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
"Krishna then said,--'One that is immature in understanding seeketh the
fruition of his desire without an eye to what may happen to him in
future. It is seen that no one forgiveth for that reason a foe that is
of immature understanding and inclined to serve his own interests. It
hath been heard by us that in the krita age, having brought every one
under their subjection, Yauvanaswin by the abolition of all taxes,
Bhagiratha by his kind treatment to his subjects, Kartavirya by the
energy of his asceticism, the lord Bharata by his strength and valour,
and Maruta by his prosperity, all these five became emperors. But, O
Yudhishthira, thou who covetest the imperial dignity deserves it, not
by one but by all these qualities, viz., victory, protection afforded
to thy people, virtue, prosperity, and policy. Know, O bull of the Kuru
race, that Jarasandha, the son of Vrihadratha, is even such (i.e., a
candidate for the imperial dignity). A hundred dynasties of kings have
become unable to oppose Jarasandha. He, therefore, may be regarded to
be an emperor for his strength. Kings that are wearers of jewels
worship Jarasandha (with presents of jewels). But, wicked from his
childhood, he is scarcely satisfied with such worship. Having become
the foremost among all, he attacketh yet with violence kings with
crowns on their heads. Nor is there seen any king from whom he taketh
not tribute. Thus hath he brought under his sway nearly a hundred
kings. How can, O son of Pritha, any weak monarch approach him with
hostile intentions? Confined in the temple of Shiva and offered as
sacrifice unto him like so many animals, do not these monarchs
dedicated unto that god feel the most poignant misery, O bull of the
Bharata race? A Kshatriya that dieth in battle is ever regarded with
respect. Why shall we not, therefore, meet together and oppose
Jarsandha in battle? He hath already brought eighty-six kings; fourteen
only are wanting to complete one hundred. As soon as he obtaineth those
fourteen, he will begin his cruel act. He that shall be to obstruct
that act will surely win blazing renown. And he that will vanquish
Jarasandha will surely become the emperor of all the Kshatriyas.'
SECTION XVI
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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