05.130
Pancharatra: Through Krishna Kunti advises Yudhisthira to abandon peace and take up weapons, as per Kshatriya's duty.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
He entered the house, saluted her feet, and briefly reported what had happened in the Kuru assembly.
Vasudeva said:
Various words were spoken, which were reasonable and should have been accepted by the sages and by me, but he did not accept them.
Everything here has matured over time and is now under Duryodhana's control. I must quickly take my leave from you and head towards the Pandavas.
What should I convey to the sons of Pandu on your behalf? Please tell me, O wise one, I am eager to hear your words.
Kunti said:
You should inform Keshava, the righteous king Yudhishthira, that his adherence to dharma is greatly diminishing, and advise him not to act in vain, dear son.
O king, your intellect, though appearing learned, is actually unwise like that of a dull person, and it perceives only one aspect of duty, being influenced by mere words.
Reflect on your duty as ordained by the Creator. You, a warrior born from the chest, are meant to live by the strength of your arms, engaging in harsh deeds, and always protecting the people.
Listen to an analogy here, one that I heard from the elders. Long ago, Vaiśravaṇa, being pleased, offered this earth to the royal sage Mucukunda, but he did not accept it.
I wish to enjoy the kingdom earned by my own strength. Then Vaiśravaṇa was both pleased and amazed.
Then King Muchukunda ruled the earth, which he had acquired through the strength of his arms, faithfully adhering to the duties of a warrior.
O Bhārata, the subjects here, protected by the king, indeed follow the duty which the king finds to be the fourth aspect of that duty.
A king who follows the path of righteousness is destined for divinity, while one who follows the path of unrighteousness is destined for hell.
The policy of punishment, when applied by the master, properly controls the fourfold caste system and restrains from unrighteousness.
When the king governs with complete adherence to the principles of justice, it is said that the excellent era known as Krita Yuga prevails.
The king is either the cause of time or time is the cause of the king. Let there be no doubt in your mind; the king is indeed the cause of time.
The king, being the creator of the Krita, Treta, and Dvapara Yugas, also becomes the cause of the fourth Yuga.
Because of the virtues of the Krita Yuga, a king attains eternal heaven. In the Treta Yuga, a king does not attain eternal heaven. In the Dvapara Yuga, he attains heaven according to his share.
Then the evil-doer resides in hell for countless years. It is indeed by the king's fault that the world is affected, and he is part of the world.
Reflect on the royal duties that are appropriate to your father and ancestors. This is not the conduct of a royal sage, where you wish to position yourself.
The king, who was not confused and was kind, received some benefit from protecting his subjects.
Neither Pandu, nor I, nor the grandfather ever made such a wish before, by which you now act with wisdom.
Sacrifice, charity, austerity, heroism, progeny, greatness, strength, and vigor are always desired by me.
The human deities, when properly worshipped with constant oblations and offerings, granted long life, wealth, and sons, bringing auspiciousness.
Fathers and gods always place their hopes in their sons, in acts of charity, study, sacrifice, and the protection of their people.
You were born into this duty or non-duty by birth. You are physicians born into a family, afflicted without a livelihood, O father.
But when the hungry wanderers of the earth find a heroic lord of gifts and leave satisfied, what righteousness is greater than that?
A righteous person, having obtained the kingdom here, should accept others through charity, strength, and gentleness from all sides.
A Brahmin should seek alms, a Kshatriya should protect, a Vaishya should earn wealth, and a Shudra should serve them.
Alms are prohibited for you, and agriculture is not suitable. As a warrior, you are a protector from harm, living by the strength of your arms.
O mighty-armed one, retrieve the submerged ancestral portion using conciliation, gifts, division, punishment, and finally, policy.
What could be more miserable than this, that I, deprived of my relatives, have to look upon others' food, O charioteer, O delight of friends?
Fight according to the royal duty and do not let your ancestors down. Do not proceed, as you and your brother, whose merits are depleted, should not tread the sinful path.
