12.192
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca॥
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
kālamṛtyuyamānāṃ ca brāhmaṇasya ca sattama। vivādo vyāhṛtaḥ pūrvaṃ tadbhavānvaktumarhati ॥12-192-1॥
O best one, the dispute concerning time, death, Yama, and the Brāhmaṇa was spoken before; you are worthy to speak about that.
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṃ purātanam। ikṣvākoḥ sūryaputrasya yad vṛttaṃ brāhmaṇasya ca ॥12-192-2॥
Here too, they narrate this ancient story: what happened to the Brāhmaṇa and to Ikṣvāku, the son of the Sun.
kālasya mṛtyoś ca tathā yad vṛttaṃ tan nibodha me। yathā sa teṣāṃ saṃvādo yasmin sthāne'pi cābhavat ॥12-192-3॥
Hear from me what happened regarding time and death, and how and where that conversation among them took place.
brāhmaṇo jāpakaḥ kaścid dharmavṛtto mahāyaśāḥ। ṣaḍaṅgavin-mahāprājñaḥ paippalādiḥ sa kauśikaḥ॥12-192-4॥
He was a Brāhmaṇa, a chanter, a man of righteous conduct and great fame, learned in the six limbs of the Veda, very wise, a descendant of Paippalāda, and a descendant of Kuśika.
tasyāparokṣaṃ vijñānaṃ ṣaḍaṅgeṣu tathaiva ca। vedeṣu caiva niṣṇāto himavatpādasaṃśrayaḥ ॥12-192-5॥
He possesses direct knowledge of the six limbs and is equally well-versed in the Vedas, having taken refuge at the feet of Himavat (the Himalaya).
so'ntyaṃ brāhmaṃ tapastepe saṃhitāṃ saṃyato japan। tasya varṣasahasraṃ tu niyamena tathā gatam ॥12-192-6॥
He practiced the supreme Brahman austerity, self-restrained and reciting the Saṃhitā; for him, a thousand years thus passed in disciplined observance.
sa devyā darśitaḥ sākṣātpṛtāsmīti tadā kila। japyamāvartayaṃstūṣṇīṃ na ca tāṃ kiñcidabravīt ॥12-192-7॥
He was directly revealed by the goddess, and thinking 'I am pleased,' at that moment, he silently continued his recitation and did not say anything to her.
tasyānukampayā devī prītā samabhavattadā। vedamātā tatasttasya tajjapyaṃ samapūjayat ॥12-192-8॥
Out of compassion for him, the goddess was pleased at that time. Then, the mother of the Vedas fully honored his recitation.
samāptajapyastūtthāya śirasā pādayostathā। papāta devyā dharmātmā vacanaṃ cedamabravīt ॥12-192-9॥
Having completed the recitation, he rose, placed his head at her feet, and the righteous one fell before the queen and spoke these words.
diṣṭyā devi prasannā tvaṃ darśanaṃ cāgatā mama| yadi vāpi prasannāsi japye me ramatāṃ manaḥ ॥12-192-10॥
O goddess, by good fortune you, being pleased, have come into my sight. If you are indeed pleased, may my mind find delight in recitation.
sāvitryuvāca॥
Savitri said.
kiṃ prārthayasi viprarṣe kiṃ ceṣṭaṃ karavāṇi te। prabrūhi japatāṃ śreṣṭha sarvaṃ tatte bhaviṣyati ॥12-192-11॥
O best of Brāhmaṇas, what do you request? What action shall I perform for you? Please tell me, O best among those who recite. All that you desire will be done for you.
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
ityuktaḥ sa tadā devyā vipraḥ provāca dharmavit। japyaṃ prati mameccheyaṃ vardhatviti punaḥ punaḥ ॥12-192-12॥
Thus addressed by the goddess, the brāhmaṇa who knew dharma then spoke: "As for the recitation, I wish that mine may increase again and again."
manasaś ca samādhir me vardhetāharahaḥ śubhe. tat tatheti tato devī madhuraṃ pratyabhāṣata ॥12-192-13॥
May my concentration of mind increase day by day, O auspicious one. Hearing this, the goddess sweetly replied, "So be it."
idaṃ caivāparaṃ prāha devī tatpriyakāmyayā। nirayaṃ naiva yātāsi yatra yātā dvijarṣabhāḥ ॥12-192-14॥
The goddess, wishing to please, said this and another thing: "You have not gone to hell, where the foremost of brāhmaṇas have gone."
yāsyasi brahmaṇaḥ sthānam animittam aninditam। sādhaye bhavitā ca etad yat tvayā aham iha arthitā ॥12-192-15॥
You will reach the blameless, causeless abode of Brahman. I will fulfill this request you have made of me here.
niyato japa caikāgro dharmastvāṃ samupaiṣyati। kālo mṛtyuryamaścaiva samāyāsyanti te'ntikam ॥ bhavitā ca vivādo'tra tava teṣāṃ ca dharmataḥ ॥12-192-16॥
With restraint, recitation, and single-minded righteousness will come to you. Time, death, and Yama will also approach you. There will be a dispute here, between you and them, according to righteousness.
