12.338
Janamejaya said.
O Brahman, are there many persons, or is there only one? Who indeed here is the best person, and what is said to be the origin here? (12-338-1)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O uplifter of the Kuru lineage, many men in the world who reflect on Sāṅkhya and Yoga do not desire this one man. (12-338-2)
Just as one source is said to be for many men, so I shall explain that man, the universe, who is endowed with qualities. (12-338-3)
Having bowed to the teacher, to Vyāsa of immeasurable brilliance, endowed with austerity, self-control, and worthy of worship, to the supreme sage. (12-338-4)
O king, this Purusha Sukta, which is well-known for its cosmic order and truth in all the Vedas, was contemplated by Ṛṣisiṃha. (12-338-5)
O Bhārata, the treatises have been stated by the sages such as Kapila, based on reflection on the self, by means of the general rule and its exceptions. (12-338-6)
But now, from the summary which Vyāsa has spoken regarding the oneness of the spirit, I shall explain that to you in full, by the grace of the immeasurably powerful. (12-338-7)
Here too, they recount this ancient story: the conversation between Tryambaka and Brahmā, O lord of men. (12-338-8)
O king, in the middle of the Kṣīroda ocean, there is the foremost of mountains, Vaijayanta, which is known for its golden radiance. (12-338-9)
There, O god, alone pondering the path of the self, he always dwells in the Vaijayanta palace in the mansion of Viraja. (12-338-10)
Now, there, as the wise four-faced one was seated, his son Śiva, born from the forehead, came by chance; formerly, the three-eyed lord, the lord of yogis, came through the sky. (12-338-11)
Then, he quickly fell from the pit onto the head of the mountain; standing in front, he became pleased and bowed at the feet. (12-338-12)
Seeing him fallen at his feet, the one lord Prajapati then raised him up with his left hand. (12-338-13)
The venerable one spoke to his son, who had come after a long time: "Welcome, O mighty-armed! By good fortune, you have come close to me." (12-338-14)
Son, is your well-being always ensured in your self-study and austerities? Since you are constantly engaged in severe austerities, I therefore ask you again. (12-338-15)
Rudra said.
O Lord, by your grace, may there be welfare and imperishability for my self-study and austerity, and likewise for the entire world. (12-338-16)
Indeed, after a long time I saw the venerable one in the palace of Viraja. Then I reached this mountain, which has been served by your feet. (12-338-17)
O grandsire, indeed I am curious; your going into seclusion cannot be for a small reason.
What is that best abode, free from hunger and thirst, inhabited by gods, asuras, sages, and those of immeasurable radiance? (12-338-19)
This excellent mountain, always frequented by Gandharvas and Apsarases, you have abandoned and come here alone. (12-338-20)
Brahmā said.
I always serve the victorious best mountain. Here, with a one-pointed mind, I contemplate the cosmic being Virāṭ. (12-338-21)
Rudra said.
O Brahman, many persons have been created by you, the self-born; and others are also created, O Brahman. But he is the one person, Virāṭ. (12-338-22)
O Brahman, who indeed is that supreme person whom you contemplate? Please tell me this doubt of mine; I have great curiosity. (12-338-23)
Brahmā said.
Son, the many men you have enumerated—this should be seen as surpassed, not just so; but I shall explain to you the basis of one man. (12-338-24)
Just as one source is said to be for many men, so that person, the universe, the supreme, the greatest, is the same. Those who have become without qualities enter the eternal one who is without qualities. (12-338-25)
