09.004
Pancharatra and Core: Duryodhana rejects Kripa's proposal, as he thinks he will go to heaven and enjoy with the ladies after death.
Sanjaya said.
After being addressed in this way by the illustrious Gautama, the king sighed deeply and warmly, and remained silent, O lord of the people.
Then, after meditating for a moment, the wise son of Dhritarashtra addressed Kripa, the son of Sharadvata, with these words.
I have been informed of everything that was to be said by a friend. You have done everything, even abandoning lives, to fight.
The world witnessed you deeply engaged in the battle formations, fighting alongside the mighty charioteers, as the Pāṇḍavas, with their extraordinary prowess, observed you.
I was made to hear by you, my friend, what is to be spoken. However, none of it pleases me, just like medicine does not please a dying person.
O mighty-armed, the speech that is combined with cause and reason, though beneficial and excellent, does not please me, best of the Brahmins.
Having been deprived of his kingdom by us, how can he trust us? Moreover, the king, who was defeated by us in the dice game and lost great wealth, how can he believe my words again?
Thus, Krishna, acting as a messenger, came for the welfare of the Pandavas but was insulted, and Hrishikesha opposed this action. O Brahman, how will my words be regarded?
Kṛṣṇā lamented in the assembly, and Kṛṣṇa does not forgive that act, nor does he forgive the seizure of the kingdom.
Both Krishnas, who are like one soul, are united towards each other. What was once only heard of, today I see it, O lord.
Keshava, upon hearing of the death of his sister's son, is engulfed in sorrow and sleeps. How can he forgive us for the sins committed for my sake?
Arjuna is unable to find peace after Abhimanyu's death. How will he, when asked, make an effort for my benefit?
The middle Pāṇḍava, Bhīmasena, known for his sharpness and might, had fiercely promised that he would break but never bend.
Both of them, with their swords drawn and armor untied, stood as fierce warriors, resembling Yama, the god of death, in their enmity.
Dhṛṣṭadyumna and Śikhaṇḍī, who have enmity with me, how could they possibly make an effort for my benefit, O esteemed sage?
Duhshasana humiliated Draupadi, who was single-clothed and in her period, in the assembly in front of everyone.
Even today, the Pandavas remember the distress and humiliation they faced, and they cannot refrain from engaging in battle, O subduer of enemies.
When Draupadi was sorrowful for my destruction, she performed intense penance. Krishna, for the attainment of her husbands' purpose, always lies on the bare ground as long as the suffering of enmity continues.
The sister of Vasudeva, having set aside her pride and arrogance, serves Krishna like a devoted servant at all times.
Thus, everything that has been raised does not cease in any way. How can I reconcile him with the destruction of Abhimanyu?
How could I, having enjoyed this vast earth surrounded by the ocean, now be content with ruling a small kingdom by the grace of the Pandavas?
Just as the sun shines above all kings, how can I follow Yudhishthira afterwards like a servant?
How can I, after enjoying pleasures and giving away abundant shares, live a miserly life with other misers?
I do not resent your affectionate and beneficial words, but I do not think the alliance is timely in any way.
"O scorcher of foes, I perceive that good conduct is through a noble fight. This is not the time for weakness; it is indeed the time for us to engage in battle."
The gifts desired by me were given to the priests through many sacrifices. The Vedas, systematically learned, were obtained and established on the heads of the enemies.
"Dear father, my servants are well taken care of, the distressed people have been uplifted, other kingdoms have been visited, and my own kingdom is well-governed."
I have enjoyed various pleasures and served the threefold aim of life. I have fulfilled my duties towards my ancestors and the warrior's duty, both are now complete.
In this world, happiness is not permanent, so where is the kingdom, and where is the fame? Here, glory must be established, and that can only be achieved through battle, not by any other means.
The death of a warrior in his own home is considered disgraceful. It is a great sin to die in bed at home.
A man who sacrifices his body in the forest or in battle, after performing great sacrifices, attains great glory.
A miserable person, lamenting and afflicted by old age, overwhelmed by it, dies in the midst of crying relatives; such a person is not considered a true man.
Having given up various pleasures and reached the highest state, now I wish to attain the realm of the virtuous through honorable combat.
The brave ones of noble conduct, who do not retreat in battles, who are wise and truthful, and who perform all sacrifices.
The pure groups of celestial nymphs, indeed, behold with joy those who have certainly attained residence in the heavenly abode after completing the weapon ceremony.
The ancestors certainly witness those who are honored in Indra's assembly, surrounded by celestial nymphs, rejoicing in the heavenly realm.
May we also ascend the path traveled by immortals and heroes who do not turn back, joining them in their journey.
The wise and elder grandfather, along with the teacher, Jayadratha, Karna, and Duhshasana, were involved.
The heroes and kings, striving for my sake, have been killed in this battle and now lie on the earth with their limbs stained with blood, wounded by arrows.
The excellent warriors, skilled in weaponry and heroic in nature, who performed sacrifices as prescribed, having given up their lives unjustly, are now residing in the abode of Indra.
The path you have constructed becomes difficult again, indeed, by those who are flying with great speed from here, leading to a good path.
Reflecting on the sacrifice of the heroes who died for me, I released that debt and did not focus my mind on ruling the kingdom.
If I were to save my life by causing the downfall of my friends, brothers, and grandfathers, the world would surely blame me.
What kind of kingdom would I have, being deprived of my relatives, friends, and well-wishers, after bowing down to Pāṇḍava?
"Having caused such a defeat of this world, I shall attain heaven by a good fight; there is no other way."
Thus, after Duryodhana spoke, all the warriors honored his words and addressed the king, saying "Well done, well done."
Without lamenting their defeat and with determined minds, all were firmly resolved to fight with uplifted spirits.
Then, after reassuring their vehicles, all the Kauravas, who were rejoicing in the battle, proceeded less than two yojanas and stood firm.
In the sky, on the auspicious plateau of the Himalayas, they reached the reddish Sarasvati and drank and bathed in its waters.
Your sons, having been encouraged, turned back at that time. After arranging themselves with each other once more, all the warriors, O king, returned, driven by the force of time.