evam-uktvā bhagavatī jagāma bhavanaṃ svakam। brāhmaṇo'pi japannāste divyaṃ varṣaśataṃ tadā ॥12-192-17॥
Having said this, the revered lady went to her own house. The brāhmaṇa, too, remained there reciting mantras for a divine hundred years at that time.
samāpte niyame tasminnatha viprasya dhīmataḥ। sākṣātprītastadā dharmo darśayāmāsa taṃ dvijam ॥12-192-18॥
When the observance was completed, then Dharma, being directly pleased, manifested himself to that wise Brāhmaṇa.
dharma uvāca॥
Dharma said.
dvijāte paśya māṃ dharmamahaṃ tvāṃ draṣṭumāgataḥ। japyasya ca phalaṃ yatte samprāptaṃ tacca me śṛṇu ॥12-192-19॥
O Brāhmaṇa, behold me; I am Dharma. I have come to see you. Now, listen to me as I tell you the fruit of the recitation you have attained.
jitā lokās tvayā sarve ye divyā ye ca mānuṣāḥ। devānāṃ nirayān sādho sarvān utkramya yāsyasi॥12-192-20॥
You have conquered all worlds, both those of the gods and of men; O noble one, you will go beyond all the hells of the gods.
prāṇatyāgaṃ kuru mune gaccha lokānyathepsitān। tyaktvātmanaḥ śarīraṃ ca tato lokānavāpsyasi ॥12-192-21॥
O sage, relinquish your life-breath and body, and then you will attain the worlds you desire.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
kṛtaṃ lokair hi me dharma gaccha ca tvaṃ yathāsukham। bahuduḥkhasukhaṃ dehaṃ notsṛjeyam ahaṃ vibho ॥12-192-22॥
My duty has indeed been fulfilled by the people; you may go as you wish. I will not abandon this body, which is full of much pain and pleasure, O lord.
dharma uvāca॥
Dharma said.
avaśyaṃ bhoḥ śarīraṃ te tyaktavyaṃ munipuṅgava। svarga ārohyatāṃ vipra kiṃ vā te rocate'nagha ॥12-192-23॥
Certainly, O best of sages, your body must be abandoned. O brāhmaṇa, ascend to heaven, or do whatever pleases you, O sinless one.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
na rocaye svargavāsaṃ vinā dehādahaṃ vibho। gaccha dharma na me śraddhā svargaṃ gantuṃ vinātmanā ॥12-192-24॥
O Lord, I do not desire residence in heaven by leaving the body. Go, O righteous one; I have no faith in going to heaven without the self.
dharma uvāca॥
Dharma said.
alaṃ dehe manaḥ kṛtvā tyaktvā dehaṃ sukhī bhava। gaccha lokānarajaso yatra gatvā na śocasi ॥12-192-25॥
Enough of this attachment to the body; steady your mind, abandon the body, and be happy. Go to the pure worlds, where, once you arrive, you will not grieve.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
rame japanmahābhāga kṛtaṃ lokaiḥ sanātanaiḥ। saśarīreṇa gantavyo mayā svargo na vā vibho ॥12-192-26॥
O Rame, O highly fortunate one, what has been accomplished by the eternal worlds—whether I must go to heaven with this body or not, O Lord.
dharma uvāca॥
Dharma said.
yadi tvaṃ neccḥasi tyaktuṃ śarīraṃ paśya vai dvija। eṣa kālas tathā mṛtyur yamaś ca tvām upāgatāḥ ॥12-192-27॥
If you do not wish to give up your body, O Brahmin, behold—time, death, and Yama himself have come for you.
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said:
atha vaivasvataḥ kālo mṛtyuś ca tritayaṃ vibho। brāhmaṇaṃ taṃ mahābhāgam upāgamyedam abruvan ॥12-192-28॥
Then Vaivasvata (Yama), Time, and Death—the three, O lord—approached the greatly fortunate Brāhmaṇa and spoke these words.
tapasो'sya sutaptasya tathā sucaritasya ca। phalaprāptistava śreṣṭhā yamo'haṃ tvāmupabruve ॥12-192-29॥
O Yama, I declare to you: the best attainment of fruit for your austerity, well-performed and good conduct.
yathāvad asya japyasya phalaṃ prāptas tvam uttamam। kālas te svargam āroḍhuṃ kālo'ham tvām upāgataḥ॥12-192-30॥
You have duly obtained the highest fruit of this recitation; now is the time for you to ascend to heaven, and I, Time, have come for you.
mṛtyuṃ mā viddhi dharmajña rūpiṇaṃ svayamāgatam। kālena coditaṃ vipra tvāmito netumadya vai ॥12-192-31॥
O knower of dharma, know me as death itself, who has come in person, sent by time, O brāhmaṇa, to take you from here today indeed.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
svāgataṃ sūryaputrāya kālāya ca mahātmane। mṛtyave cātha dharmāya kiṃ kāryaṃ karavāṇi vaḥ ॥12-192-32॥
Welcome to the son of the Sun, to Time, to the great-souled one, to Death, and to Dharma. What do you wish me to do for you?
