05.086

Duryodhana said:

Everything that Vidura says to Kṛṣṇa is true, for Janārdana is indeed devoted and unshakable in his support of the Pāṇḍavas. (5-86-1)

However, O king, a precious thing, accompanied by formal respect, should not ever be given to Janardana in various forms. (5-86-2)

The place and the time must also be appropriate, for Keśava is not one to be honored just anywhere. The Unmanifest, O king, would think, 'He worships me out of fear.' (5-86-3)

O lord of the people, wherever an act would bring dishonor to a kṣatriya, a wise person should not do that—that is my firm conviction. (5-86-4)

For he, the lotus-eyed Krishna, is the most worthy of honor among the gods; he is well known to me in every way, even among all the three worlds. (5-86-5)

But in that matter, nothing should be given; thus is the course of action, O lord. Hostility has begun and is not indeed resolved by non-hostility. (5-86-6)

Vaiśaṃpāyana said.

Hearing those words, Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, spoke these words to King Vichitravirya. (5-86-7)

Whether honored or insulted, Janardana does not become angry. Even when slighted, Keshava is not capable of disrespecting another. (5-86-8)

But whatever must be done, O mighty-armed one, once it has become determined in the mind to be done—that cannot, by any means, be brought about by anyone in a different way. (5-86-9)

Whatever that mighty-armed one might say, do that without hesitation; quickly be reconciled with the Pāṇḍavas through Vāsudeva, the holy one. (5-86-10)

Janardana, who is virtuous, will certainly speak what is righteous and beneficial; to him, you and your kinsmen should say pleasing words. (5-86-11)

Duryodhana said:

O king, there is no alternative by which I could, still alive, enjoy exclusive prosperity together with those others, O grandsire. (5-86-12)

But hear from me now this very great plan that I have resolved: I will control Janārdana, the mainstay of the Pāṇḍavas. (5-86-13)

When he is captured, the Vrishnis, the earth, and the Pandavas will be subject to my will, and he himself will come here in the morning. (5-86-14)

Here, a means by which Janardana would not fully perceive (the plan), and by which no harm at all would occur—please tell me that. (5-86-15)

Vaiśaṃpāyana said:

Hearing that terrible speech spoken by Kṛṣṇa, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, together with his counselors, became distressed and dispirited. (5-86-16)

Then Dhritarashtra said these words to Duryodhana: "Do not speak in this way, protector of the people; this is not the eternal right conduct." (5-86-17)

Kṛṣṇa is an envoy, and also our relative and dear to us, and innocent among the Kauravas—how can he deserve to be held captive? (5-86-18)

Bhishma said:

This son of yours, Dhritarashtra, who is very foolish, surrounded on all sides, chooses disaster, not benefit, though he is being advised by his well-wishers. (5-86-19)

You too are following this evil man, who acts on the wrong path and is bound to further evil, having abandoned the words of your friends. (5-86-20)

When this wicked-minded son of yours, along with his counselors, comes upon Kṛṣṇa—whose actions are effortless—they will not survive even for a moment. (5-86-21)

I am in no way able to listen to the speech of this wicked, cruel, evil-minded man who has abandoned righteousness, as it is fraught with calamity. (5-86-22)

Vaiśaṁpāyana said:

Having said this, the elder Bhishma, the best of the Bharatas, resolute and truly valiant, rose and departed from there. (5-86-23)