15.008
Statement of Vyāsa;
Vyāsa said.
O Yudhiṣṭhira, mighty-armed, when Dhṛtarāṣṭra, the great-souled Kuru, said something to you, do that without hesitation. (15-8-1)
This aged king, who has lost his son, especially, could not bear this affliction for long—this is my thought. (15-8-2)
O great king, Gandhari, who is most fortunate, wise, and compassionate, endures the grief for her sons with great courage. (15-8-3)
I also say this to you: do as I ask. Let the king receive permission, so that he does not die here in vain. (15-8-4)
The king should follow the path of the former royal sages: for all royal sages, the forest is their refuge at the end. (15-8-5)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus addressed by Vyāsa, who performed wondrous deeds, the king, the highly radiant Dharma-rāja Yudhiṣṭhira, then replied. (15-8-6)
The blessed Lord alone is to be honored by us; the blessed Lord alone is our teacher; of the blessed Lord are the kingdom, the family, and the supreme refuge. (15-8-7)
But I am a son; my father is venerable, king, and teacher to me. By dharma, the son should obey the command of the father. (15-8-8)
Thus addressed, Vyāsa, the best among upholders of righteousness, again spoke to Yudhiṣṭhira, the highly radiant lord of men. (15-8-9)
O mighty-armed Bhārata, it is indeed as you say. This king has attained old age and is situated in supreme authority. (15-8-10)
He, having been permitted by me and by you, O king, let him carry out his intention; do not create obstacles for him. (15-8-11)
This is truly the highest duty of royal sages, O Yudhisthira: to either meet death in battle, or to reside in the forest according to prescribed rules. (15-8-12)
But by your father Pāṇḍu, O best of kings, the earth was ruled; this king, having become as a disciple, served him as a teacher. (15-8-13)
Sacrifices were performed, generously endowed and adorned with heaps of food; great enjoyments were experienced and sons were protected. (15-8-14)
The extensive kingdom, established in the son, was enjoyed for thirteen years during your absence, and various kinds of wealth were given. (15-8-15)
By you, this king—tiger among men—has been pleased through service to the elders, along with his attendants; and Gandhari, the illustrious woman, too. (15-8-16)
Allow the father, for this is his proper time for ascetic observance; in him, O Yudhiṣṭhira, not even the subtlest anger exists. (15-8-17)
Having said this much and permitting the king, and receiving the words 'So be it' from the son of Kunti, he departed to the forest. (15-8-18)
After the venerable Vyāsa had gone, the king, son of Pāṇḍu, bowed and gradually spoke in a gentle manner to his aged father. (15-8-19)
Whatever the venerable Vyāsa has said, and whatever is your opinion, and what the mighty-armed Kṛpa and Vidura have said—(15-8-20)
Yuyutsu, Sañjaya, and indeed I myself am the direct doer. All these, indeed, are to be honored by me as well-wishers of this family. (15-8-21)
But this I request of you, O king, with my head bowed: let food be prepared for now; after that, go to the hermitage. (15-8-22)
