14.001
Consolation to Yudhishthira.
Vaiśampāyana said.
After performing the water-offering, Yudhishthira, the mighty-armed, with agitated senses, led King Dhritarashtra in front and emerged. (14-1-1)
Having crossed over, the king, his eyes filled with tears, fell on the bank of the Gaṅgā just like an elephant pierced by a hunter. (14-1-2)
As he was sinking, Bhīma seized him, being urged by Kṛṣṇa. "Do not act thus," Kṛṣṇa, the destroyer of enemy forces, said to him. (14-1-3)
O King, the Pāṇḍavas saw Yudhiṣṭhira, righteous-souled, afflicted, fallen on the ground, sighing again and again. (14-1-4)
When they saw him—the lord of men with a dejected mind, bereft of vigour—the Pāṇḍavas, once more overcome by grief, all sat down together. (14-1-5)
The king Dhritarashtra, who was sitting near him, mighty-armed and very wise, spoke to the one greatly afflicted by sorrow. (14-1-6)
Rise up, O tiger among the Kurus! Do your duty at once. By following the warrior’s code, O Kauravya, you shall conquer this earth. (14-1-7)
O lord of the people, enjoy that (kingdom) together with your brothers and friends; I do not see any reason for you to grieve, best among the upholders of dharma. (14-1-8)
O lord of men, to be lamented by me and by Gāndhārī as well, deprived of sons and kingdom, like a man who has gained wealth in a dream. (14-1-9)
Because I, being foolish, did not listen to the most important words of Vidura, the high-minded well-wisher, I am now tormented. (14-1-10)
This righteous one, possessed of divine vision, formerly said to me: 'By Duryodhana's offence, your family will be destroyed.' (14-1-11)
O king, if you seek the welfare of your family and yourself, let this wicked and foolish king Suyodhana be put to death. (14-1-12)
Let neither Karṇa nor Śakuni ever see him at any time. Also, carefully prevent these from the event of the dice game. (14-1-13)
Anoint Yudhishthira, the virtuous king. He, being self-controlled, will rule this earth with righteousness. (14-1-14)
Then, O king, if you do not wish for Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, to be king, being installed on the throne, you yourself accept the kingdom. (14-1-15)
O king, who abides impartially among all beings, may all your kinsmen, O increaser of your family, outlive you. (14-1-16)
Thus, as he spoke to Vidura, the far-seeing one, O son of Kunti, I, whose resolve was futile, followed the wicked Duryodhana. (14-1-17)
Indeed, without having heard this hero's sweet words, having obtained the result, I am immersed in great suffering, in the ocean of sorrow. (14-1-18)
Indeed, O king, I see your own aged parents here, afflicted. You should not grieve, O lord of the people. (14-1-19)
