05.127
Pancharatra: Gandhari advises Duryodhana on Kingly dharma, and a surrender to Lord Krishna.
Śavaiśampāyana spoke:
Upon hearing Krishna's words, King Dhritarashtra, in haste, spoke to Vidura, who is knowledgeable in all dharmas.
Father, go to the wise and far-sighted Gandhari. Bring her here, and together we will persuade the one with evil intentions.
If she can pacify the wicked-minded, we should also abide by the words of Krishna's friends.
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.
Whether our great and terrible calamity caused by Duryodhana can be alleviated for a long time, ensuring lasting prosperity and security.
Upon hearing the king's command, the wise Vidura brought Gandhari as instructed by Dhritarashtra.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
This wicked son of Gandhari, your son, disobedient due to his greed for power, will lose both his power and his life.
The foolish person, speaking improperly and without respect, associated with sinners and wicked individuals, left the assembly, ignoring the advice of friends.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Upon hearing her husband's words, the illustrious princess Gandhari, in pursuit of great good, spoke.
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.
You are indeed greatly blameworthy here, Dhritarashtra, for being fond of your son. Knowing his wickedness, you still follow his counsel.
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.
Dhritarashtra, by giving the kingdom to the foolish, childish, wicked, difficult ally, and greedy, reaps the consequences.
How can a wise person ignore division among their own people? If you are divided by your own, enemies will surely overpower you.
O great king, who would choose to punish their own people when it is possible to resolve difficulties through conciliation or gifts?
Due to Dhritarashtra's command and his mother's words, the impatient Duryodhana was once again ushered into the assembly by the charioteer.
He, eager to hear his mother's words, entered the assembly once more, his eyes red with anger, sighing like a serpent.
Seeing her son on the wrong path, Gandhari reproached him and spoke capable words.
Duryodhana, my son, listen to my words. They are meant for your benefit and that of your allies, ensuring future happiness.
The honor of Bhishma, my father, and myself has been upheld by you through pacifying Drona, his followers, and our friends.
O wise one, the kingdom cannot be obtained, protected, or enjoyed merely by one's own desire, O best of the Bharatas.
A person with uncontrolled senses should not rule a kingdom for long. However, a wise and self-controlled individual should govern the kingdom effectively.
Desire and anger distract a man from his objectives, but by overcoming these two foes, a king can conquer the world.
Indeed, it is not possible for evil-minded individuals to protect this great lordship over the world, the kingdom, and the desired position.
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.
These uncontrollable ones are indeed capable of causing destruction, just like untamed horses on a path with an unskilled charioteer.
He who has not conquered himself and his ministers, yet desires to conquer others, finds himself helpless and ultimately defeated.
One must first conquer oneself in the form of a country; only then can one successfully desire to conquer ministers and enemies.
Prosperity attends to a person who has self-control, has subdued his ministers, wields authority, is prudent in changeable situations, and possesses great wisdom.
Desire and anger, residing within the body, obscure wisdom just as two fishes are ensnared by a small net.
The gods, fearing the stain, placed the face of heaven by whom indeed desire and anger were increased.
A king who understands how to fully overcome desire, anger, greed, hypocrisy, and pride is destined to rule the world.
A king should always be engaged in controlling his senses, seeking wealth and righteousness, and aiming for the defeat of his enemies.
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.
Dear one, united with the wise and heroic Pāṇḍavas who are destroyers of enemies, you will happily enjoy the earth together.
As Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, and Drona, the great warrior, struck, it is indeed true, O father, that Krishna and Pandava are unconquerable.
Surrender to the mighty-armed Krishna, who performs effortless deeds. When pleased, Keshava ensures happiness for both parties.
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.
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.
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.
Today, you witness the result of his generosity, as you enjoy the whole earth, made free of obstacles by the valor of heroes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For thirteen years, this insult has persisted. O great wise one, please pacify this situation, inflamed with desire and anger.
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.
In the presence of Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna, Bhimasena, Dhananjaya, and the enraged Dhrishtadyumna, it is certain that all people would not exist.
Dear one, do not kill the Kurus in anger; indeed, the entire earth has been affected for your sake, Pandava, for destruction.
You foolishly think that Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and others will fight with all their might, but this is not possible today.
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.
If these people abandon their lives out of fear of the king's punishment, they will not be able to face King Yudhishthira.
Wealth does not come to men through greed. Therefore, dear one, let go of greed and be at peace, O best of the Bharatas.
