife answered, "Following only righteousness, go to the great-souled Vainya and request much wealth. That royal sage and sacrificer will give you wealth as a supplicant." (03-183-4)
O best among Brāhmaṇas, after taking that and receiving much wealth, divide it among your servants and sons, then go wherever you wish. This, indeed, is declared to be the highest duty by those who know dharma. (03-183-5)
Atri said.
O most fortunate one, Vainya, joined with righteousness and wealth, and endowed with true vows, was described to me by the great-souled Gautama. (03-183-6)
What is there? Enemies indeed dwell, O brāhmaṇas of mine. As my Gautama said, therefore I do not decide. (03-183-7)
There, if they were to state otherwise the auspicious speech joined with righteousness, desire, and wealth as spoken by me, then they would certainly be devoid of purpose. (03-183-8)
O greatly wise one, I will go; your words please me. Vainya will give me cows and abundant wealth. (03-183-9)
Markandeya said.
Having thus spoken, the great ascetic quickly proceeded to the sacrifice of Vainya; and having reached the sacrificial altar, Atri praised the king. (03-183-10)
O king Vainya, you are the lord and the foremost king on earth; assemblies of sages praise you. There is no other knower of dharma besides you. (03-183-11)
The greatly austere sage, being angry, spoke these words to him there: "Do not speak thus again, O Atri; your mind is not properly settled. Here, among us, the first to be established is Mahendra, indeed the lord of creatures (Prajapati)." (03-183-12)
Then Atri also, O king, addressed Gautama, saying: "This is indeed the Creator, just as Indra and Prajapati. It is you alone who are deluded by ignorance; you truly have no wisdom." (03-183-13)
Gautama said.
I know and I am not bewildered, but you, wishing to speak, are confused; you will praise him, desiring success, because of resorting to his presence. (03-183-14)
You neither know the supreme dharma nor do you attain its purpose. You are a child and a deluded old man for some cause. (03-183-15)
Markandeya said.
Those two, quarreling in this manner, stood before the sages; and those assembled at his sacrifice asked, 'But how are these two thus? (03-183-16)
By whom was entrance given to these two in the assembly of Vainya? For what purpose are they standing here, loudly speaking together? (03-183-17)
Then the supremely righteous Kashyapa, who knew all dharma, informed both the disputants upon their arrival. (03-183-18)
Then Gautama addressed the assembly of eminent sages, saying: O best of twice-born, hear the question which has arisen between us two. Atri declared, "Vainya is to create"—and this is now the subject of our great doubt. (03-183-19)
But having indeed heard, the great-souled sages swiftly approached Sanatkumāra, the knower of dharma, in order to have their doubts dispelled. (03-183-20)
And he, the great ascetic, having heard their words and knowing the truth, then replied to them with speech full of righteousness and sense. (03-183-21)
Sanatkumara said.
The priestly class united with the warrior class, and the warrior class together with the priestly class. The king is indeed the chief law and truly the lord of the people. He himself is Indra, Śukra, Dhātā, and Bṛhaspati. (03-183-22)
The lord of progeny, the mighty one, the sovereign, the protector of the earth, the king—who is praised by these words—who would not be worthy to worship him? (03-183-23)
Formerly, the king called as Babhrur, the undefeated who went forth from the source, glad in spirit, marked by a golden line, born victorious, and tawny-hued. (03-183-24)
Truth and anger (righteous wrath) are the life of battle, and the establisher of true dharma. Fearing unrighteousness, the seers placed their strength in the warrior order. (03-183-25)
As the sun in the sky among the gods dispels darkness with his brilliance, in the same way, the king on earth powerfully drives away unrighteousness. (03-183-26)
Therefore, the primacy of the king is established from the demonstration of the authority of scripture; the answer is that the position in which 'the king' is declared is thus established. (03-183-27)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Then that king, full of joy and with a noble mind after success was achieved, said—pleased—to Atri, who had earlier praised him. (03-183-28)
Because you have called me here the greatest among all men, and, O sage among Brāhmaṇas, equal to and indeed the best of all the gods, therefore I will give you much and various wealth. (03-183-29)
I give you, O brāhmaṇa, a thousand slave women, dark-complexioned, well-clad and adorned; and ten crores of gold and also ten heaps of gold. You are regarded by me as omniscient. (03-183-30)
Then Atri, the great-minded and radiant sage, having accepted everything justly, returned straight to his house. (03-183-31)
Having joyfully given his wealth to his sons, the self-controlled man, determined upon performing austerities, went to the forest. (03-183-32)
