The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Sabha Parva
Religion
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Sabha Parva
Epic literature, Sanskrit
Rajasuya is to be performed by thee, you must do this in this way and
not otherwise. This, O king, is my view (on the matter). Do, O sinless
one, as thou thinkest. Under these circumstances, O king, having
reflected upon everything, taking note of causes, tell us what thou
thyself thinkest proper."
SECTION XV
"Yudhishthira said,--'Intelligent as thou art, thou hast said what none
else is capable of saying. There is none else on earth who is settler
of all doubts. Behold, there are kings in every province employed in
benefiting their respective selves. But no one amongst them hath been
able to achieve the imperial dignity. Indeed, the title emperor is
difficult of acquisition. He that knoweth the valour and strength of
others never applaudeth himself. He, indeed, is really worthy of
applause (worship) who, engaged in encounters with his enemies, beareth
himself commendably. O thou supporter of the dignity of the Vrishni
race, man's desires and propensities, like the wide earth itself
adorned with many jewels, are varied and extensive. As experience can
seldom be gained but by travelling in regions remote from one's home,
so salvation can never be attained except by acting according to
principles that are very high, compared with the ordinary level of our
desire and propensities. I regard peace of mind as the highest object
here, for from that quality may proceed my prosperity. In my judgment,
if I undertake to celebrate this sacrifice, I shall never win the
highest reward. O Janardana, endued with energy and intelligence, these
that have been born in our race think that some one amongst them will
at one time become the foremost amongst all Kshatriyas. But, O exalted
one, we also were all frightened by the fear of Jarasandha and, O
sinless one, by the wickedness of that monarch. O thou invincible in
battle, the might of thy arm is my refuge. When, therefore, thou taken
fright at Jarasandha's might, how should I regard myself strong in
comparison with him? Madhava, O thou of the Vrishni race, I am
repeatedly depressed by the thought whether Jarasandha is capable or
not of being slain by thee, by Rama, by Bhimasena, or by Arjuna. But
what shall I say, O Keshava? Thou art my highest authority on
everything.'
"On hearing these words, Bhima well-skilled in speech said,--'That king
who is without exertion, or who being weak and without resources
entereth into hostility with one that is strong, perisheth like an
ant-hill. It may be generally seen, however, that even a king that is
weak may vanquish an enemy that is strong and obtain the fruition of
all his wishes, by wakefulness and by the application of policy. In
Krishna is policy, in myself strength, in Arjuna triumphs. So like the
three (sacrificial) fires that accomplish a sacrifice, we shall
accomplish the death of the king of Magadha.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Translated into English Prose: Sabha Parva — John Shaqi
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account