05.075

The Blessed Lord said:

Wishing to know your state of mind, I said this out of affection— not from reproach, nor from learned pride, nor from anger, nor with intent to censure. (5-75-1)

I know your greatness, and I know your strength and your deeds as well. I do not look down upon you. (5-75-2)

O Pāṇḍava, just as you think well of yourself, so I regard you with this goodness a thousandfold more. (5-75-3)

And Bhima, you are of such a kind—born in a family honored by all kings, and regarded so by both relatives and friends. (5-75-4)

Vṛkodara, when people inquire about dharma in cases of doubt, they do not determine the distinction between fate and human effort. (5-75-5)

That same factor is indeed the cause of a person's achievement of goals; even in his ruin, it is that same element—his ambiguous action and effort. (5-75-6)

Things perceived in one way by wise and fault-seeing people turn out differently, like the currents of the wind. (5-75-7)

Even an action that is well deliberated, well conducted, properly accomplished, lawful, and performed by people is sometimes thwarted by fate. (5-75-8)

Even what fate has not accomplished can be overcome by human effort; cold, heat, and rain, hunger and thirst too, O Bhārata. (5-75-9)

Whatever else, beyond what is set by fate, a person accomplishes by his own effort—there, no restriction exists; that is the mark in this matter. (5-75-10)

O Pāṇḍava, for people, there is no livelihood from any source other than action. With this understanding, one should proceed; thus, the result would arise from both associations. (5-75-11)

One whose understanding is thus fixed, who acts only in accordance with duty—in failure he is not disturbed, and in success he does not experience delight. (5-75-12)

There, Bhīmasena, I only mean to say this: one should not assume certain success in battle with the Kauravas. (5-75-13)

One should not drive the reins too forcefully; otherwise, at another time, one would fall into dejection or weakness. I tell you this for that reason. (5-75-14)

O Pandava, when tomorrow comes, I will go to Dhritarashtra and strive to make peace for your sake, risking everything. (5-75-15)

If they establish peace, then my glory will be endless, your desires will be fulfilled, and the highest good will come to them as well. (5-75-16)

But if they are intent on war and do not accept my words, then the Kurus—here there will be only a fierce battle. (5-75-17)

In this battle, Bhimasena, the main burden is placed on you; the yoke should be borne by Arjuna, and the others are to be carried along. (5-75-18)

Indeed, I will be Bhīmasena's charioteer in battle if it comes to that. This is Dhanañjaya's wish, for I do not desire the battle. (5-75-19)

Therefore, Vṛkodara, suspecting your intent, I urged and spurred your spirit further with vigorous words. (5-75-20)