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
arghyaṃ pādyaṃ ca dattvā sa tebhya statra samāgame। abravīt paramaprītaḥ svaśaktyā kiṃ karomi vaḥ ॥12-192-33॥
After offering arghya and pādya, he, being extremely pleased at their meeting, said to them: "What can I do for you according to my ability?"
tasminnevātha kāle tu tīrthayātrāmupāgataḥ। ikṣvākuragamattatra sametā yatra te vibho ॥12-192-34॥
Then, at that very time, Ikṣvāku also went on a pilgrimage to the place where they had assembled, O Lord.
sarvāneva tu rājarṣiḥ sampūjyābhipraṇamya ca। kuśalapraśnamakarotsarveṣāṃ rājasattamaḥ ॥12-192-35॥
But the royal sage, after duly honoring and bowing to all, asked after the welfare of everyone, O best among kings.
tasmai so’thāsanaṃ dattvā pādyamarghyaṃ tathaiva ca। abravīdbrāhmaṇo vākyaṃ kṛtvā kuśalasaṃvidam ॥12-192-36॥
He then offered him a seat, water for washing his feet, and the customary offering; after making words of auspicious inquiry, the Brāhmaṇa spoke.
svāgataṃ te mahārāja brūhi yadyad ihecchasi। svaśaktyā kiṃ karomīha tad bhavān prabravītu me ॥12-192-37॥
Welcome, O great king! Please tell me whatever you desire here. I will do whatever I can with my own ability—let your honor declare it to me.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
rājāhaṃ brāhmaṇaś ca tvaṃ yadi ṣaṭkarma-saṃsthitaḥ। dadāmi vasu kiñcit te prārthitaṃ tad vadasva me॥12-192-38॥
I am the king, and you are a brāhmaṇa established in the six duties. If you desire something, tell me what you wish, and I will give you the requested wealth.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
dvividhā brāhmaṇā rājan dharmaś ca dvividhaḥ smṛtaḥ। pravṛttaś ca nivṛttaś ca nivṛtto'smi pratigrahāt ॥12-192-39॥
O king, Brāhmaṇas are of two kinds, and duty is also considered of two kinds: one engaged in action and one withdrawn. I am withdrawn from the acceptance of gifts.
tebhyaḥ prayaccha dānāni ye pravṛttā narādhipa। ahaṃ na pratigṛhṇāmi kimiṣṭaṃ kiṃ dadāni te ॥ brūhi tvaṃ nṛpatiśreṣṭha tapasā sādhayāmi kim ॥12-192-40॥
O king, give gifts to those who are engaged. I do not accept (anything). What do you desire, what shall I give you? Tell me, O best of kings, what shall I accomplish by austerity?
rājovāca॥
The king said.
kṣatriyo'ham na jānāmi dehīti vacanaṃ kvacit। prayaccha yuddhamityevaṃ vādinaḥ smo dvijottama ॥12-192-41॥
O best of the twice-born, we are warriors who never know the statement 'give'; we always say 'grant battle'.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
tuṣyasi tvaṃ svadharmeṇa tathā tuṣṭā vayaṃ nṛpa। anyonyasyottaraṃ nāsti yadiṣṭaṃ tatsamācara ॥12-192-42॥
You are content with your own duty, and so are we, O king. There is no further response between us; do whatever you desire.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
svaśaktyāhaṃ dadānīti tvayā pūrvaṃ prabhāṣitam। yāce tvāṃ dīyatāṃ mahyaṃ japyasyāsya phalaṃ dvija ॥12-192-43॥
You previously said, 'I shall give by my own power.' Now I request you, O Brahmin, please grant me the fruit of this recitation.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
yuddhaṃ mama sadā vāṇī yācatīti vikatthase। na ca yuddhaṃ mayā sārdhaṃ kimarthaṃ yācase punaḥ ॥12-192-44॥
You always boast that your speech asks for battle with me. Yet, why do you ask again for battle with me?
rājovāca॥
The king said.
vāgvajrā brāhmaṇāḥ proktāḥ kṣatriyā bāhujīvinaḥ। vāgyuddhaṃ tadidaṃ tīvraṃ mama vipra tvayā saha ॥12-192-45॥
Brāhmaṇas are said to have speech as their thunderbolt, while Kṣatriyas live by their arms. This is a fierce battle of words between you and me, O Brāhmaṇa.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
saivādyāpi pratijñā me svaśaktyā kiṃ pradīyatām। brūhi dāsyāmi rājendra vibhave sati māciram ॥12-192-46॥
"Even today, that promise is mine by my own power. Tell me what should be given; O king, I will give it when prosperity is present. Do not delay."
rājovāca॥
The king said.
