13.029
The dialogue between Indra and Matanga.
Bhishma said.
Thus addressed, Matanga, whose mind was resolute and who was firm in his vows, stood on one foot for a hundred years, O Acyuta. (13-29-1)
Then Śakra, the greatly renowned one, again spoke to him: "O Mataṅga, you are requesting the supreme place, which is very difficult to obtain." (13-29-2)
Do not act rashly, my son; this is not the path of righteousness for you. If you desire what cannot be attained, you will soon perish. (13-29-3)
O Matanga, you will not in any way attain the supreme state by austerity, being restrained by me even once, as one desiring to act. (13-29-4)
Whoever has entered the animal womb, if he attains human birth, he is born as a Pulkasa or a Caṇḍāla at some time. (13-29-5)
Whoever is seen here as a debauched man or of sinful birth, he, like Matanga, remains with her for a long time. (13-29-6)
Then, after ten times the period, one attains even the state of a Śūdra; even in the womb of a Śūdra, then, one is repeatedly reborn. (13-29-7)
Then, after thirty times that period, one attains the state of a Vaiśya. Remaining in the Vaiśya state, one stays there for a long time. (13-29-8)
Then, after sixty cycles of time, a kṣatriya is born. In the kṣatriya state, for a long period, time continues there itself. (13-29-9)
Then, after a period sixty times as long, he attains the status of a nominal Brāhmaṇa; and the brahmabandhu remains there itself for a long time. (13-29-10)
Then, after two hundred cycles, it attains the state of a kāṇḍapṛṣṭha insect; as a kāṇḍapṛṣṭha, it continues to exist there for a long time. (13-29-11)
Then, after three hundred cycles, one attains even the state of a twice-born; having reached that state, one continues to transmigrate there for a long time. (13-29-12)
Then, after four hundred years, a person called a śrotriya (Vedic scholar) is born. In that state of being a śrotriya, he remains there for a long time. (13-29-13)
At that very moment, O son, anger and joy, desire and hatred, excessive pride and excessive speech enter into him, the lowest among the twice-born. (13-29-14)
If he conquers those enemies, then he attains a good state. But if they conquer him, he is cast down like someone from the top of a palm tree. (13-29-15)
O Mataṅga, after carefully considering what I have told you, choose another boon; for Brahminhood is indeed extremely difficult to attain. (13-29-16)
