12.307
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O best of the Bharatas, even if one attains sovereignty, great wealth, or a long life, how could one overcome death? (12-307-1)
Neither by austerity, nor by great deeds, nor by learning, nor by the use of elixirs, can one avoid old age and death. (12-307-2)
Bhishma said.
Here too, they recount this ancient story: the conversation between the mendicant Pañcaśikha and Janaka that took place here. (12-307-3)
King Janaka of Videha questioned the great sage Pañcaśikha, who was most learned in the Vedas and whose doubts regarding dharma and artha had been dispelled. (12-307-4)
O revered one, by what conduct may one transcend old age and death—by austerity, or by intellect, or by action, or by learning? (12-307-5)
Thus addressed, he, the knower of the unseen, replied to Vaideha: 'For these two, there is neither cessation nor non-cessation in any way.' (12-307-6)
Indeed, the days, months, and nights do not return. This uncertain being inevitably sets out on the path for a long time. (12-307-7)
The complete destruction of all beings is always carried along by the current, like something being swept away, sinking without a raft in the ocean of time; with the great alligator of old age and death, no one reaches the other shore. (12-307-8)
No one will belong to him, nor does he belong to anyone. On the path, this association with wives, others, and relatives is only a temporary coming together. This is not an eternal association that has ever been obtained by anyone. (12-307-9)
Cloud-masses, indeed, born again and again by time, are thrown about by that very (wind), groaning repeatedly, just like (this). (12-307-10)
Old age and death are indeed the two devourers of beings, like wolves, devouring both the strong and the weak, the small and even the great. (12-307-11)
In beings who are by nature impermanent, how can one rejoice at births or grieve at deaths? (12-307-12)
From where have I come? Who am I? Where will I go? Whose am I? In what am I established? Where will I be? Why do you grieve for what? (12-307-13)
There is no observer of heaven, nor likewise of hell; but, without transgressing the scriptures, one should give and indeed should perform sacrifices. (12-307-14)
