14.030
The fathers said;
Here, too, they cite an ancient historical account; after hearing it, O best of the twice-born, you should act accordingly. (14-30-1)
There was a royal sage named Alarka, who possessed great austerity, was a knower of dharma, resolute in truth, high-souled, and steadfast in extraordinary vows. (14-30-2)
He, having conquered this earth bounded by the ocean with his bow and performed a very difficult deed, fixed his mind on subtle meditation. (14-30-3)
As he stood at the root of the tree, then a thought indeed arose in his mind. Having given up his vast kingdom for the subtle path, O great-minded one. (14-30-4)
Alarka said.
My strength of mind has arisen; having conquered the mind, victory is certain. Elsewhere, I will shoot arrows, surrounded by enemies. (14-30-5)
All that this form, out of fickleness, wishes to do—against the mind, I will release arrows with exceptionally sharp tips. (14-30-6)
The mind said.
O Alarka, these arrows will not reach me at all. They will only pierce your own vital spot; with your vital points shattered, you will die. (14-30-7)
Look over other arrows by which you will slay me. Having heard that, he, considering, then spoke these words. (14-30-8)
Alarka said.
After smelling many scents, it craves them in return. Therefore, I will shoot sharp arrows at the nose. (14-30-9)
The sense of smell said;
These arrows will not wound me in any way, Alarka. Only your own vital spot will be pierced; with your vital spots broken, you will die. (14-30-10)
Examine other arrows by which you will destroy me. Having heard that, he then considered and spoke these words. (14-30-11)
Alarka said.
After having tasted delicious flavors, this (tongue) craves them again. Therefore, I shall release sharp arrows at the tongue. (14-30-12)
The tongue said.
These arrows will not pierce me in any way, O Alarka; rather, they will pierce your own vital spot, and with your vital spot shattered, you will die. (14-30-13)
Examine other arrows by which you will destroy me. Having heard that, he then thoughtfully spoke those words. (14-30-14)
Alarka said.
After touching various kinds of skin contacts, he desires those. Therefore, I will tear apart the skin with various vulture feathers. (14-30-15)
Tvak said.
These arrows will not pierce me in any way, Alarka. It is your own vital spot that will be pierced; with your vital spot destroyed, you will die. (14-30-16)
Inspect other arrows by which you will destroy me. Having heard that, he then considered and thereafter spoke these words. (14-30-17)
Alarka said.
Hearing various sounds, it desires only those; therefore, I will release sharp arrows towards the ear. (14-30-18)
The ear spoke.
These arrows will not overcome me in any way, Alarka; rather, they will pierce your own vital point, and then you will lose your life. (14-30-19)
Examine other arrows by which you will destroy me. Upon hearing that and after considering, he then spoke these words. (14-30-20)
Alarka said.
After seeing indeed various moods, it only desires those; therefore, I will shoot sharp arrows at the eye. (14-30-21)
The eye said.
O Alarka, these arrows will not pierce me in any way. Instead, they will pierce your own vitals, and with your vitals pierced, you will die. (14-30-22)
Examine other arrows by which you will slay me. Having heard that, he then thought and subsequently spoke these words. (14-30-23)
Alarka said.
This resolve, being of many kinds, is determined by wisdom. Therefore, I will shoot sharp arrows at the intellect. (14-30-24)
Intelligence said.
These arrows will not pierce me in any way, Alarka; it is only your own vital points they will strike. With your vital parts pierced, you will die. (14-30-25)
The ancestors said.
Then Alarka undertook a terrible and very difficult austerity, but even by his power he did not attain the supreme arrow among these seven. However, with a well composed mind, the master then considered. (14-30-26)
O best of the twice-born, Alarka, after much consideration for a long time, did not attain the highest good through yoga, though he was foremost among the wise. (14-30-27)
He made his mind one-pointed and steady, established himself in yoga, and, powerful, quickly subdued his senses with a single arrow. By yoga, having entered his own self, he attained the highest perfection. (14-30-28)
Astonished, the royal sage spoke this verse: "Ah, how difficult it was that we formerly maintained the kingdom." Thus, afterwards I understood that there is no greater happiness than that arising from yoga. (14-30-29)
Thus, you know also, Rāma. Do not kill the Kṣatriyas. Undertake severe austerities; then you will attain a greater good. (14-30-30)
The Brāhmaṇa said.
Thus addressed by the grandfathers, the most fortunate Jāmadagnya undertook severe austerity and attained a perfection that is difficult to attain. (14-30-31)
