13.028
The story of sage Mataṅga.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
Because you are endowed with wisdom, learning, conduct, character, all virtues, and age, O best among the upholders of dharma, therefore I ask you about dharma. (13-28-1)
O best of kings, whether a Kṣatriya, Vaiśya, or Śūdra—by what means may they attain Brahminhood? Please explain that to me. (13-28-2)
O grandsire, if one should desire Brahminhood by austerity, by very great action, or by learning, then tell me that. (13-28-3)
Bhishma said.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, the state of being a brāhmaṇa is difficult to attain by the three classes—kṣatriyas and others; this is indeed the supreme abode of all beings. (13-28-4)
O dear one, after being born again and again in many different wombs, in due course, one is born as a brāhmaṇa by name. (13-28-5)
Here too, O Yudhiṣṭhira, they recount this ancient story: the dialogue between Mataṅga and the female donkey. (13-28-6)
O father, a son of someone of the twice-born class, of equal color, a lord named Mataṅga, became endowed with all qualities. (13-28-7)
O son of Kunti, he who performed the sacrifice, having been sent by his father, O scorcher of foes, departed here in a swift-moving chariot yoked with donkeys. (13-28-8)
O king, the boy, while carrying the donkey near its mother, repeatedly pierced its nose with a goad. (13-28-9)
But when she saw him severely wounded, the she-donkey, longing for her son, said: "Do not grieve, my son; the outcaste is oppressing you." (13-28-10)
There is nothing cruel in a brāhmaṇa; a brāhmaṇa is called friendly. The teacher and instructor of all beings—how could he strike? (13-28-11)
But this one of evil nature does not show compassion to the child; he honors his own origin—this nature goes towards its own kind. (13-28-12)
Hearing these harsh words from Rāsabhī, Matanga quickly got down from the chariot and addressed Rāsabhī. (13-28-13)
Speak, O donkey, O auspicious one, by whom my mother was defiled; how do you know me to be an outcaste? Quickly, O donkey, tell me. (13-28-14)
By what cause was I born as an outcaste, and by what did my brahminhood perish? O greatly wise one, tell me all this in full truth. (13-28-15)
The donkey said.
You were born to a brāhmaṇa woman by a śūdra man, when she was intoxicated by a barber; thus, you are a caṇḍāla, and by that your brāhmaṇa status has been destroyed. (13-28-16)
Thus addressed, Matanga returned home; seeing him arrive, his father then spoke these words. (13-28-17)
You were appointed by me to the duty of the preceptor in the accomplishment of the sacrifice; why have you turned back? Is everything well with you? (13-28-18)
Matanga said.
He who is not born from a womb or is of excellent origin may be skilled. But from where is skill for him whose mother is the father? (13-28-19)
My father informs me here that I am born from a śūdra man in a brāhmaṇa woman; being not human, of a she-ass, therefore I shall perform great austerity. (13-28-20)
Having thus spoken to his father and firmly resolved, he departed. Then, after reaching the great forest, he undertook great austerities. (13-28-21)
Then Mataṅga, endowed with austerity, caused the wise ones to suffer, seeking a place of great happiness even beyond what is attained by good conduct. (13-28-22)
Seeing him thus engaged in austerity, Harivāhana said: "O Mataṅga, why are you practicing austerity, having abandoned human pleasures?" (13-28-23)
I shall grant you a boon indeed; choose whatever you desire. And whatever else is to be obtained for you, tell me everything without delay. (13-28-24)
Matanga said.
Desiring to attain Brāhmaṇahood, I have undertaken this austerity; may I achieve that here—this is the boon I have chosen. (13-28-25)
Hearing these words, Purandara (Indra) said to him: "You desire Brahminhood, which cannot be attained by those whose self is not disciplined." (13-28-26)
If you desire that foremost austerity, which is the best among all beings and cannot be surpassed, you will soon perish. (13-28-27)
That which is regarded as the highest purity among gods, asuras, and mortals cannot ever be attained by one born in the womb of a caṇḍāla. (13-28-28)
