05.131
Library: Kunti narrates the story of Vibhavari rebuking her son, encouraging him to fight.
Kunti spoke:
Here is also cited an ancient story, the dialogue between Vidura and the son, O subduer of enemies.
Here, the glorious and wise Vibhavari, born in a noble family, deserves to speak more and better.
She is engaged in the duties of a warrior, fortunate, wise, and far-sighted. She is renowned in royal assemblies, eloquent, and learned.
Vidura, known as Satyā, rebuked her son who was defeated by the king of Sindhu, lying there dejected and joyless, ignorant of righteousness, and a source of delight for his enemies.
You are neither born of me nor of your father. Where indeed have you come from? You are a man branching out without anger, using effeminate means.
As long as you live without hope, carry the burden for the welfare of others. Do not disregard yourself, and do not fear this small burden. Make your mind focused on well-being, do not be afraid, and remain steadfast.
Arise, O coward, do not lie defeated like this, making all your enemies rejoice, devoid of pride, and causing sorrow to your family.
A small well is indeed filled with a handful of mice; a cowardly man finds great satisfaction even with a little.
Even if you break the enemy's fang, proceed to death like a horse. Or, even if you encounter doubt, show valour in life.
Even as you move like a falcon, you should observe the enemy's weaknesses, whether you are shouting or silently, in the sky, while being cautious.
Why do you lie there like a dead man, as if struck by a thunderbolt? Get up, O coward, do not remain thus defeated.
Do not set, you miserable one, be heard by your own duty. Do not be in the middle or the worst, but stand strong in the lower position.
It is better to shine brightly for a short moment like a firebrand of the Tinduka tree than to exist like a chaff-fire without flame, longing to live like the cry of a crow. It is preferable to burn brightly for a moment than to smolder for a long time.
One should not remember the wife of anyone in the house, whether harsh or gentle, after performing human duties and hearing of the battle as long as it is excellent. This way, one attains freedom from the debt of duty and does not blame oneself.
Whether they gain or not, the wise do not grieve. They act immediately and do not value life for the sake of wealth.
Manifest your strength or proceed to that certain state. Having fulfilled your duty before your son, why indeed do you continue to live?
O coward, your sacrificial rites and charitable acts, as well as your entire fame, are destroyed. Your source of enjoyment is severed. For what reason do you continue to live?
Seize the enemy who is sinking by the leg when they are about to fall. Even if one's roots are cut off, one should never despair. Lift the burden and pull, remembering the deeds of Hanuman.
Cultivate strength and honor, recognize your own manliness. Indeed, you must personally uplift the family that has sunk because of you.
A person whose deeds are not spoken of as great and wonderful by others is merely someone who adds to the population; such a person is neither truly a woman nor a man.
A person whose fame is not recognized in acts of charity, austerity, valor, knowledge, or wealth acquisition is merely a mention by the mother.
A person who surpasses others through learning, austerity, wealth, valor, or action is truly a man.
You should not engage in deceitful and cruel actions that are inglorious, painful, and suited to a coward.
Enemies would praise this thin man, who is despised by the world and deprived of food and clothing.
Alas, it is beneficial to have a poor, short-lived, insignificant relative. A kinsman does not find happiness in such a relative.
Indeed, due to lack of livelihood, we will find ourselves in distress, exiled from the kingdom, deprived of all pleasures, displaced from our positions, and left destitute.
O Sanjaya, I have begotten you as Kali, who causes the destruction of family lineage and loss of caste among the virtuous, through the rumor of a son.
Let no woman give birth to a son who is without anger, enthusiasm, or strength, and is a delight to enemies.
Do not produce smoke; instead, burn intensely and attack to destroy the enemies. Burn the chief enemies even if only for a moment or an instant.
A true man is one who is patient and without impatience, not just a woman or a man.
Indeed, contentment destroys prosperity, and so does compassion. Both fear of inactivity and indifference do not lead to greatness.
Free yourself from these deceitful sins by your own effort. Strengthen your heart like iron and seek your true self once more.
A man is called so because he endures the city. They say he lives here with a useless name, like a woman.
The people find joy even in difficult times when a hero of strong character and lion-like courage meets his destined end.
He who forsakes his own comfort in pursuit of wealth soon brings joy to his ministers.
The son spoke:
What is the use of the entire earth to you if you cannot see me? What is the use of ornaments, enjoyments, or even life itself?
The mother spoke:
May those who harbor envy reach the realms meant for the envious, while our friends journey to the realms of the respectful.
Avoid adopting the ways of those who are weak, miserly, dependent on others for sustenance, and abandoned by their own servants.
May the Brahmins and friends continue to thrive after you, dear father, just as beings flourish with rain and gods with Indra.
O Sanjaya, all beings live for the man who, like a ripe tree, having reached maturity, finds his life meaningful.
The life of a hero whose relatives thrive in happiness due to his courage is indeed good, just like the gods live under the rule of Indra.
A man who relies on his own strength and thrives will gain fame in this world and an auspicious path in the hereafter.
