05.104

The story of Gālava.

Janamejaya said:

One who becomes resolute in disaster, is deluded by greed for the sake of others, takes pleasure in unworthy deeds, and is determined upon death. (5-104-1)

one who brings sorrow to his family, increases grief for his relatives, causes suffering to his friends, and increases the joy of his enemies (5-104-2)

Why do not his relatives restrain him here, though he is on the wrong path? Either out of friendship, as affectionate friends, or as the revered grandsire? (5-104-3)

Vaiśampāyana said:

The words spoken by the venerable one, and what was spoken appropriately by Bhishma, and also what was spoken in many ways by Narada—listen to that. (5-104-4)

Nārada said:

A friend who listens is indeed hard to find, and a well-wishing friend is also rare. Wherever a friend is present, a kinsman will not remain there. (5-104-5)

O descendant of Kuru, I do see that one should listen to friends; but there should be no insistence, for insistence is truly very harsh. (5-104-6)

Here too they recite this ancient story, how, because of insistence, Gālava incurred defeat. (5-104-7)

Long ago, Dharma, moved by curiosity, approached Viśvāmitra, who was performing austerities, becoming himself the revered sage Vasiṣṭha. (5-104-8)

O Bhārata, assuming the appearance of one of the Seven Sages, being hungry and famished, O king, he indeed went to the hermitage of Kauśika. (5-104-9)

Then Viśvāmitra, disturbed, cooked the sacrificial gruel—an excellent rice dish—with effort, and he did not wait. (5-104-10)

When the food offered by the ascetics had been eaten by him and others, then Viśvāmitra approached, taking the very hot food. (5-104-11)

Having said, "I have eaten. You, remain here for a moment," the venerable one departed. Thereafter, Viśvāmitra, O King, of great radiance, remained there. (5-104-12)

Taking the food and carrying it at his side with his arms and on his head, the wind-eating ascetic stood nearby without moving, like a pillar. (5-104-13)

The sage Gālava made an effort to serve him, out of respect, esteem, heartfelt affection, and a desire to please. (5-104-14)

Then, after a hundred years had passed, Dharma came again, assuming the appearance of a Vasiṣṭha, to Kauśika, desiring food. (5-104-15)

He saw that wise Viśvāmitra, who lived on air and was standing, with food being held in his hands by the great sage bowed in respect. (5-104-16)

Having accepted from him in the same way the hot food and the fresh food, and having eaten, Dharma said, 'I am satisfied, O best of Brahmins,' and, saying this to him, that sage departed. (5-104-17)

Having abandoned his kṣatriya status and attained brahminhood, Viśvāmitra then, pleased by Dharma's instruction, became so. (5-104-18)

But Viśvāmitra, pleased with his ascetic disciple Gālava for his attentive service and devotion, said to him, "My dear child, you have my permission—go wherever you wish, O Gālava." (5-104-19)

Thus addressed, Gālava, pleased, replied with sweet words to the greatly radiant Viśvāmitra, the most exalted sage. (5-104-20)

What sort of fee should I give you for your service as guru? For a human act succeeds only when accompanied by a proper fee. (5-104-21)

For it is with liberation that the gifts, once given, are enjoyed; in heaven, the fruit of sacrifice is, by the good, said to be the gift—peace. What shall I bring for the preceptor? Let the Revered One speak thus. (5-104-22)

Knowing his intent, the venerable one, having been won over by his service, Viśvāmitra repeatedly urged him, "Go, go." (5-104-23)

Though repeatedly told by Viśvāmitra, "Go, go," Gālava often replied, "What shall I give you?" (5-104-24)

But after Gālava the ascetic persisted many times, Viśvāmitra, becoming somewhat irritated, said this: (5-104-25)

Give me eight hundred dark-eared horses of one kind, moon-white in color. Go, Gālava, do not delay. (5-104-26)