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 said,--'both Hansa and Dimvaka have fallen; Kansa also with
all his followers has been slain. The time hath, therefore come for the
destruction of Jarasandha. He is incapable of being vanquished in
battle even by all the celestials and the Asuras (fighting together).
We think, however, that he should be vanquished in a personal struggle
with bare arms. In me is policy, in Bhima is strength and in Arjuna is
triumph; and therefore, as prelude to performing the Rajasuya, we will
certainly achieve the destruction of the ruler of Magadha. When we
three approach that monarch in secret, and he will, without doubt, be
engaged in an encounter with one of us. From fear of disgrace, from
covetousness, and from pride of strength he will certainly summon Bhima
to the encounter. Like death himself that slays a person however
swollen with pride, the long-armed and mighty Bhimasena will effect the
destruction of the king. If thou knowest my heart, if thou hast any
faith in me, then make over to me, as a pledge, Bhima and Arjuna
without loss of time!'"
Vaisampayana continued,--"Thus addressed by the exalted one,
Yudhishthira, beholding both Bhima and Arjuna standing with cheerful
faces, replied, saying--'O Achyuta, O Achyuta, thou slayer of all
enemies, say not so. Thou art the lord of the Pandavas! We are
dependent on thee. What thou sayest, O Govinda, is consistent with wise
counsels. Thou never leadest those upon whom Prosperity hath turned her
back. I who stay under thy command regard that Jarasandha is already
slain, that the monarchs confined by him have already been set free,
that the Rajasuya hath already been accomplished by me. O lord of the
universe, O thou best of persons, watchfully act thou so that this task
may be accomplished. Without ye then I dare not live, like a sorrowful
man afflicted with disease, and bereft of the three attributes of
morality, pleasure and wealth. Partha cannot live without Sauri
(Krishna), nor can Sauri live without Partha. Nor is there anything in
the world that is unconquerable by these two, viz., Krishna and Arjuna.
This handsome Bhima also is the foremost of all persons endued with
might. Of great renown, what can he not achieve when with ye two?
Troops, when properly led, always do excellent service. A force without
a leader hath been called inert by the wise. Forces, therefore, should
always be led by experienced commanders. Into places that are low, the
wise always conduct the water. Even fishermen cause the water (of tank)
to run out through holes. (Experienced leaders always lead their forces
noting the loopholes and assailable points of the foe). We shall,
therefore, strive to accomplish our purpose following the leadership of
Govinda conversant with the science of politics, that personage whose
fame hath spread all over the world. For the successful accomplishment
of one's purposes one should ever place Krishna in the van, that
foremost of personages whose strength consists in wisdom and policy and
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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