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 IV

"Vaisampayana said,—"After the Pandavas had gone to the forest, Dhritarashtra the son of Amvika, whose knowledge was his eye,[1] became exceedingly sorrowful. And seated at his ease the king addressed these words to the virtuous Vidura of profound intelligence,

'Your understanding is as clear as that of Bhargava.[2] You knowest also all the subtleties or morality, and you lookest on all the Kauravas with an equal eye. O, tell me what is proper for me and them. O Vidura, things having thus taken their course, what should we do now? How may I secure the goodwill of the citizens so that they may not destroy us to the roots? O, tell us all, since you are conversant with every excellent expedient.'

"Vidura said,

'The three-fold purposes, O king (viz., profit, pleasure, and salvation), have their foundations in virtue, and the sages say that a kingdom also stands on virtue as its basis. Therefore, O monarch, according to the best of your power, cherish you virtuously your own sons and those of Pandu. That virtue had been beguiled by wicked souls with Suvala’s son at their head, when your sons invited the righteous Yudhishthira and defeated him in the match at dice.

O king, of this deed of utter iniquity I behold this expiation whereby, O chief of the Kurus, your son, freed from sin, may win back his position among good men. Let the sons of Pandu, obtain that which was given unto them by you. For, verily, even this is the highest morality that a king should remain content with his own, and never covet another’s possessions. Your good name then would not suffer nor would family dissensions ensue, nor unrighteousness be thine. This then is your prime duty now,—to gratify the Pandavas and disgrace Sakuni.

If you wishest to restore to your sons the good fortune they have lost, then, O king, do you speedily adopt this line of conduct. If you dost not act so, the Kurus will surely meet with destruction, for neither Bhimasena nor Arjuna, if angry, will leave any of their foes unslain. What is there in the world which is unattainable to those who cannot among their warriors Savyasachin skilled in arms; who have the Gandiva, the most powerful of all weapons in the world, for their bow; and who have amongst them the mighty Bhima also as a warrior?

Formerly, as soon as your son was born, I told you,—Forsake you this inauspicious child of thine. Herein lies the good of your race.—But you didst not then act accordingly.

Nor also, O king, have I pointed out to you the way of your welfare. If you doest as I have counselled, you shalt not have to repent afterwards. If your son consent to reign in peace jointly with the sons of Pandu, passing your days in joy you shalt not have to repent. Should it be otherwise, abandon you your child for your own happiness. Putting Duryodhana aside, do you install the son of Pandu in the sovereignty, and let, O king, Ajatasatru, free from passion, rule the earth virtuously. All the kings of the earth, then, like Vaisyas, will, without delay, pay homage unto us.

And, O king, let Duryodhana and Sakuni and Karna with alacrity wait upon the Pandavas. And let Dussasana, in open court, ask forgiveness of Bhimasena and of the daughter of Drupada also. And do you pacify Yudhishthira by placing him on the throne with every mark of respect. Asked by you, what else can I counsel you to do? By doing this, O monarch, you wouldst do what was proper.'

'Dhritarashtra said,

'These words, O Vidura, then you have spoken in this assembly, with reference to the Pandavas and myself, are for their good but not for ours. My mind does not approve them. How hast you settled all this in your mind now? When you have spoken all this on behalf of the Pandavas, I perceive that you are not friendly to me. How can I abandon my son for the sake of the sons of Pandu? Doubtless they are my sons, but Duryodhana is sprung from my body. Who then, speaking with impartiality, will ever counsel me to renounce my own body for the sake of others? O Vidura, all that you sayest is crooked, although I hold you in high esteem. Stay or go as you likest. However much may she be humoured, an unchaste will forsakes her husband.'

"Vaisampayana said, O king, saying this Dhritarashtra rose suddenly and went into the inner apartments. And Vidura, saying 'This race is doomed' went away to where the sons of Pritha were.'"

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Dhritarashtra being blind is described as Pragnachakshu, i.e. having knowledge for his eye. It may also mean. "Of the prophetic eye."

[2]:

The great preceptor of the Asuras, viz., Sukra, possessing the highest intelligence as evidenced by his various works on all manner of subjects particularly, the Sukra-niti.

Conclusion:

This concludes Section IV of Book 3 (Vana 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 3 is one of the eighteen books comprising roughly 100,000 Sanskrit metrical verses.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Which keywords occur in Section IV of Book 3 of the Mahabharata?

The most relevant definitions are: Vidura, Pandavas, Pandu, Dhritarashtra, Duryodhana, Vaisampayana; since these occur the most in Book 3, Section IV. There are a total of 21 unique keywords found in this section mentioned 43 times.

What is the name of the Parva containing Section IV of Book 3?

Section IV is part of the Aranyaka Parva which itself is a sub-section of Book 3 (Vana Parva). The Aranyaka Parva contains a total of 10 sections while Book 3 contains a total of 13 such Parvas.

Can I buy a print edition of Section IV as contained in Book 3?

Yes! The print edition of the Mahabharata contains the English translation of Section IV of Book 3 and can be bought on the main page. The author is Kisari Mohan Ganguli and the latest edition (including Section IV) is from 2012.

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