Section CCXXXII

"Draupadi said,

'I shall now indicate to you, for attracting the heart of your husbands a way that is free from deceit. By adopting it duly, dear friend, you will be able to draw away your lord from other females. In all the worlds, including that of the celestials, there is no god equal, O Satyabhama, unto the husband. When he is gratified with you, you mayst have (from your husband) every object of desire; when he is angry, all these may be lost. It is from her husband that the wife obtaines offspring and various articles of enjoyment. It is from your husband that you mayst have handsome beds and seats, and robes and garlands, and perfumes, and great fame and heaven itself hereafter.

One cannot obtain happiness here by means that are easy. Indeed, the woman that is chaste, obtains weal with woe. Always adore Krishna, therefore, with friendship and love physical sufferings. And do you also act in a way, by offering handsome seats and excellent garlands and various perfumes and prompt service, that he may be devoted to you, thinking, 'I am truly loved by her!'

Hearing the voice of your lord at the gate, rise you up from your seat and stay in readiness within the room. And as soon as you seest him enter your chamber, worship him by promptly offering him a seat and water to wash his feet. And even when he commands a maidservant to do anything, get you up and do it thyself. Let Krishna understand this temper of your mind and know that you adorest him with all your heart.

And, O Satyabhama, whatever your lord speaks before you, do not blab of it even if it may not deserve concealment,—for if any of your co-wives were to speak of it unto Vasudeva, he might be irritated with you. Feed you by every means in your power those that are dear and devoted to your lord and always seek his good.

You should, however, always keep thyself aloof from those that are hostile to and against your lord and seek to do him injury, as also from those that are addicted to deceit. Foregoing all excitement and carelessness in the presence of men, conceal your inclinations by observing silence, and you should not stay or converse in private even with your sons, Pradyumna and Samva.

You should form attachments with only such females as are high-born and sinless and devoted to their lords, and you should always shun women that are wrathful, addicted to drinks, gluttonous, thievish, wicked and fickle. Behaviour such as this is reputable and productive of prosperity; and while it is capable of neutralising hostility, it also leads to heaven.

Therefore, worship you your husband, decking thyself in costly garlands and ornaments and smearing thyself with unguents and excellent perfumes."