05.127
Pancharatra: Gandhari advises Duryodhana on Kingly dharma, and a surrender to Lord Krishna.
शवैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Śavaiśampāyana spoke:
कृष्णस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा धृतराष्ट्रो जनेश्वरः । विदुरं सर्वधर्मज्ञं त्वरमाणोऽभ्यभाषत ॥५-१२७-१॥
Upon hearing Krishna's words, King Dhritarashtra, in haste, spoke to Vidura, who is knowledgeable in all dharmas.
गच्छ तात महाप्राज्ञां गान्धारीं दीर्घदर्शिनीम् । आनयेह तया सार्धमनुनेष्यामि दुर्मतिम् ॥५-१२७-२॥
Father, go to the wise and far-sighted Gandhari. Bring her here, and together we will persuade the one with evil intentions.
यदि सापि दुरात्मानं शमयेद्दुष्टचेतसम् । अपि कृष्णाय सुहृदस्तिष्ठेम वचने वयम् ॥५-१२७-३॥
If she can pacify the wicked-minded, we should also abide by the words of Krishna's friends.
अपि लोभाभिभूतस्य पन्थानमनुदर्शयेत् । दुर्बुद्धेर्दुःसहायस्य समर्थं ब्रुवती वचः ॥५-१२७-४॥
Even to someone who is overcome by greed, one should show the right path, speaking words that are capable of guiding even the wicked and those with difficult companions.
अपि नो व्यसनं घोरं दुर्योधनकृतं महत् । शमयेच्चिररात्राय योगक्षेमवदव्ययम् ॥५-१२७-५॥
Whether our great and terrible calamity caused by Duryodhana can be alleviated for a long time, ensuring lasting prosperity and security.
राज्ञस्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा विदुरो दीर्घदर्शिनीम् । आनयामास गान्धारीं धृतराष्ट्रस्य शासनात् ॥५-१२७-६॥
Upon hearing the king's command, the wise Vidura brought Gandhari as instructed by Dhritarashtra.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
एष गान्धारि पुत्रस्ते दुरात्मा शासनातिगः । ऐश्वर्यलोभादैश्वर्यं जीवितं च प्रहास्यति ॥५-१२७-७॥
This wicked son of Gandhari, your son, disobedient due to his greed for power, will lose both his power and his life.
अशिष्टवदमर्यादः पापैः सह दुरात्मभिः । सभाया निर्गतो मूढो व्यतिक्रम्य सुहृद्वचः ॥५-१२७-८॥
The foolish person, speaking improperly and without respect, associated with sinners and wicked individuals, left the assembly, ignoring the advice of friends.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
सा भर्तुर्वचनं श्रुत्वा राजपुत्री यशस्विनी । अन्विच्छन्ती महच्छ्रेयो गान्धारी वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥५-१२७-९॥
Upon hearing her husband's words, the illustrious princess Gandhari, in pursuit of great good, spoke.
आनयेह सुतं क्षिप्रं राज्यकामुकमातुरम् । न हि राज्यमशिष्टेन शक्यं धर्मार्थलोपिना ॥५-१२७-१०॥
Bring the son here quickly, as he is eager for the kingdom and distressed. Indeed, a kingdom cannot be maintained by someone undisciplined who neglects duty and wealth.
त्वं ह्येवात्र भृशं गर्ह्यो धृतराष्ट्र सुतप्रियः । यो जानन्पापतामस्य तत्प्रज्ञामनुवर्तसे ॥५-१२७-११॥
You are indeed greatly blameworthy here, Dhritarashtra, for being fond of your son. Knowing his wickedness, you still follow his counsel.
स एष काममन्युभ्यां प्रलब्धो मोहमास्थितः । अशक्योऽद्य त्वया राजन्विनिवर्तयितुं बलात् ॥५-१२७-१२॥
This person, overwhelmed by desire and anger, is in a state of delusion. It is impossible for you, O king, to turn him back by force today.
राज्यप्रदाने मूढस्य बालिशस्य दुरात्मनः । दुःसहायस्य लुब्धस्य धृतराष्ट्रोऽश्नुते फलम् ॥५-१२७-१३॥
Dhritarashtra, by giving the kingdom to the foolish, childish, wicked, difficult ally, and greedy, reaps the consequences.