yattadvarṣaśataṃ pūrṇaṃ japyaṃ vai japatā tvayā। phalaṃ prāptaṃ tatprayaccha mama ditsurbhavānyadi॥12-192-47॥
If you, wishing to give, have obtained the fruit of that complete recitation for a hundred years, then give that to me.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
paramaṃ gṛhyatāṃ tasya phalaṃ yajjapitaṃ mayā। ardhaṃ tvam avicāreṇa phalaṃ tasya samāpnuhi॥12-192-48॥
Let the supreme fruit of what I have recited be accepted. Without any deliberation, you receive half the fruit of that.
atha vā sarvameveha japyakaṃ māmakaṃ phalam। rājanprāpnuhī kāmaṃ tvaṃ yadi sarvam ihecchasi ॥12-192-49॥
Or, if you wish for everything here, O king, then attain all the fruit of my recitation as your desire.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
kṛtaṃ sarveṇa bhadraṃ te japyaṃ yadyācitaṃ mayā। svasti te'stu gamiṣyāmi kiṃ ca tasya phalaṃ vada ॥12-192-50॥
All that was to be done has been accomplished by everyone; the auspicious recitation you requested from me is complete. May well-being be yours; I shall depart now. Tell me, what is the result of that (recitation)?
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
phalaprāptiṃ na jānāmi dattaṃ yajjapitaṃ mayā। ayaṃ dharmaśca kālaśca yamo mṛtyuśca sākṣiṇaḥ ॥12-192-51॥
I do not know the attainment of fruit for what I have given or recited. These—righteousness, time, Yama, and Death—are witnesses.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
ajñātamasya dharmasya phalaṃ me kiṃ kariṣyati। prāpnotu tatphalaṃ vipro nāhamicche sasaṃśayam ॥12-192-52॥
What use is the fruit of this unknown dharma to me? Let the Brāhmaṇa receive that fruit; I do not wish for it, being doubtful.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
nādade'paravaktavyaṃ dattaṃ vācā phalaṃ mayā। vākyaṃ pramāṇaṃ rājarṣe mamāpi tava caiva hi ॥12-192-53॥
O royal sage, I have not given any other statement; what has been spoken by me is the result. The statement is authoritative, both for me and for you indeed.
nābhisandhir mayā japye kṛtapūrvaḥ kathaṃcana। japyasya rājaśārdūla kathaṃ jñāsyāmy ahaṃ phalam ॥12-192-54॥
O tiger among kings, I have never before performed recitation with any intention. How shall I know the fruit of recitation?
dadasveti tvayā coktaṃ dadāmīti tathā mayā। na vācaṃ dūṣayiṣyāmi satyaṃ rakṣa sthiro bhava॥12-192-55॥
You said, "Give," and I replied, "I give"; I will not defile my word. Protect the truth and remain steadfast.
athai vaṃ vadato me'dya vacanaṃ na kariṣyasi। mahānadharmo bhavitā tava rājanmṛṣākṛtaḥ ॥12-192-56॥
If today you do not act according to my word as I speak, O king, then a great unrighteousness, a false deed, will be yours.
na yuktaṃ tu mṛṣā vāṇī tvayā vaktumariṃdama। tathā mayāpyabhyadhikaṃ mṛṣā vaktuṃ na śakyate ॥12-192-57॥
O subduer of enemies, it is not proper for you to speak false words; likewise, it is not possible for me to speak excessively false words.
saṃśrutaṃ ca mayā pūrvaṃ dadānīty avicāritam। tad gṛhṇīṣv āvicāreṇa yadi satye sthito bhavān॥12-192-58॥
I had previously promised without consideration, saying 'I give.' If you are truly established in truth, then accept that without hesitation.
ihāgamya hi māṃ rājanjāpyaṃ phalamayācithāḥ। tanmannisṛṣṭaṃ gṛhṇīṣva bhava satye sthiro'pi ca ॥12-192-59॥
O king, having come here to me, you have indeed asked for the fruit of the recitation. Therefore, accept what I have given; and remain steadfast in truth.
nāyaṃ loko'sti na paro na ca pūrvāns tārayet. kuta evāvarān rājan mṛṣāvāda-parāyaṇaḥ ॥12-192-60॥
O king, one who is devoted to falsehood does not attain this world, nor the next, nor can he save his ancestors; how then could he possibly save the lesser ones?
na yajñādhyayane dānaṃ niyamās tārayanti hi। tathā satyaṃ pare loke yathā vai puruṣarṣabha ॥12-192-61॥
O best of men, in the other world, it is not sacrifice, study, gift, or observances that lead one across, but truth alone.
tapāṃsi yāni cīrṇāni cariṣyasi ca yat tapaḥ। samāḥ śataiḥ sahasraiś ca tat satyān na viśiṣyate ॥12-192-62॥
No austerity, whether performed or to be performed, even for hundreds or thousands of years, surpasses truth.
satyam-ekākṣaraṃ brahma satyam-ekākṣaraṃ tapaḥ। satyam-ekākṣaro yajñaḥ satyam-ekākṣaraṃ śrutam ॥12-192-63॥
Truth, represented by the single syllable, is Brahman; truth, the single syllable, is austerity; truth, the single syllable, is sacrifice; truth, the single syllable, is the Veda.
