Mahabharata (English)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 2,566,952 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

The English translation of the Mahabharata is a large text describing ancient India. It is authored by Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa and contains the records of ancient humans. Also, it documents the fate of the Kauravas and the Pandavas family. Another part of the large contents, deal with many philosophical dialogues such as the goals of life. Book...

Section LXII

"Vidura said,—

"Gambling is the root of dissensions. It brings about disunion. Its consequences are frightful. Yet having recourse to this, Dhritarashtra’s son Duryodhana creates for himself fierce enmity.

The descendants of Pratipa and Santanu, with their fierce troops and their allies the Vahlikas, will, for the sins of Duryodhana meet with destruction. Duryodhana, in consequence of this intoxication, forcibly drives away luck and prosperity from his kingdom, even like an infuriate bull breaking his own horns himself.

That brave and learned person who disregarding his own foresight, follows, O king, (the bent of) another man’s heart, sinks in terrible affliction even like one that goes into the sea in a boat guided by a child. Duryodhana is gambling with the son of Pandu, and you are in raptures that he is winning. And it is such success that begets war, which ends in the destruction of men.

This fascination (of gambling) that you has well-devised only leads to dire results. Thus hast you simply brought on by these counsels great affliction to your heart. And this your quarrel with Yudhishthira, who is so closely related to you, even if you had not foreseen it, is still approved by you.

Listen, you sons of Santanu, you descendants of Pratipa, who are now in this assembly of the Kauravas, to these words of wisdom. Enter you not into the terrible fire that has blazed forth following the wretch.

When Ajatasatru, the son of Pandu, intoxicated with dice, gives way to his wrath, and Vrikodara and Arjuna and the twins (do the same), who, in that hour of confusion, will prove your refuge? O great king, you are thyself a mine of wealth. You canst earn (by other means) as much wealth as you seeks to earn by gambling.

What dost you gain by winning from the Pandavas their vast wealth? Win the Pandavas themselves, who will be to you more than all the wealth they have. We all know the skill of Suvala in play. This hill-king knows many nefarious methods in gambling. Let Sakuni return whence he came. War not, O Bharata, with the sons of Pandu!'

Conclusion:

This concludes Section LXII of Book 2 (Sabha Parva) of the Mahabharata, of which an English translation is presented on this page. This book is famous as one of the Itihasa, similair in content to the eighteen Puranas. Book 2 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section LXII of Book 2 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Duryodhana, Pandu, Pratipa, Santanu, Pandavas, Vidura; since these occur the most in Book 2, Section LXII. There are a total of 15 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 23 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section LXII of Book 2?

Section LXII is part of the Sisupala-badha Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 2 (Sabha Parva). The Sisupala-badha Parva contains a total of 42 sections while Book 2 contains a total of 7 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section LXII as contained in Book 2?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section LXII of Book 2 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section LXII) is from 2012.

Like what you read? Consider supporting this website: