05.028
Yudhishthira said:
Undoubtedly, Sanjaya, what you said is true; righteousness is superior to actions. However, knowing me, Sanjaya, you might blame me if I act righteously or unrighteously.
In situations where unrighteousness appears in the guise of righteousness, and righteousness is perceived as unrighteousness, the wise discern the true nature of things with their intellect.
Thus, in times of adversity, these two signs of righteousness and unrighteousness, which are eternal in conduct, should be followed. The first sign is the authority in whom this is present. O Sanjaya, understand him as the one who comprehends the duty in adversity.
O Sanjaya, when one loses their natural state and performs actions with ulterior motives, both the one who acts and the one who desires are blameworthy, especially when they are in adversity.
O Sanjaya, those Brahmanas who desire non-omission and are engaged in improper acts due to distress should not be criticized for being in wrong places, as the atonement is ordained by the creator.
The wise always prescribe good conduct for discerning truth. However, non-Brahmins who are not physicians should be completely eradicated from their midst.
For that purpose, our ancestors, both fathers and grandfathers, who were ancient and different from others, were seekers of wisdom and indeed performed actions; ultimately, I think there is nothing, there is nothing.
O Sanjaya, I do not desire any wealth on this earth or in the heavens, including the realms of the gods, the thirty-three deities, Prajapati, or Brahma, if it is to be obtained unrighteously.
Krishna, the lord of dharma, is skillful and wise, revered by the Brahmins, and governs the diverse and mighty Kshatriya kings.
If indeed I would be blameless in abandoning my duty while fighting, let the greatly renowned Keshava say that; but Vasudeva desires benefit for both sides.
The descendants of Śini, Citraka, and the Andhakas, along with the Vṛṣṇis, Bhojas, Kukuras, and Sṛñjayas, sit near Vāsudeva, controlling their enemies and pleasing their friends.
The Vṛṣṇis and Andhakas, led by Krishna, including Ugrasena and others, were all like Indra in their might, high-minded, truly valiant, very powerful, and prosperous Yādavas.
Kāśya Babhru attained the highest prosperity by gaining Kṛṣṇa, the lord and brother. Vāsudeva showers blessings upon him, just as clouds bring rain to the people at the end of summer.
This Keshava, dear one, is known to us as the knower of the certainty of actions. Krishna is dear and most virtuous to us; he never transgresses Keshava's word.