satyaṃ vedeṣu jāgarti phalaṃ satye paraṃ smṛtam। satyāddharmo damaścaiva sarvaṃ satye pratiṣṭhitam ॥12-192-64॥
Truth is awakened in the Vedas; the highest fruit is remembered in truth. From truth arise righteousness and self-restraint; everything is established in truth.
satyaṃ vedās tathāṅgāni satyaṃ yajñas tathā vidhiḥ। vratacaryās tathā satyam oṅkāraḥ satyam eva ca ॥12-192-65॥
Truth is the foundation of the Vedas and their limbs; truth is the basis of sacrifice and its procedure; the observance of vows, the syllable Om, and indeed everything rests on truth.
prāṇināṃ jananaṃ satyaṃ satyaṃ santatir-eva ca। satyena vāyur-abhyeti satyena tapate raviḥ ॥12-192-66॥
The birth of living beings is founded on truth, and so is their continuation. By truth, the wind moves and the sun shines.
satyena cāgnirdahati svargaḥ satye pratiṣṭhitaḥ। satyaṃ yajñastapo vedāḥ stobhā mantrāḥ sarasvatī ॥12-192-67॥
It is by truth that fire burns, and heaven is established upon truth. Truth is the foundation of sacrifice, austerity, the Vedas, chants, mantras, and Sarasvati.
tulāmāropito dharmaḥ satyaṃ caiveti naḥ śrutam। samāṃ kakṣāṃ dhārayato yataḥ satyaṃ tato'dhikam ॥12-192-68॥
We have heard that when righteousness is placed on the balance with truth, for one who holds them equally, truth is greater.
yato dharmas tataḥ satyaṃ sarvaṃ satyena vardhate। kimartham anṛtaṃ karma kartuṃ rājaṃs tvam icchasi ॥12-192-69॥
Where there is righteousness, there is truth; everything prospers through truth. O king, why do you wish to undertake an act of falsehood?
satye kuru sthiraṃ bhāvaṃ mā rājan anṛtaṃ kṛthāḥ। kasmāt tvam anṛtaṃ vākyaṃ dehīti kuruṣe 'śubham ॥12-192-70॥
Establish steadfastness in truth; do not, O king, commit falsehood. Why do you urge me to utter false words and thus commit evil?
yadi japyaphalaṃ dattaṃ mayā neṣiṣyase nṛpa। svadharmebhyaḥ paribhraṣṭo lokān anucariṣyasi ॥12-192-71॥
If you do not accept the fruit of recitation given by me, O king, having fallen away from your own duties, you will wander through the worlds.
saṃśrutya yo na ditset yācitvā yaś ca necchati। ubhāv ānṛtikāv etau na mṛṣā kartum arhasi॥12-192-72॥
One who, after promising, does not give, and one who, after begging, does not wish to receive—both are untruthful; you should not act falsely.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
yoddhavyaṃ rakṣitavyaṃ ca kṣatradharmaḥ kila dvija। dātāraḥ kṣatriyāḥ proktā gṛhṇīyāṃ bhavataḥ katham ॥12-192-73॥
O twice-born, it is indeed the duty of a kṣatriya to fight and to protect. Kṣatriyas are said to be givers. How can I accept (something) from you?
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
na chandayāmi te rājan nāpi te gṛham āvraj am | ihāgamya tu yācitvā na gṛhṇīṣe punaḥ katham ॥12-192-74॥
O king, I do not please you, nor do I come to your house. Having come here and begged, why do you not accept again?
dharma uvāca॥
Dharma said.
avivādo'stu yuvayorvittaṃ māṃ dharmamāgatam। dvijo dānaphalairyukto rājā satyaphalena ca ॥12-192-75॥
May there be no dispute between you two; let wealth come to me through righteousness. The brāhmaṇa is endowed with the fruits of charity, and the king with the fruit of truth.
svarga uvāca॥
Heaven spoke.
svargaṃ māṃ viddhi rājendra rūpiṇaṃ svayamāgatam। avivādo'stu yuvayorubhau tulyaphalau yuvām ॥12-192-76॥
O king, know that I myself, in this form, am heaven come to you. Let there be no dispute between you two; both of you shall receive equal reward.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
kṛtaṃ svargeṇa me kāryaṃ gaccha svarga yathāsukham। vipro yadīcchate dātuṃ pratīcchatu ca me dhanam ॥12-192-77॥
My duty to heaven is accomplished; go to heaven and enjoy happiness as you wish. If the brāhmaṇa wishes to give, let him also accept my wealth.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
bālye yadi syād ajñānān mayā hastaḥ prasāritaḥ। nivṛttilakṣaṇaṃ dharmam upāse saṃhitāṃ japan ॥12-192-78॥
If, in my childhood, out of ignorance I extended my hand, now I worship the dharma characterized by renunciation, reciting the Saṃhitā.
