03.204
Markaṇḍeya said.
Thus, when the entire topic of liberation and righteousness had been fully discussed, O Yudhishthira, the Brāhmaṇa, with steadfast joy in his heart, spoke to Dharma-vyādha. (03-204-1)
Everything you have proclaimed here is in accordance with justice. Indeed, nothing at all concerning dharma appears to be unknown to you. (3-204-2)
The hunter said;
See that direct law of mine, O best of twice-born. By which this accomplishment has been attained by me, O foremost Brāhmaṇa. (03-204-3)
Arise, O venerable one, quickly enter the inner house; you, knower of dharma, ought to see my mother and father. (03-204-4)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Thus, having been told, he then entered and saw a palace most highly honored, pleasing to the heart, with four halls, and very delightful. (03-204-5)
(That place was) like the abode of the gods, thoroughly honored by the deities, furnished with beds and seats, and suffused with the most excellent fragrances. (03-204-6)
There, his two parents, wearing white garments, honored, having eaten, well satisfied, were seated upon a noble seat. But Dharma-vyādha, upon seeing them, fell at their feet with his head. (03-204-7)
The two elders spoke.
Arise, arise, O knower of dharma! May dharma protect you. With purity, for your welfare and delight, attain long life. O son, always be respected and honored along with your virtuous son. (03-204-8)
For you, there is truly no other deity among the gods. Because of the self-restraint of the twice-born, you are endowed with the discipline of self-control. (03-204-9)
O son, the grandfathers of your father and likewise the great-grandfathers are always pleased by our self-restraint and honoring.
Your desire to serve is not in the least diminished by mind, action, or speech; nor is any other untrue intention seen in you at present. (03-204-11)
Just as the elders were well-honored by Rāma, the son of Jamadagni, O son, so all has been done by you, and even more than that. (03-204-12)
Mārkaṇḍeya said.
Then Dharmavyādha introduced that brāhmaṇa to the two of them. The two of them then welcomed and worshipped the brāhmaṇa. (03-204-13)
Having received their worship, the Brahmin asked both of them, "Are you both well in your home, together with your sons and attendants? And do you always enjoy good health here in your bodies?" (03-204-14)
The two old men said.
O brāhmaṇa, is everything well with us in the house and among the group of servants in every way? Have you too, O revered one, arrived here without any trouble? (03-204-15)
Markandeya said;
The Brāhmaṇa replied to them joyfully, saying, “Certainly!” But the righteous hunter addressed the Brāhmaṇa with meaningful words. (03-204-16)
Father and mother, O revered one, these two are the supreme deity for me. What should be done for the deities, that I do for these two. (03-204-17)
Just as all the thirty-three gods, headed by Śakra, are to be worshipped by all the worlds, so these two elders of mine are likewise to be honored. (03-204-18)
Just as the twice-born bring offerings to the deities, in the same way I perform (my duties) with these two (hands), untiringly. (03-204-19)
O Brahman, these two—my father and mother—are my supreme divinity. O twice-born, I always please these two with flowers, fruits, and gems. (03-204-20)
O twice-born, those two alone which the wise call the fires—the sacrifices and the four Vedas—all these are mine. (3-204-21)
For this purpose, I always serve—along with my wife and sons, my life, my friends; I do indeed perform service always. (03-204-22)
I personally bathe these two, wash their feet, and also offer them food myself, O best of the twice-born. (03-204-23)
I say what is agreeable, avoiding what is unpleasant; even if something dear to both of you is joined with unrighteousness, I do it. (03-204-24)
Recognizing dharma itself as the true teacher, O best of the twice-born, I act accordingly. Without negligence, O Brāhmaṇa, I always render service indeed. (03-204-25)
O Brāhmaṇa, for a man desiring to live, there are indeed five teachers: father, mother, fire, self, and preceptor, O best of twice-born. (03-204-26)
O best of the twice-born, among these duties, he who acts properly would always have his sacred fires well-maintained. This is the eternal duty of one abiding in the householder stage. (03-204-27)
