05.123

Vaiśampāyana said:

Then Bhīṣma, the son of Śantanu, having heard the words of Keśava, spoke to Duryodhana, who was resentful, O best of the Bharatas. (5-123-1)

You have been addressed by Kṛṣṇa, who wishes peace for friends; consider that, dear one, and do not give in to anger. (5-123-2)

If you do not follow the advice of Keśava, the great-souled one, dear one, you will never gain what is best, nor happiness, nor welfare. (5-123-3)

The mighty-armed Keśava, dear one, has told you the righteous course; follow that course. O king, do not bring misery upon your people. (5-123-4)

Through Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s wickedness, while he still lives, you will lose this flourishing Bhārata prosperity, supreme among all kings. (5-123-5)

Through wrongful thinking, you will cause the loss of yourself, your ministers, your son, cattle, kin, and friends from life. (5-123-6)

By disregarding the true and meaningful words of Keshava, your father, and the wise Vidura, O best of the Bharatas... (5-123-7)

Do not become a destroyer of your family, a man of the inner chambers, or a person with evil intent; do not go down the wrong path. Do not cause your father and mother grief in their old age. (5-123-8)

Then Droṇa spoke these words to Duryodhana there, who was repeatedly sighing and overcome by anger. (5-123-9)

Dear one, Keshava spoke advice to you that was righteous and beneficial, and likewise Bhishma, son of Santanu—king, accept that. (5-123-10)

The wise, intelligent, and self-controlled ones, desiring your welfare and learned in many things, have spoken beneficial words to you; accept them, O tormentor of enemies. (5-123-11)

O most wise one, follow what Kṛṣṇa and Bhīṣma said; do not pay heed to the words of those with little understanding, O tormentor of foes. (5-123-12)

Those who are urging you on—these people will never do what is right. In battle, they will place the enmity of others upon your neck. (5-123-13)

Do not seek to destroy all your sons and your brothers as well. Where Vasudeva and Arjuna are, know that force to be truly invincible. (5-123-14)

And this is truly the opinion of the friends Kṛṣṇa and Bhīṣma; if you do not accept it, dear one, you will regret it afterwards, O descendant of Bharata. (5-123-15)

Just as it was said by Jāmadagnya, then again, Arjuna— for Kṛṣṇa, the son of Devakī, is hard to overcome even by the gods. (5-123-16)

Why should I speak here again to you, lover of comfort, with what pleases you, O best of the Bharatas? All this has been told to you—do as you wish. Indeed, O best of the Bharatas, I am not able to say more to you. (5-123-17)

Then, amidst that conversation, Vidura—the charioteer—spoke, considering Duryodhana, the proud son of Dhritarashtra. (5-123-18)

Duryodhana, I do not grieve for you, Bull among the Bharatas. But I grieve for these two elders—your mother Gandhari and your father. (5-123-19)

As long as these two, bereft of support, live with you as their protector—a wicked-hearted one—having lost their friends and counselors, like two birds with their wings cut off... (5-123-20)

The two of you will wander as beggars, grieving over this earth, having brought forth a base, wicked destroyer of the family like this. (5-123-21)

Then King Dhritarashtra addressed Duryodhana, who was seated together with his brothers and surrounded by kings. (5-123-22)

Duryodhana, listen to this teaching spoken by the great-souled Śauri; take it to heart as supremely auspicious, unfailing in providing attainment and security, and imperishable. (5-123-23)

Indeed, with this ally—Kṛṣṇa, whose deeds are untiring—we shall achieve all our desired aims among all the kings. (5-123-24)

Having been well advised by Keśava, dear one, go to Yudhiṣṭhira and bestow a complete blessing of well-being upon all the Bhāratas. (5-123-25)

Dear one, go to the meeting with the holy Vasudeva; I think this is the right time—do not go beyond Duryodhana. (5-123-26)

If you reject Keshava, who will be imploring peace for your sake, as he speaks insistently, then there will be no defeat for you. (5-123-27)