nivṛttaṃ māṃ ciraṃ rājan vipraṃ lobhayase katham। svena kāryaṃ kariṣyāmi tvatto necche phalaṃ nṛpa ॥ tapaḥsvādhyāyaśīlo'ham nivṛttaśca pratigrahāt ॥12-192-79॥
O king, for a long time I have ceased; why do you tempt me, a Brāhmaṇa? I will perform my duty by my own means; I do not desire any reward from you, O king. I am devoted to austerity and study, and have withdrawn from accepting gifts.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
yadi vipra nisṛṣṭaṃ te japyasya phalamuttamam। āvayoryatphalaṃ kiñcitsahitaṃ nau tadastviha ॥12-192-80॥
If, O Brāhmaṇa, the excellent fruit of the recitation given by you, whatever fruit there is for us two, let that be shared by us here.
dvijāḥ pratigrahe yuktā dātāro rājavaṃśajāḥ। yadi dharmaḥ śruto vipra sahaiva phalam astu nau ॥12-192-81॥
The twice-born are engaged in receiving gifts, and the givers are of royal lineage. If righteousness has truly been heard, O Brāhmaṇa, then may the fruit of it be for both of us together.
mā vā bhūtsahabhojyaṃ nau madīyaṃ phalamāpnuhī. pratīccha matkṛtaṃ dharmaṃ yadi te mayyanugrahaḥ ॥12-192-82॥
Do not let my fruit, which is to be eaten together by us, be obtained by you. Accept the righteous act done by me, if you have any favor towards me.
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
tato vikṛtaceṣṭau dvau puruṣau samupasthitau। gṛhītvānyonyamāveṣṭya kucelāvūcaturvacaḥ ॥12-192-83॥
Then, two men with distorted movements and dirty garments approached, seized and embraced each other, and spoke words.
na me dhārayasītyeko dhārayāmīti cāparaḥ। ihāsti nau vivādo'yamayaṃ rājānuśāsakaḥ ॥12-192-84॥
One says, 'You do not hold it for me,' and the other says, 'I do hold it.' Here is a dispute between us; this king is the arbitrator.
satyaṃ bravīmy aham idaṃ na me dhārayate bhavān। anṛtaṃ vadasīha tvam ṛṇaṃ te dhārayāmy aham ॥12-192-85॥
I am telling the truth: this is not mine, you are holding it. You are speaking falsehood here; I am holding your debt.
tāvubhau bhṛśasantaptau rājānam idam ūcatuḥ. parīkṣyatāṃ yathā syāv nāvām iha vigarhitau ॥12-192-86॥
The two, both deeply distressed, said to the king: "Let it be investigated so that neither of us is found at fault here."
virūpa uvāca॥
Virūpa said:
dhārayāmi naravyāghra vikṛtasyeha goḥ phalam। dadataśca na gṛhṇāti vikṛto me mahīpate ॥12-192-87॥
O tiger among men, I bear here the fruit of the deformed cow; and the deformed one does not accept the gift from the giver, O king.
vikṛta uvāca॥
The changed one said.
na me dhārayate kiñcid virūpo'yaṃ narādhipa। mithyā bravīty ayaṃ hi tvā mithyābhāsaṃ narādhipa ॥12-192-88॥
O king, this deformed one does not hold anything of mine. This one indeed speaks falsely to you, O king, with a false appearance.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
virūpa kiṃ dhārayate bhavān asya vadasva me। śrutvā tathā kariṣyāmi iti evam me dhīyate matiḥ ॥12-192-89॥
O deformed one, what do you bear of this? Tell me. Having heard, I shall act accordingly—this is my resolve.
virūpa uvāca॥
Virūpa said:
śṛṇuṣvāvahito rājanyathaitaddhārayāmyaham। vikṛtasyāsya rājarṣe nikhilena nararṣabha ॥12-192-90॥
O king, listen attentively as I explain this. O royal sage, I will fully clarify this altered matter, O best of men.
anena dharmaprāptyarthaṃ śubhā dattā purānagha। dhenurviprāya rājarṣe tapaḥsvādhyāyaśīline ॥12-192-91॥
O royal sage, formerly, for the attainment of dharma, this auspicious cow was given to the brāhmaṇa who was devoted to austerity and study of the Veda, O sinless one.
tasyāś cāyaṃ mayā rājan phalam abhyetya yācitaḥ। vikṛtena ca me dattaṃ viśuddhenāntarātmanā ॥12-192-92॥
O king, this fruit of hers was sought by me; it was given by me with a changed mind and a purified inner self.
tato me sukṛtaṃ karma kṛtam ātmaviśuddhaye। gāvau hi kapile krītvā vatsale bahudo hane ॥12-192-93॥
Then I performed a good deed for my own purification: I bought two affectionate, brown cows that yielded much milk.
te coñchavṛttaye rājan mayā samapavarjite। yathāvidhi yathāśraddhaṃ tadasyāhaṃ punaḥ prabho ॥12-192-94॥
O king, those means of gleaning livelihood have been completely abandoned by me. According to the prescribed rules and as per faith, I shall again do that for this, O lord.
ihādya vai gṛhītvā tatprayacche dviguṇaṃ phalam। ekasyāḥ puruṣavyāghra kaḥ śuddhaḥ ko'tra doṣavān ॥12-192-95॥
Here today, having taken that, I give double the reward. O tiger among men, of these two, who is pure and who here is at fault?"