कथं हि स्वजने भेदमुपेक्षेत महामतिः । भिन्नं हि स्वजनेन त्वां प्रसहिष्यन्ति शत्रवः ॥५-१२७-१४॥
How can a wise person ignore division among their own people? If you are divided by your own, enemies will surely overpower you.
या हि शक्या महाराज साम्ना दानेन वा पुनः । निस्तर्तुमापदः स्वेषु दण्डं कस्तत्र पातयेत् ॥५-१२७-१५॥
O great king, who would choose to punish their own people when it is possible to resolve difficulties through conciliation or gifts?
शासनाद्धृतराष्ट्रस्य दुर्योधनममर्षणम् । मातुश्च वचनात्क्षत्ता सभां प्रावेशयत्पुनः ॥५-१२७-१६॥
Due to Dhritarashtra's command and his mother's words, the impatient Duryodhana was once again ushered into the assembly by the charioteer.
स मातुर्वचनाकाङ्क्षी प्रविवेश सभां पुनः । अभिताम्रेक्षणः क्रोधान्निःश्वसन्निव पन्नगः ॥५-१२७-१७॥
He, eager to hear his mother's words, entered the assembly once more, his eyes red with anger, sighing like a serpent.
तं प्रविष्टमभिप्रेक्ष्य पुत्रमुत्पथमास्थितम् । विगर्हमाणा गान्धारी समर्थं वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥५-१२७-१८॥
Seeing her son on the wrong path, Gandhari reproached him and spoke capable words.
दुर्योधन निबोधेदं वचनं मम पुत्रक । हितं ते सानुबन्धस्य तथायत्यां सुखोदयम् ॥५-१२७-१९॥
Duryodhana, my son, listen to my words. They are meant for your benefit and that of your allies, ensuring future happiness.
भीष्मस्य तु पितुश्चैव मम चापचितिः कृता । भवेद्द्रोणमुखानां च सुहृदां शाम्यता त्वया ॥५-१२७-२०॥
The honor of Bhishma, my father, and myself has been upheld by you through pacifying Drona, his followers, and our friends.
न हि राज्यं महाप्राज्ञ स्वेन कामेन शक्यते । अवाप्तुं रक्षितुं वापि भोक्तुं वा भरतर्षभ ॥५-१२७-२१॥
O wise one, the kingdom cannot be obtained, protected, or enjoyed merely by one's own desire, O best of the Bharatas.
न ह्यवश्येन्द्रियो राज्यमश्नीयाद्दीर्घमन्तरम् । विजितात्मा तु मेधावी स राज्यमभिपालयेत् ॥५-१२७-२२॥
A person with uncontrolled senses should not rule a kingdom for long. However, a wise and self-controlled individual should govern the kingdom effectively.
कामक्रोधौ हि पुरुषमर्थेभ्यो व्यपकर्षतः । तौ तु शत्रू विनिर्जित्य राजा विजयते महीम् ॥५-१२७-२३॥
Desire and anger distract a man from his objectives, but by overcoming these two foes, a king can conquer the world.
लोकेश्वरप्रभुत्वं हि महदेतद्दुरात्मभिः । राज्यं नामेप्सितं स्थानं न शक्यमभिरक्षितुम् ॥५-१२७-२४॥
Indeed, it is not possible for evil-minded individuals to protect this great lordship over the world, the kingdom, and the desired position.
इन्द्रियाणि महत्प्रेप्सुर्नियच्छेदर्थधर्मयोः । इन्द्रियैर्नियतैर्बुद्धिर्वर्धतेऽग्निरिवेन्धनैः ॥५-१२७-२५॥
One who desires greatness should control the senses for the sake of wealth and righteousness. With controlled senses, intelligence grows like a fire fueled by wood.
अविध्येयानि हीमानि व्यापादयितुमप्यलम् । अविधेया इवादान्ता हयाः पथि कुसारथिम् ॥५-१२७-२६॥
These uncontrollable ones are indeed capable of causing destruction, just like untamed horses on a path with an unskilled charioteer.
अविजित्य य आत्मानममात्यान्विजिगीषते । अजितात्माजितामात्यः सोऽवशः परिहीयते ॥५-१२७-२७॥
He who has not conquered himself and his ministers, yet desires to conquer others, finds himself helpless and ultimately defeated.
