03.245
Festival of the rice heap (measured in a droṇa vessel)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O best of the Bharatas, for those great-souled Pāṇḍavas dwelling in the forest, eleven years passed with difficulty. (03-245-1)
Those who subsist on fruits and roots, truly deserving of happiness, endured the greatest suffering at the appropriate time, contemplating it—such were the noblest of men. (03-245-2)
But Yudhiṣṭhira, the royal sage and mighty-armed, pondering the greatest sorrow of his brothers arising from the fault of his own action. (03-245-3)
The king could not sleep well, as though tormented by arrows in his heart, constantly reflecting on the wickedness that had arisen at the time of the dice game. (03-245-4)
Remembering the harsh words of the charioteer's son, the son of Pāṇḍu, deeply dejected and sighing, was bearing great anger like poison. (03-245-5)
Arjuna, both the twin sons of Yama, and Draupadī the renowned, as well as Bhīma of great energy, the most powerful of all, looked at Yudhiṣṭhira and together endured the greatest suffering. (03-245-6)
Thinking that only a little time remained, the great men acted as if they possessed another form, through movements of enthusiasm and impatience. (03-245-7)
Then, at a certain time, Vyāsa, the son of Satyavatī, the great yogin and observer of the Pāṇḍavas, arrived. (03-245-8)
When he saw him arrive, Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, went out to meet the great-souled one and received him according to custom. (03-245-9)
Arjuna, the delight of the Pāṇḍavas, having approached Vyāsa who was seated, desirous of service and with controlled senses, gratified him by prostration. (03-245-10)
Seeing his emaciated grandsons living on forest fare in the forest, the great sage, moved by compassion, spoke with a voice choked with tears. (03-245-11)
Yudhishthira, O mighty-armed, listen, O best of those who uphold dharma. O son, those whose austerities are not performed do not attain great happiness. (03-245-12)
Indeed, a person experiences happiness and sorrow in turns. O best of men, no one attains only utter unhappiness. (03-245-13)
But indeed, a wise person united with supreme intelligence, knowing both rise and fall, neither grieves nor rejoices. (03-245-14)
One should enjoy happiness that arrives, endure sorrow that comes, and wait for what comes in due season, just as a farmer waits for his crops. (03-245-15)
Indeed, for penance there is nothing higher; by penance one attains greatness. Nothing is unattainable by penance—know this, O Bhārata. (03-245-16)
O great king, truthfulness, straightforwardness, absence of anger, sharing, self-control, tranquillity, absence of envy, non-violence, purity, and control over the senses are the means for men who perform virtuous actions. (03-245-17)
Foolish people inclined to unrighteousness, attached to the path of animals, having attained a difficult birth, do not find happiness. (03-245-18)
Whatever action is performed here is experienced in the next world; therefore, one should employ the body with austerity and discipline. (03-245-19)
O king, one should give according to one’s ability, properly honoring and bowing to the worthy recipient, at the right time, with a delighted mind, and free from envy. (03-245-20)
One who speaks the truth attains a long life and ease, and an honest person, free from anger and jealousy, attains the highest peace. (03-245-21)
One who is self-restrained and devoted to tranquility never experiences constant affliction; nor does a person of subdued mind grieve upon seeing wealth passing to another. (03-245-22)
A man who shares and gives, and who enjoys happiness, becomes non-violent and truly attains supreme health. (03-245-23)
He who honors those worthy of honor is born in a noble family; but one who has mastered his senses does not come into contact with misfortune. (03-245-24)
One whose intellect is inclined toward goodness, when united with the destiny of time, manifestly becomes a person of auspicious understanding. (03-245-25)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O venerable one, among the meritorious acts of giving and austerity, O great sage, what indeed is considered the most virtuous after death, and what is said to be difficult to perform? (03-245-26)
Vyāsa said;
There is nothing on earth more difficult than giving. There is indeed a great craving for wealth, and it is obtained only with hardship. (03-245-27)
For the sake of wealth, heroes abandon their dear ones and even their lives, and men enter into great battles, the ocean, and the forest as well. (03-245-28)
Some men undertake agriculture and cow protection. Other men go out as servants, seeking wealth. (03-245-29)
Thus, renouncing what has been obtained with suffering is very difficult. Nothing is more difficult than giving; therefore, giving is, in my opinion, the highest. (03-245-30)
But here, a special rule is to be understood: wealth that is acquired justly should be given to deserving persons, at the right place and time, and to the virtuous. (03-245-31)
A charitable act performed with wealth obtained unjustly does not save the giver from great danger. (03-245-32)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, even a little gift given at the proper time to a worthy recipient with a very pure mind is considered to yield infinite results after death. (03-245-33)
Here, too, they cite the following ancient story: the reward that Mudgala received from giving up a measure of rice. (03-245-34)
