13.119
Vyāsa said;
By auspicious actions, by which indeed you are not deluded in the animal birth, my very own worm, perform that deed by which you will not be thoroughly deluded. (13-119-1)
Indeed, by sight alone, I make one cross over through the power of penance. Truly, no strength exists that is greater than the power of penance. (13-119-2)
I know, by sins that you yourself have committed, you have gone to the state of a worm. If you consider yourself established in dharma, you will obtain the highest dharma. (13-119-3)
The gods and animals partake in the actions performed in the world, while among men, desire and wealth arise from righteousness, each according to their qualities. (13-119-4)
For a man who possesses speech, intellect, hands, and feet, and who is wise, what could possibly be lacking—even for one of dull mind, so long as he is alive? (13-119-5)
Even if, during life, the foremost among Brāhmaṇas performs worship of the moon and sun, and tells a meritorious story, there, as an insect, you will go. (13-119-6)
You will enjoy the beings there, which have become qualities. There, I will remove your state of Brahman, wherever you desire. (13-119-7)
He, having promised "so be it," the insect remained on the path. In order to see that sage, it passed through all other births. (13-119-8)
Among the births of hunters with dogs, monitor lizards, boars, similarly deer and birds; and also among the wombs (births) of dog-eaters, Vaiśyas, Śūdras, and Kṣatriyas. (13-119-9)
After the truth-speaking sage addressed him as ‘O insect’, he, recalling (the words), then took (the sage’s) feet with his head, joining his palms. (13-119-10)
The insect said.
This is that incomparable position, endowed with ten qualities, which I, after having experienced being an insect, have now attained as prince-hood. (13-119-11)
Very powerful elephants adorned with gold bear me, and in the chariots are yoked Kamboja horses, the finest steeds. (13-119-12)
Vehicles yoked to camels and mules carry me, and, together with my relatives and ministers, I eat meat and rice. (13-119-13)
O greatly fortunate one, I sleep here honored—in houses, fine dwellings, comforts, beds, and among superb things. (13-119-14)
During all late nights, bards, minstrels, and eulogists praise me as those who speak pleasant words praise the god Mahendra (Indra). (13-119-15)
By your favour, O steadfast and immeasurably powerful one, I, who had become an insect, have now attained the status of a prince. (13-119-16)
"Salutations to you, O greatly wise one; what should I do? Instruct me. This, which you assigned by your ascetic power, has indeed been achieved by me." (13-119-17)
Vyāsa said;
O king, I have been honored by you today with words, by chance. But now, having attained the state of an insect, your remembrance has arisen in me, filled with disgust. (13-119-18)
But there is no destruction of the sin that you previously accumulated—as a śūdra, as one who valued wealth, as a cruel and aggressive person. (13-119-19)
By you, my sight was attained; that was indeed a meritorious act performed in the past. Having been born in an animal womb, so too, by worshipping me, this resulted. (13-119-20)
From here, due to your being a prince, you will attain brāhmaṇa-hood. For the sake of cows and brāhmaṇas, having offered your own life on the battlefield. (13-119-21)
After experiencing princely happiness and enjoying the fruits of the seasons with duly acquired gifts, then you will rejoice in heaven, having become Brahman—imperishable and blissful. (13-119-22)
From an animal birth, one attains the condition of a Śūdra; a Śūdra may reach the status of a Vaiśya, and a Vaiśya that of a Kṣatriya. A Kṣatriya whose conduct is praiseworthy becomes a Brāhmaṇa; and a Brāhmaṇa of good conduct attains heaven and merit. (13-119-23)
