13.036
Bhishma said.
Here too, they recount this ancient story—the dialogue between Śakra and Śambara; listen to that, Yudhiṣṭhira. (13-36-1)
Indra, indeed, disguising himself in an unknown form, became a matted-haired ascetic, his body reddened with dust, and, assuming a deformed appearance, asked Śambara a question. (13-36-2)
By what conduct of Śambara do you surpass your own kindred? By what do they consider you the best? Tell me that, as I am asking. (13-36-3)
Śambara said.
I never envy brāhmaṇas, Brahmā, or the Grandfather. I honor brāhmaṇas who speak the scriptures with pleasure. (13-36-4)
Having listened, I never despise nor transgress at any time; after worshipping, I respectfully inquire and grasp the feet of the wise. (13-36-5)
They, being confident, speak and restrain me always; among the negligent, I am not negligent always; among the sleeping, I am awake. (13-36-6)
Just as bees sprinkle honey, so do the teachers sprinkle me, who am joined to the path of śāstra, devoted to Brahman and without envy. (13-36-7)
Whatever the satisfied ones say, I accept all that with intelligence, always contemplating the self's concentration in accordance. (13-36-8)
I am the taster of the essences created at the forefront of speech; I do not preside over my own kind, just as the moon does not preside over the stars. (13-36-9)
This, on earth, is immortal; this is the highest vision; whoever, having heard the teaching from the mouth of a brāhmaṇa here, acts accordingly. (13-36-10)
Having understood this cause and having seen the gods and asuras in former times, my father, delighted and astonished, engaged in battle. (13-36-11)
Having seen the greatness of the brāhmaṇas, the great-souled ones, he asked the moon, "How did these become perfected?" (13-36-12)
Soma said.
All Brāhmaṇas achieve success through austerity and always possess the power of speech; kings, on the other hand, possess the strength of the arm, while the twice-born wield speech as their weapon. (13-36-13)
Whether living abroad or even in many difficult places, one should study; living in such places, the ascetic should be free from anger and pride, and should maintain equanimity of vision. (13-36-14)
Even if a person of high birth studies all the Vedas in his father's house, boasting as if he is accomplished, they know him only as a worldly person. (13-36-15)
The earth swallows these two, just as a serpent dwelling in holes does: a king who does not protect and a brāhmaṇa who does not wander. (13-36-16)
Excessive pride destroys the prosperity of a man with little intelligence; a maiden is corrupted by pregnancy, and a twice-born is corrupted by household life. (13-36-17)
Thus, when my father heard this from Soma, having witnessed the wonderful sight, he worshipped the Brāhmaṇas; in the same way, I too worshipped the great vow-holders. (13-36-18)
Bhishma said.
When Śakra heard these words, which had fallen from the mouth of the lord of the Dānavas, he honored the Brāhmaṇas and regained the position of Mahendra (Indra). (13-36-19)
