06.004
Pancharatra-Ext: Vyasa tries to persuade Dhritarastra away from war. Dhritarashtra further inquires on omens of war.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Thus addressed by the sage, the best of poets and kings, Dhritarashtra's son followed the supreme meditation.
The great ascetic, who speaks of time, reiterated: "Without a doubt, O king, time diminishes the world."
He creates the worlds again, but nothing eternal exists here. The relatives, the Kurus, and their relations and friends are also transient.
Show the righteous path, as you are indeed capable of preventing it. They say that killing relatives is a petty act; do not do what is unpleasant to me.
O lord of the people, time has manifested as your son. The Vedas do not praise killing; it is not beneficial in any way.
He who destroys his own family duty and body will eventually deviate from the right path, if it is possible to stay on it.
The disaster that comes in the form of a kingdom should be abandoned as it leads to the destruction of this family and the kings, bringing unhappiness.
You have lost your wisdom and are influenced by others. Show your duty to your sons. What use is the kingdom to you, unassailable one, if it has led you to sin?
By upholding fame, righteousness, and glory, you shall reach heaven. Let the Pandavas gain the kingdom, and let the Kauravas find peace.
As the best of the Brahmanas spoke, Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, interrupted and, being skilled in speech, responded once more.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
Just as you know, I am also the knower; I understand existence and non-existence as they truly are. People, O dear, are indeed deluded by self-interest; know that I am also of the nature of the world.
I seek your favor, O sage of incomparable influence; you are our refuge and guide. O great sage, you are not under my control, nor should you commit any sin against me here.
You embody righteousness, purity, fame, glory, steadfastness, and memory, and are respected among both the Kurus and the Pandavas, O grandfather.
Vyasa said:
O King Vaicitravirya, express whatever is on your mind freely; I am here to resolve your doubts.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
O Lord, I wish to hear in detail about all those omens in battle that signify victory.
Vyasa said:
The fire glows brightly with upward rays, its flame spirals clockwise without smoke. Auspicious fragrances from the offerings spread around; this is said to be the sign of impending victory.
"Deep and loud sounds of conches and drums resonate where the pure rays of the sun and moon shine; this is described as the form of impending victory."
The desired words come from behind the crows, from those who have set out and those who are going. Those behind hasten, O king, while those in front restrain.
The sages say that where there are auspicious-voiced birds like royal swans, parrots, cranes, and lotuses, and where circumambulations occur in great numbers, victory is assured.
The army adorned with ornaments, armors, and banners, with faces shining like gold, is formidable and hard to face; such an army conquers its enemies.
O Bharata, where the warriors' words are joyful and their courage is strong, the garlands do not wither, and they indeed overcome their enemies in battle.
The favorable wind aids the one who has entered the south and intends to proceed further, achieving the goal and preventing obstacles ahead.
The manifestations of sound, form, taste, touch, and smell are auspicious. The warriors who are always joyful are assured of victory.
The winds blow along with the clouds and birds. Similarly, the clouds float, as do the rainbows.
O lord of the people, these signs that appear for the victorious are quite the opposite for those who are on the verge of death, O ruler.
Whether in a small or large army, it is determined that the joy among the warriors is considered a sign of victory.
Even a single broken warrior can tear apart a very great army, and even the bravest warriors follow that broken one.
The great army, which was most irresistible, was scattered and frightened like herds of deer by the great speed of the waters.
In the assembly, the great army cannot be controlled at all. Even the bravest warriors are torn apart. Seeing those who are frightened and broken, fear grows once more.
O King, the great army, once suddenly broken and confused by others, cannot be reassembled even by the bravest of heroes.
The wise king, having gathered a formidable fourfold army, should always be proactive and strategic in his efforts.
The best victory is achieved through strategy, a moderate one through division, and the least through war, O lord of men. A collision is a great fault, and thus it is considered a defect.
Fifty mutually-knowing, delighted, and well-determined heroes can crush a great army. Alternatively, five, six, or seven relentless conquerors can achieve victory.
O Bharata, Garuda, the son of Vinata, does not praise the great people even after witnessing the grandeur of Suparna's abode.
O Bhārata, victory does not come from the size of the army. Victory is uncertain and depends on fate. Even those who win battles are ultimately subject to destruction.
