13.118
The story of the insect.
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O grandsire, tell me, which birth have those who had desires and those who had none, and who were slain in this great battle, attained? (13-118-1)
The abandonment of life by men in great battle is painful. I know the truth, O knower of dharma, that giving up one's life is indeed very difficult. (13-118-2)
Tell me the cause there, whether it is in prosperity or non-prosperity, in auspiciousness or inauspiciousness; for you are considered by me to be all-knowing. (13-118-3)
Bhīṣma said.
O king, living beings are born together in this world, whether in prosperity or non-prosperity, auspiciousness or inauspiciousness. (13-118-4)
Yudhishthira, listen to the reason with which feeling there is engagement for me; this question has been rightly asked by you. (13-118-5)
O Yudhishthira, here I shall relate to you, O king, this ancient story—the conversation between Dvaipayana and the insect. (13-118-6)
Once, the sage Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana, who had realized Brahman and was wandering, saw an insect swiftly running on the road of the cart. (13-118-7)
The one who knows the movements of all beings and the sounds of embodied creatures, the omniscient, after seeing the insect everywhere, spoke these words. (13-118-8)
You, appearing as a frightened insect, are quick and have been noticed. Where are you running? Tell that; from where has fear come to you? (13-118-9)
The insect said;
Hearing the sound of this great cart, fear has come to me, O wise one. Truly, this sound is terrible. Since he is only heard and may not kill me, therefore I retreat. (13-118-10)
O master, thus I hear the sounds of the breathing and urging on of the sons of cowherds, of those carrying great burdens nearby. Also, of men engaging in carrying, a variety of sounds is heard. (13-118-11)
It is not possible for one like me, born as an insect, to endure this. Therefore, I withdraw from this out of fear of this most terrible (thing). (13-118-12)
Indeed, suffering is the death of beings, and life is very difficult to obtain. Therefore, being afraid, I flee; I might go, for there is no unhappiness arising from happiness. (13-118-13)
Bhishma said.
Thus addressed, he replied to him: "From where, O insect, do you have happiness? I think death is happiness for you, for you indeed dwell in an animal womb." (13-118-14)
You do not perceive sound, touch, taste, smell, nor the many various enjoyments, insect; only death is better for you. (13-118-15)
The insect said.
Because everywhere, the living being is always absorbed; thus, even here, I find happiness. O great wise one, therefore I desire to live. (13-118-16)
Here too, all sensory objects have been arranged according to the body. Humans and animals particularly have separate enjoyments. (13-118-17)
I was once a human, a Śūdra, who possessed much wealth; formerly I was not devoted to Brahman, cruel, miserly, and lived by usury. (13-118-18)
One who is sharp in speech, intelligent in deceit, a thief, in every way false in actions, an embezzler, and delights in taking others' wealth. (13-118-19)
Any servant, guest, or person who stayed overnight in my house, whom I—out of envy, desire for taste, and cruelty—allowed to go hungry. (13-118-20)
Food prepared with faith by me for offerings to the gods and to the ancestors; food given by one desiring wealth does not purify. (13-118-21)
Having sought a secret refuge in times of danger, we, the ones who came for protection, were unexpectedly abandoned in our fear, and no protector arose for those seeking safety. (13-118-22)
Seeing wealth, grain, loved ones, wives, vehicles, dwellings, and other wondrous prosperities of people, I envy them without reason. (13-118-23)
One who is envious upon seeing others' happiness, desires to injure like a criminal, destroys the three aims of life (dharma, wealth, pleasure), and pursues only his own desires, following those of others. (13-118-24)
Recalling the action of abundant cruelty that I once did, I now regret it as if having abandoned a dear son. (13-118-25)
I also know the results of auspicious deeds performed. The mother was honored by me in her old age, and the Brahmin was also worshipped by me. (13-118-26)
O Brahman, once a guest endowed with noble birth and qualities came to my house with company and was honored by me; from then, the memory of that did not abandon me. (13-118-27)
By that action, I indeed perceive here a desire for happiness. I wish to hear from you about that which is superior, O possessor of ascetic wealth. (13-118-28)
