03.189
Markandeya said.
Then, having established the protection of the city, he will duly bestow this earth upon the Brahmins during the great horse-sacrifice. (03-189-1)
Having established the auspicious boundaries ordained by Svayambhū, he, whose actions are meritorious and renowned, when afflicted by old age, will take refuge in the forest. (03-189-2)
The inhabitants of the world will follow that conduct. When brāhmaṇas act, and theft is eradicated, there will indeed be welfare. (03-189-3)
Placing black-deerskins, spears, tridents, and other weapons, the tiger among Brahmins established them in the regions and in the conquered territories. (03-189-4)
Kalki, honored by and honoring the foremost of Brāhmaṇas, will always roam the earth engaged in destroying miscreants. (03-189-5)
Those exceedingly harsh words — 'Alas, father! Alas, son!' — as they wail so intensely, will lead the robbers to destruction. (03-189-6)
Then, O Bhārata, the destruction of unrighteousness and the growth of righteousness will occur; when the Kṛta age returns, people too will become devoted to rituals accordingly. (03-189-7)
In the Kṛta Yuga, there will be pleasure-groves, shrines, ponds, groves, and various kinds of sacrificial rituals. (03-189-8)
Brāhmaṇas, virtuous people, ascetics and austerities, hermitages along with heretics, and all the people and subjects were established in truth. (03-189-9)
O king, all seeds that are sown will certainly sprout, and in all seasons, all crops will grow. (03-189-10)
Men will be absorbed in giving gifts, in observances and vows; brāhmaṇas will be intent on recitation and sacrifice, eager for righteousness and joined in joy; kings will protect this earth through righteousness. (03-189-11)
In the Kṛta Yuga, Vaiśyas are engaged in trade, Brāhmaṇas are devoted to six duties, and Kṣatriyas are devoted to protection. (03-189-12)
Śūdras and the other three varṇas, engaged in service—this is the prescribed duty in the Kṛta Yuga, the Tretā, and also the Dvāpara; and in the last age, this is what has been declared for you. (03-189-13)
O Pāṇḍava, the number of ages known to all worlds has been declared to you by me—all that is past and future—after recalling the ancient Purāṇa spoken by Vāyu and praised by sages. (03-189-14)
Thus, I, being long-lived, have seen and experienced many times the paths of worldly existence, and I have related those to you. (03-189-15)
O Acyuta, together with your brothers, listen to this, and also to another subject I am about to tell for the resolution of a doubt about dharma. (03-189-16)
O best of those who uphold dharma, you should always unite yourself with dharma. A king whose nature is dharma indeed enjoys happiness both here and after death. (03-189-17)
O sinless one, listen now to the auspicious words I will say. Never should you insult a Brāhmaṇa; for when angered, a Brāhmaṇa may by his resolve even destroy worlds. (03-189-18)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Hearing Mārkaṇḍeya’s speech, the chief among the Kuru kings, wise and resplendent, spoke these exalted words. (03-189-19)
O sage, in which dharma should I abide when protecting the subjects? And how, while abiding in it, shall I not deviate from my own duty? (03-189-20)
Markaṇḍeya said.
Be compassionate to all beings, act for their benefit, be loving and free from envy; like a father to his own children, be devoted to the protection of your people. Practice virtue, renounce vice, and honour both the ancestors and the gods. (03-189-21)
Whatever you have done out of carelessness has already occurred; make amends for that properly with charity. Avoid taking pride—do not always become dependent on others. (03-189-22)
Conquer all the earth, rejoice, and be happy. This duty for you, both past and future, has been declared. (03-189-23)
There is nothing unknown to you, whether past or future, on earth. Therefore, dear one, do not cause this great distress in your heart. (03-189-24)
O mighty-armed one, this Time, even for all the heavenly dwellers, causes beings, dear one, to become deluded, being impelled by Time. (03-189-25)
O sinless one, do not entertain any deliberation here upon what has been said by me to you. For if you excessively doubt this word, it may result in loss of righteousness for you. (03-189-26)
O foremost among the Bharatas, you are born in the celebrated lineage of the Kurus. Perform all this by action, mind, and speech. (03-189-27)
Yudhishthira said.
O best of the twice-born, that statement of yours which is delightful to hear—such as you have spoken—I shall carry out your command with effort, O lord. (03-189-28)
O best of Brāhmaṇas, I have no greed, no fear, nor any envy. Indeed, O lord, I will do everything you have spoken to me. (03-189-29)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O king, upon hearing the words of that great-souled Pāṇḍava, the Pāṇḍavas became delighted, together with the wielder of the Śārṅga bow. (03-189-30)
Thus, hearing the auspicious story of the wise Mārkaṇḍeya, they became astonished at the narration of the Purāṇa. (03-189-31)