आत्मानमेव प्रथमं देशरूपेण यो जयेत् । ततोऽमात्यानमित्रांश्च न मोघं विजिगीषते ॥५-१२७-२८॥
One must first conquer oneself in the form of a country; only then can one successfully desire to conquer ministers and enemies.
वश्येन्द्रियं जितामात्यं धृतदण्डं विकारिषु । परीक्ष्यकारिणं धीरमत्यन्तं श्रीर्निषेवते ॥५-१२७-२९॥
Prosperity attends to a person who has self-control, has subdued his ministers, wields authority, is prudent in changeable situations, and possesses great wisdom.
क्षुद्राक्षेणेव जालेन झषावपिहितावुभौ । कामक्रोधौ शरीरस्थौ प्रज्ञानं तौ विलुम्पतः ॥५-१२७-३०॥
Desire and anger, residing within the body, obscure wisdom just as two fishes are ensnared by a small net.
याभ्यां हि देवाः स्वर्यातुः स्वर्गस्यापिदधुर्मुखम् । बिभ्यतोऽनुपरागस्य कामक्रोधौ स्म वर्धितौ ॥५-१२७-३१॥
The gods, fearing the stain, placed the face of heaven by whom indeed desire and anger were increased.
कामं क्रोधं च लोभं च दम्भं दर्पं च भूमिपः । सम्यग्विजेतुं यो वेद स महीमभिजायते ॥५-१२७-३२॥
A king who understands how to fully overcome desire, anger, greed, hypocrisy, and pride is destined to rule the world.
सततं निग्रहे युक्त इन्द्रियाणां भवेन्नृपः । ईप्सन्नर्थं च धर्मं च द्विषतां च पराभवम् ॥५-१२७-३३॥
A king should always be engaged in controlling his senses, seeking wealth and righteousness, and aiming for the defeat of his enemies.
कामाभिभूतः क्रोधाद्वा यो मिथ्या प्रतिपद्यते । स्वेषु चान्येषु वा तस्य न सहाया भवन्त्युत ॥५-१२७-३४॥
One who is overcome by desire or anger and acts falsely, whether in his own matters or in others', will find that he indeed has no helpers.
एकीभूतैर्महाप्राज्ञैः शूरैररिनिबर्हणैः । पाण्डवैः पृथिवीं तात भोक्ष्यसे सहितः सुखी ॥५-१२७-३५॥
Dear one, united with the wise and heroic Pāṇḍavas who are destroyers of enemies, you will happily enjoy the earth together.
यथा भीष्मः शान्तनवो द्रोणश्चापि महारथः । आहतुस्तात तत्सत्यमजेयौ कृष्णपाण्डवौ ॥५-१२७-३६॥
As Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, and Drona, the great warrior, struck, it is indeed true, O father, that Krishna and Pandava are unconquerable.
प्रपद्यस्व महाबाहुं कृष्णमक्लिष्टकारिणम् । प्रसन्नो हि सुखाय स्यादुभयोरेव केशवः ॥५-१२७-३७॥
Surrender to the mighty-armed Krishna, who performs effortless deeds. When pleased, Keshava ensures happiness for both parties.
सुहृदामर्थकामानां यो न तिष्ठति शासने । प्राज्ञानां कृतविद्यानां स नरः शत्रुनन्दनः ॥५-१२७-३८॥
O delight of foes, a man who does not abide by the command of friends, wealth and desires, and the wise, is indeed a fool.
न युद्धे तात कल्याणं न धर्मार्थौ कुतः सुखम् । न चापि विजयो नित्यं मा युद्धे चेत आधिथाः ॥५-१२७-३९॥
O dear, in battle there is neither welfare nor righteousness and wealth, so where is happiness? Victory is also not always assured. Therefore, do not engage in battle if you can avoid it.
भीष्मेण हि महाप्राज्ञ पित्रा ते बाह्लिकेन च । दत्तोंऽशः पाण्डुपुत्राणां भेदाद्भीतैररिंदम ॥५-१२७-४०॥
O great wise one, indeed, a share was given by Bhishma and your father Bahlika to the sons of Pandu due to fear of division, O subduer of enemies.