evaṃ vivadamānau svastvāmihābhyāgatau nṛpa। kuru dharmamadharmaṃ vā vinaye nau samādhaya ॥12-192-96॥
Thus, disputing, we two have come here to you, O king. Please resolve for us, in accordance with righteousness or unrighteousness, by your discipline.
yadi neccḥati me dānaṃ yathā dattam anena vai। bhavān atra sthiro bhūtvā mārge sthāpayatu prabhuḥ ॥12-192-97॥
If he does not wish to accept my gift as it has been given by him, then you, O lord, stand firm here and place it on the path.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
dīyamānaṃ na gṛhṇāsi ṛṇaṃ kasmāttvamadya vai। yathaiva te'bhyanujñātaṃ tathā gṛhṇīṣva māciram ॥12-192-98॥
Why do you not accept the debt being given to you today? Just as it has been permitted to you, so accept it without delay.
vikṛta uvāca॥
The changed one said.
dīyatām ity anenoktaṃ dadānīti tathā mayā। nāyaṃ me dhārayaty atra gamyatāṃ yatra vāñchati ॥12-192-99॥
He said, 'Let it be given,' and I also said, 'I will give.' This does not remain with me here; let him go wherever he wishes.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
dadato'sya na gṛhṇāsi viṣamaṃ pratibhāti me। daṇḍyo hi tvaṃ mama mato nāstyatra khalu saṃśayaḥ ॥12-192-100॥
You do not accept what is given by him; this seems unfair to me. In my opinion, you are punishable; there is indeed no doubt about this.
vikṛta uvāca॥
Vikrita said.
mayāsya dattaṃ rājarṣe gṛhṇīyāṃ tatkathaṃ punaḥ। kāmam atrāparādho me daṇḍyam ājñāpaya prabho ॥12-192-101॥
O royal sage, that which was given by me—how can I accept it again? If there is any offense here on my part, O lord, command the punishment.
virūpa uvāca॥
Virūpa said.
dīyamānaṃ yadi mayā neṣiṣyasi kathaṃcana। niyaṃsyati tvā nṛpatirayaṃ dharmānuśāsakaḥ ॥12-192-102॥
If you do not accept what I am offering in any way, this king, who enforces righteousness, will restrain you.
vikṛta uvāca॥
The changed one said.
svaṃ mayā yāciteneha dattaṃ kathamihādya tat। gṛhṇīyāṃ gacchatu bhavānabhyanujñāṃ dadāni te ॥12-192-103॥
How can I take today, here, that which I have given here to the one who requested? Let it go, you may proceed; I give you permission.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
śrutam etat tvayā rājan anayoh kathitam dvayoh। pratijñātam mayā yat te tad gṛhāṇa avicāritam ॥12-192-104॥
O king, you have heard this account concerning these two. Whatever I promised you, accept that without hesitation.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
prastutaṃ sumahatkāryam āvayor gahvaraṃ yathā। japakasya dṛḍhīkāraḥ katham etad bhaviṣyati ॥12-192-105॥
A very great and difficult task has been presented to us; how will the firm establishment of the reciter happen in this case?
yadi tāvan na gṛhṇāmi brāhmaṇenāpavarjitam। kathaṃ na lipyeyam ahaṃ doṣeṇa mahatā adya vai ॥12-192-106॥
If I do not accept what has been rejected by a brāhmaṇa, how could I be tainted by a great fault today?
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
tau covāca sa rājarṣiḥ kṛtakāryau gamiṣyathaḥ। nedānīṃ māmihāsādya rājadhamo bhavenmṛṣā ॥12-192-107॥
The royal sage said to those two: "You have accomplished your task, you may go. Now, having come to me here, my royal duty would not be in vain."
svadharmaḥ paripālyaś ca rājñām eṣa viniścayaḥ। vipradharmaś ca sugurur mām anātmānam āviśat ॥12-192-108॥
One's own duty must be protected; this is the resolve of kings. The duty of Brāhmaṇas and the great teacher entered me, not my own self.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
gṛhāṇa dhārye'haṃ te yācitaṃ te śrutaṃ mayā। na cedgṛhīṣyase rājañśapiṣye tvāṃ na saṃśayaḥ ॥12-192-109॥
Accept what I have requested and what you have heard from me; if you do not accept it, O king, I will certainly curse you—there is no doubt about it.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
dhig-rāja-dharmaṃ yasya ayaṃ kāryasya iha viniścayaḥ। iti arthaṃ me grahītavyam kathaṃ tulyaṃ bhavet iti ॥12-192-110॥
Condemnation upon the king's duty, if this is the decision regarding the matter here. Therefore, I should understand the meaning: how could it be considered equal?
eṣa pāṇir apūrvaṃ bho nikṣepārthaṃ prasāritaḥ। yan me dhārayase vipra tad idānīṃ pradīyatām ॥12-192-111॥
This hand is extended, O Brāhmaṇa, for the purpose of depositing something unprecedented. Whatever you are holding for me, please give it to me now.
