12.314
Bhishma said.
Having heard this speech, the self-controlled and resolute one, relying on his own self and perceiving the self by the self, acted accordingly. (12-314-1)
Having accomplished his task, happy and peaceful, he silently departed facing north, directing himself towards the Himālaya mountain, as a companion in dharma of Mātariśvan (the Wind-god). (12-314-2)
At that very time, the divine sage Nārada went to the Himalaya, which was frequented by Siddhas and Cāraṇas, to see it. (12-314-3)
That place, filled with groups of apsarases, resounded with the sound of singing, and was likewise accompanied by groups of kinnaras and king bees. (12-314-4)
There were dabchicks, wagtails, various jīvajīvaka birds, peacocks of many colors resounding with hundreds of cries, as well as flocks of royal swans and joyful songbirds. (12-314-5)
The king of birds, Garuda, always approaches him; the four guardians of the worlds, the gods, and groups of sages also always assemble there with the desire for the welfare of the world. (12-314-6)
Where Viṣṇu, for the sake of a son, performed austerities as a great soul; and in that very place, the boy in his childhood cast out the dwellers of heaven. (12-314-7)
When the power was laid down on the surface of the earth, disregarding the three worlds indeed, there Skanda, the lord of the world, spoke these words at that time. (12-314-8)
O Brāhmaṇas, if there is any other who is superior to me, whose dear ones are more; who is the second devoted to Brahman, powerful in the three worlds. (12-314-9)
He may lift up this power, or may he shake it, thus. Hearing that, the distressed worlds said, "Who can lift this?" (12-314-10)
Then the blessed Viṣṇu saw that the entire host of gods, along with the asuras and rākṣasas, were disturbed and their senses and minds were agitated. Pondering, he thought, "What good deed should be done here?" (12-314-11)
He could not tolerate that attack and looked at the fiery weapon. Smiling, the pure-hearted hero then shook the blazing spear with his left hand, the best among men. (12-314-12)
But when the energy trembled, the powerful Viṣṇu shook the entire earth along with her mountains, forests, and groves. (12-314-13)
Even though she was shaken by the powerful one in an attempt to completely lift her, she was not lifted. The mighty Viṣṇu, protector of Skanda king, repelled the attack. (12-314-14)
After shaking her, the Lord said to Prahlāda, "See the strength of this boy; no one else will do this." (12-314-15)
He, unable to tolerate those words and resolved to remove her, seized his spear, but even then did not shake her. (12-314-16)
After letting out a great cry, he fainted atop the mountain; overcome with distress, the son of Hiraṇyakaśipu collapsed to the ground. (12-314-17)
O dear one, in the northern direction, beside the king of mountains, the unassailable Vṛṣadhvaja (Śiva) always practiced austerity. (12-314-18)
His hermitage, named the 'Āditya-bond', was surrounded by blazing fire and was unassailable by those who had not mastered themselves. (12-314-19)
It is not possible for yakṣas, rākṣasas, or dānavas to go there; it is an expanse of ten yojanas enveloped by flames of fire. (12-314-20)
There, the illustrious Agni himself stands, powerful, removing all obstacles for the wise Mahadeva. (12-314-21)
Mahadeva, firm in his vow, stood there on one foot for a thousand divine years, tormenting the gods. (12-314-22)
Vyāsa, the great ascetic and son of Parāśara, having taken up residence in the direction of Indra on a solitary slope of the wise king of mountains, taught the Vedas to his disciples. (12-314-23)
Sumantu, the greatly fortunate; Vaiśampāyana; Jaimini, the greatly wise; and Paila, the ascetic, (12-314-24)
Surrounded by these disciples, the great ascetic Vyāsa sat. There he saw the holy hermitage of his excellent father. The son of Araṇi, pure in soul, shone like the sun in the sky. (12-314-25)
Then Vyāsa, encircled and blazing like fire, saw his son approaching, whose brilliance was equal to that of the sun. (12-314-26)
Just as an arrow released from the bowstring does not cling to trees, mountains, or uneven places, so too the great-souled one engaged in yoga remains unattached. (12-314-27)
The son of Araṇi, having approached, grasped his father's feet; then, with affection, the great sage joined with them as well. (12-314-28)
Then Śuka, his mind delighted, informed his father of the entire conversation he had with King Janaka, leaving nothing out. (12-314-29)
Thus, the powerful Vyāsa, son of Parāśara and great sage, taught his disciples and his son while residing on the slopes of the Himalayas. (12-314-30)
Then, once, the disciples, accomplished in Vedic study, peaceful in mind and self-controlled, gathered around him and stood. (12-314-31)
Having attained steadfastness in the Vedas and their auxiliaries, those disciples of great austerity then, with folded hands, spoke to their teacher Vyāsa. (12-314-32)
Endowed with great excellence and fame, we have indeed grown. But now, we desire one thing: the favor bestowed by the teacher. (12-314-33)
Having heard their words, he addressed those Brahmarṣis and said: "O dear ones, let it be told what task of yours is dear to me." (12-314-34)
Having heard this speech of the teacher, the disciples, their minds gladdened, again became reverent with folded hands and bowed their heads to the teacher. (12-314-35)
They all said together to the king this excellent statement: "If the preceptor is pleased, we are blessed, O best of sages." (12-314-36)
We all desire the boon given by the great sage; let the sixth disciple not attain your fame here; please be gracious to us. (12-314-37)
We are your four disciples, and the teacher's son is the fifth; may the Vedas be established here—this is the boon we desire. (12-314-38)
Having listened to the words of his disciples, Vyāsa, the wise son of Parāśara, knower of the essence of the Vedas and one who contemplates the purpose of the next world, spoke to his disciples a righteous and supremely beneficial discourse. (12-314-39)
The Veda should always be given to the brāhmaṇa who desires to serve it; for whoever earnestly desires a permanent residence in the world of Brahma. (12-314-40)
Let you all be numerous, let this Veda be expanded; but it should not be imparted to one who is not a student, nor to one without vows, nor to one who is undisciplined in self. (12-314-41)
All these qualities of a student should be truly understood. Knowledge should never be imparted in any way to one whose character has not been examined. (12-314-42)
Just as pure gold is tested by heating, cutting, and rubbing, so too should disciples be examined by their family, qualities, and other such factors. (12-314-43)
Your disciples should not be engaged when there is no engagement or in great danger. Knowledge will bear fruit according to one's intellect and recitation. (12-314-44)
May everyone overcome difficulties, may everyone see auspicious things. Let the four castes be made to hear, with the brāhmaṇa placed at the front. (12-314-45)
The study of the Veda, indeed, this and that also, is considered a great duty; for the purpose of praising the gods here, the Vedas were created by the self-born. (12-314-46)
Whoever, out of delusion, blames a brāhmaṇa who has mastered the Vedas, he will certainly be defeated due to the brāhmaṇa's wrong meditation, without doubt. (12-314-47)
Whoever declares by unrighteousness, and whoever asks by unrighteousness—of those two, either one goes to or attains enmity. (12-314-48)
All this has been explained to you regarding the procedure of self-study; it should benefit the students, and this should remain in your hearts. (12-314-49)
