03.246
Yudhishthira said.
O venerable one, how did that great-souled one abandon the bucket of rice? To whom was it given, by what procedure, by whom, and what does it mean for me? (03-246-1)
I think the birth of one who follows true dharma, whose nature is manifest righteousness and whose actions indeed please the Divine, is fruitful. (03-246-2)
Vyāsa said;
Mudgala, who lived by gathering fallen grains and was virtuous, firm in his vow, truth-speaking, and free from envy, resided in Kurukṣetra, O king. (3-246-3)
The great ascetic, who observes the vow of receiving guests, performs rituals and lives like a pigeon, worships the sacrificial session known as iṣṭīkṛta. (03-246-4)
The sage, along with his wife and son, lived eating only at intervals; like a pigeon, he would earn a measure of rice every fortnight. (03-246-5)
Performing the new and full moon sacrifices, being free from envy, and sustaining his body with what remains after offering to the gods and guests, he maintains himself. (03-246-6)
O great king, Indra—the lord of the three worlds—together with the gods directly accepted his share at every festival. (03-246-7)
He, following the conduct of a sage, observed the proper festive time and gladly offered food to the guests with a joyful heart. (03-246-8)
Indeed, the food left from a droṇa of rice, given by a great-souled person who is free from jealousy, increases upon the arrival of a guest. (03-246-9)
Those hundreds (of gifts) are indeed consumed by learned Brahmanas, but through the purity of the sage's renunciation, that food increases in merit. (03-246-10)
But Durvāsas, O king, clad only in the directions, having heard of the most righteous and firmly-vowed Mudgala, then approached him. (03-246-11)
O Pāṇḍava, the sage, clad in disordered garments and looking like a madman, shamelessly uttered various harsh words. (03-246-12)
Then, approaching him, the best of sages said to the brāhmaṇa: Know me to be the one who has come desiring food, O best among sages. (03-246-13)
Mudgala addressed the sage, saying, "Welcome to you." He offered water for washing feet and sipping, and then informed him about the excellent food. (03-246-14)
He, resolute in his vows, observing the guest vow, gave what had been gained by austerity to a hungry madman, acting with supreme faith. (03-246-15)
Then, being hungry, he ate all that tasty food in his excitement; and Mudgala gave it to him as well. (03-246-16)
Having eaten the food, and then with his own leftovers, thereafter he smeared his limbs and went back just as he had come. (03-246-17)
Thus, when the second day of the festival arrived, the wise gleaner came and ate all the food. (03-246-18)
But he, the sage, having no food, again procured gleanings. Even then, hunger was not able to cause any disturbance to Mudgala. (03-246-19)
Anger did not enter the mind of the foremost Brahmin, nor envy, nor humiliation, nor confusion, as he lived a gleaner's life with his wife and son. (03-246-20)
Thus Durvasa, the foremost of sages who observed the vow of gleaning (uncha-dharma), approached him at the proper time, having resolved, six times. (03-246-21)
The sage saw no change at all in his mind. He observed that the mind of the pure-souled one was pure and spotless. (03-246-22)
Then, being pleased, that sage said to Mudgala, "There is no giver free from envy equal to you in this world." (03-246-23)
By pushing away the awareness of hunger's nature, one takes up only fortitude; but the tongue, ever following its objects, constantly draws toward flavors. (03-246-24)
The life forces arise from food; the mind is difficult to control and unsteady; and one-pointedness of the mind and senses is declared to be austerity. (03-246-25)
It is difficult to give up what has been acquired by effort with a pure mind; yet, O good man, all this has been properly accomplished by you. (03-246-26)
We are pleased and favored, having come together with you. Victory over the senses, steadfastness, sharing, self-restraint, and tranquility are present. (03-246-27)
Compassion, truth, and righteousness are all established in you. By your actions, you have conquered the worlds and attained the highest state. (03-246-28)
Indeed, the great gift given by you has been proclaimed by the dwellers of heaven. You, of virtuous conduct, will go bodily to heaven. (03-246-29)
Thus, as he was speaking, at that time, the divine messenger of the sage Durvāsas arrived before Mudgala in a celestial chariot. (03-246-30)
Also with the one adorned with rows of small bells, joined by swans and cranes, wondrous, moving as desired, and having divine fragrance. (03-246-31)
He said to him, the Brāhmana sage, "Ascend the celestial car earned by your deeds; you have achieved the highest accomplishment, O sage." (03-246-32)
The seer then said to the divine messenger, "I wish to hear from you the qualities of the dwellers of heaven." (03-246-33)
O divine messenger, what are the qualities of those dwelling there, what is their asceticism, what is their resolve, what is the heavenly happiness in heaven, and is there any fault? (03-246-34)
It is said that for virtuous people, even sharing seven steps makes one a friend; righteous persons who are worthy of their family believe so. Therefore, considering our friendship foremost, O lord, I ask you this question. (03-246-35)
Whatever here is true and beneficial, say that without hesitation; having heard it, I will act decisively according to your word. (03-246-36)