brāhmaṇa uvāca॥
The brāhmaṇa said.
saṁhitāṁ japatā yāvānmayā kaścidguṇaḥ kṛtaḥ। tatsarvaṁ pratigṛhṇīṣva yadi kiñcidihaasti me ॥12-192-112॥
Whatever merit I have gained by reciting the Saṁhitā, if there is anything here for me, please accept all of it.
rājovāca॥
The king said.
jalam etan nipatitaṃ mama pāṇau dvijottama। samam astu sahaiva astu pratigṛhṇātu vai bhavān ॥12-192-113॥
O best of the twice-born, this water has fallen on my hand; let it be accepted equally and together; may you indeed accept it, sir.
virūpa uvāca॥
Virūpa said:
kāmakrodhau viddhi nau tvamāvābhyāṃ kārito bhavān। sameti ca yaduktaṃ te samā lokāstavāsya ca ॥12-192-114॥
Know that desire and anger are us; you have been made to act by us, O sir. And as you have said, equal worlds will be yours and his as well.
nāyaṃ dhārayate kiñcijjijñāsā tvatkṛte kṛtā। kālo dharmastathā mṛtyuḥ kāmakrodhau tathā yuvām ॥12-192-115॥
This person has no curiosity made for your sake. Time, Dharma, Death, Desire, Anger, and you two are also involved.
sarvam anyonya-nikaṣe nighṛṣṭaṃ paśyataḥ tava। gaccha lokān jitān svena karmaṇā yatra vāñchasi॥12-192-116॥
All has been mutually tested as you see, O yours; go to the worlds conquered by your own deeds, wherever you wish.
bhīṣma uvāca॥
Bhīṣma said.
jāpakānāṃ phalāvāptirmayā te samprakīrtitā। gatiḥ sthānaṃ ca lokāśca jāpakena yathā jitāḥ ॥12-192-117॥
I have fully described to you the fruits attained by the chanters. I have also explained the path, the place, and the worlds conquered by the chanter.
prayāti saṃhitādhyāyī brahmāṇaṃ parameṣṭhinam। atha vāgniṃ samāyāti sūryamāviśate'pi vā ॥12-192-118॥
The reciter of the Saṃhitā attains Brahman, the Supreme Lord. Then, he either approaches Agni or enters the Sun.
sa taijasena bhāvena yadi tatrāśnute ratim। guṇāṃsteṣāṃ samādatte rāgeṇa pratimohitaḥ ॥12-192-119॥
If, by a passionate nature, he finds pleasure there, he adopts their qualities, being completely deluded by attachment.
evaṃ some tathā vāyau bhūmy-ākāśa-śarīra-gaḥ। sarāgas-tatra vasati guṇāṃs-teṣāṃ samācaran ॥12-192-120॥
In this way, in Soma and likewise in Vāyu, the one whose body is composed of earth and space, with attachment, resides there, practicing their qualities.
atha tatra virāgī sa gacchati tvatha saṃśayam। paramavyayam icchans tam eva āviśate punaḥ ॥12-192-121॥
Then, there, the dispassionate person proceeds, but again falls into doubt. Desiring the supreme imperishable, he enters into it once more.
amṛtāccāmṛtaṃ prāptaḥ śītībhūto nirātmavān। brahmabhūtaḥ sa nirdvaṃdvaḥ sukhī śānto nirāmayaḥ ॥12-192-122॥
Having attained immortality from the immortal, becoming cool and devoid of self, he who has become Brahman is free from dualities, happy, peaceful, and free from affliction.
brahmasthānam-anāvartam-ekam-akṣarasañjñakam। aduḥkham-ajaram śāntam sthānam tat pratipadyate ॥12-192-123॥
That abode of Brahman, which is non-returning, one, called 'imperishable', free from suffering, ageless, and peaceful, is attained.
caturbhir lakṣaṇair hīnaṃ tathā ṣaḍbhiḥ saṣoḍaśaiḥ। puruṣaṃ samatikramya ākāśaṃ pratipadyate ॥12-192-124॥
When one is devoid of four characteristics, or with six or sixteen, having transcended the person, one attains the ether (space or ultimate reality).
atha vecchati rāgātmā sarvaṃ tadadhitiṣṭhati। yac ca prārthayate tac ca manasā pratipadyate ॥12-192-125॥
Then, the passionate person desires and thus controls everything. Whatever he wishes for, he attains with his mind.
atha vā vīkṣate lokān sarvān nirayasaṃsthitān। niḥspṛhaḥ sarvato muktas tatraiva ramate sukhī ॥12-192-126॥
Or, he sees all the worlds situated in hell; being free from desire and liberated from all sides, he delights right there and is happy.
evameṣā mahārāja jāpakasya gatiryathā। etatte sarvamākhyātaṃ kiṃ bhūyaḥ śrotumicchasi ॥12-192-127॥
O great king, thus is the path of the reciter. All this has been explained to you. Do you wish to hear anything further?
