12.022
Library: Arjuna again advises Yudhishthira on warrior duties.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Then, in another statement, Arjuna again addressed his elder brother, the lord, whose mind was dejected, with these words.
O knower of dharma, having attained the unsurpassed kingdom through the duty of a kṣatriya and having conquered your enemies, O best among men, why are you so greatly troubled?
O great king, remember that for kṣatriyas, death in battle is regarded as superior to many sacrifices; recall the duty of a kṣatriya.
For Brāhmaṇas, austerity and renunciation are considered the prescribed path after death; for Kṣatriyas, death in battle is ordained, O Lord.
The duty of a kṣatriya is extremely fierce and always involves weapons; thus it is remembered. O best of the Bharatas, killing at the proper time, with weapons, in battle, is prescribed.
O king, if even a Brāhmaṇa lives by the duty of a Kṣatriya, his life is considered praiseworthy in the world, for the Kṣatriya order is truly rooted in Brahman.
O lord of men, for a kṣatriya, neither renunciation, nor repeated begging, nor austerity, nor living off others' wealth are prescribed.
You, O bull among the Bharatas, are the king, wise and skilled, knower of all dharmas, the self of all, and one who has seen the highest and lowest in the world.
Abandoning sorrow that arises from distress, be resolute in action. Especially, the heart of a kṣatriya is as firm as a diamond.
O best of men, after conquering your enemies through the warrior's duty and obtaining a trouble-free kingdom, become self-controlled and devote yourself to sacrifice and charity.
Indra, truly the son of Brahman, by his actions became a Kṣatriya. He killed ninety-nine of his relatives who were of sinful conduct.
O lord of men, that action of his is indeed worthy of worship and praise; by that, he attained the position of Indra among the gods—thus we have heard.
Therefore, O great king, you should perform sacrifices with abundant gifts; just as Indra, O king of men, remained free from affliction for a long time.
Do not grieve at all in this situation, O best of kṣatriyas; they have attained the supreme state, purified by weapons, through the duty of kṣatriyas.
O best of the Bharatas, O tiger among kings, what is destined to happen and what has occurred is fated; it cannot be overcome.