तस्य चैतत्प्रदानस्य फलमद्यानुपश्यसि । यद्भुङ्क्षे पृथिवीं सर्वां शूरैर्निहतकण्टकाम् ॥५-१२७-४१॥
Today, you witness the result of his generosity, as you enjoy the whole earth, made free of obstacles by the valor of heroes.
प्रयच्छ पाण्डुपुत्राणां यथोचितमरिंदम । यदीच्छसि सहामात्यो भोक्तुमर्धं महीक्षिताम् ॥५-१२७-४२॥
O subduer of enemies, if you wish to enjoy half of the earth with your ministers, then give to the sons of Pandu what is appropriate.
अलमर्धं पृथिव्यास्ते सहामात्यस्य जीवनम् । सुहृदां वचने तिष्ठन्यशः प्राप्स्यसि भारत ॥५-१२७-४३॥
O Bharata, having half of the earth is enough for you along with the life of the minister. By adhering to the words of friends, you will gain fame.
श्रीमद्भिरात्मवद्भिर्हि बुद्धिमद्भिर्जितेन्द्रियैः । पाण्डवैर्विग्रहस्तात भ्रंशयेन्महतः सुखात् ॥५-१२७-४४॥
O dear one, indeed, the conflict initiated by the Pandavas, who are glorious, self-possessed, and wise, having conquered their senses, would lead to a great loss of happiness.
निगृह्य सुहृदां मन्युं शाधि राज्यं यथोचितम् । स्वमंशं पाण्डुपुत्रेभ्यः प्रदाय भरतर्षभ ॥५-१२७-४५॥
Control the anger of your friends and govern the kingdom as is appropriate. Give your share to the sons of Pandu, O best of the Bharatas.
अलमह्ना निकारोऽयं त्रयोदश समाः कृतः । शमयैनं महाप्राज्ञ कामक्रोधसमेधितम् ॥५-१२७-४६॥
For thirteen years, this insult has persisted. O great wise one, please pacify this situation, inflamed with desire and anger.
न चैष शक्तः पार्थानां यस्त्वदर्थमभीप्सति । सूतपुत्रो दृढक्रोधो भ्राता दुःशासनश्च ते ॥५-१२७-४७॥
This son of a charioteer, firm in anger, who desires to act for your sake, is not capable of overcoming the sons of Pṛthā, nor is your brother Duḥśāsana.
भीष्मे द्रोणे कृपे कर्णे भीमसेने धनञ्जये । धृष्टद्युम्ने च सङ्क्रुद्धे न स्युः सर्वाः प्रजा ध्रुवम् ॥५-१२७-४८॥
In the presence of Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna, Bhimasena, Dhananjaya, and the enraged Dhrishtadyumna, it is certain that all people would not exist.
अमर्षवशमापन्नो मा कुरूंस्तात जीघनः । सर्वा हि पृथिवी स्पृष्टा त्वत्पाण्डवकृते वधम् ॥५-१२७-४९॥
Dear one, do not kill the Kurus in anger; indeed, the entire earth has been affected for your sake, Pandava, for destruction.
यच्च त्वं मन्यसे मूढ भीष्मद्रोणकृपादयः । योत्स्यन्ते सर्वशक्त्येति नैतदद्योपपद्यते ॥५-१२७-५०॥
You foolishly think that Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and others will fight with all their might, but this is not possible today.
समं हि राज्यं प्रीतिश्च स्थानं च विजितात्मनाम् । पाण्डवेष्वथ युष्मासु धर्मस्त्वभ्यधिकस्ततः ॥५-१२७-५१॥
For those who have conquered themselves, the kingdom, affection, and position are the same among the Pandavas and you; however, righteousness is superior to all of these.
राजपिण्डभयादेते यदि हास्यन्ति जीवितम् । न हि शक्ष्यन्ति राजानं युधिष्ठिरमुदीक्षितुम् ॥५-१२७-५२॥
If these people abandon their lives out of fear of the king's punishment, they will not be able to face King Yudhishthira.
न लोभादर्थसम्पत्तिर्नराणामिह दृश्यते । तदलं तात लोभेन प्रशाम्य भरतर्षभ ॥५-१२७-५३॥
Wealth does not come to men through greed. Therefore, dear one, let go of greed and be at peace, O best of the Bharatas.
