12.147
Bhīṣma said.
Thus addressed, Janamejaya replied to the sage: "You blame what is blameworthy and censure what is reproachable; please do not do so, O revered one."
I do not censure what is to be censured; therefore, I seek your appeasement. All this indeed is my own doing; I burn like something placed in fire.
My mind, having resolved to perform my own actions, does not feel joy. Surely, I have encountered a terrible fear, even greater than that from Vaivasvata, the god of death.
But how can I live without removing that thorn? Set aside all lesser matters and do not speak to me of them, O Śaunaka.
I will again become the great kitchen for the Brāhmaṇas, prosperous. Let the rest of this family remain; may this family not be defeated.
Indeed, for us who are cursed by Brahman, no remnant is fit to remain. For those who do not attain consciousness, revelation is determined by the certainty of the Veda.
Now, being greatly disillusioned, I will speak again. Moreover, those who are without dharma and without japa are always blaming, just like such people.
Just as Pulindas and Śabaras remain here, those who do not perform sacrifices do not attain that world in any way.
O Śaunaka, O Brāhmaṇa, without knowing my wisdom, even a learned man may wish towards me as a father does to his sons, like a child.
Śaunaka said.
What is surprising in this, since a wise person indeed does much at the present time? Thus, having become learned, he does not grieve for beings.
Having ascended the palace of wisdom, the wise man grieves for those who should not be grieved for. Just as one standing on a mountain observes those on the earth, so too does he observe with wisdom.
He neither perceives nor sees any actions there. With a disheartened spirit, whether indifferent or condemned, he is among all the virtuous.
Having understood the strength and greatness from both the Veda and the scriptures, perform here the act of great peace; may Brahmā be your refuge.
That which is otherworldly and dear to the Brāhmaṇas should not be disturbed. But if you are afflicted by sins and perceive dharma, then (act accordingly).
Janamejaya said.
O Śaunaka, I do not repent for sin, nor do I act unrighteously. I wish for one who desires to live and seeks (the good life).
Śaunaka said.
O king, after abandoning pride and arrogance, I wish for your affection. Remain established in the welfare of all beings and always remember dharma.
I do not invoke you out of fear, misery, or greed. May the gods, together with the Brāhmaṇas, hear my true words.
I am not a seeker of benefit from anyone; I invoke you, Dharma. Of those who cry out among all beings, ah! shame on those who act thus.
Those who know unrighteousness and enemies among the people will speak of me. When my friends hear those words, they will be greatly agitated for my sake.
O Bhārata, know that only some truly wise ones will fully understand the import of my deed towards the Brāhmaṇas, dear one.
Act in such a way that, for my sake, they may obtain welfare as you desire. Also, O king, promise not to harm the Brāhmaṇas.
Janamejaya said.
I will never again harm the Brāhmaṇas by speech, mind, or action; O sage, I truly touch your feet.
