Chapter 4 - The break up of the military array of Kama etc.

[Full title: English Summary of the Sankalpa-suryodaya, Chapter 4: The break up of the military array of Kama etc.]

ACT IV—The fourth Act is entitled as ' or 'The break up of the military array of Kama etc.' At the outset, Kama and Vasanta enter the stage. Here Venkatanatha vividly brings out the evil forces of Kama, Vasanta, Krodha and others, and their logical results by which several ordinary persons succumb and get defeated. His purpose in introducing these characters is evidently to strike a note of caution in the mind of Purusa in his goal to attain Brahman. In the beginning Kama proclaims before Vasanta expressing his prowess with which, he could make an attempt to conquer Siva. A conversation between Kama and Vasanta follows complimenting each other. It is explicit that when Kama is provided with weapons and missiles and thus be assisted by Vasanta, the entire world can be deluded. Vasanta replies that virtuous persons do certain acts forbidden by Kama. After doing such acts, they throw the blame on Kama and

70 Krodha and thus loose their right vision. He further admires Kama and his jurisdiction over which, he exerts his power. Immediately, Kama reciprocates Vasanta hailing him as the king of seasons, source of all kinds of flowers, his friend and assistant and that his strength is in no way inferior. After a long talk of mutual praise, both Kama and Vasanta suddenly remember the work for which they have been sent by king Mahamoha. They become busy themselves to attend to their assigned duties. Their mission is to create disturbance in the minds of persons, confuse their knowledge of discrimination and create an atmosphere to which they fall a prey and give up meditation (particularly if they are timid and weak). Kama says that a Purusa engaged in meditation (but without firmness) can be easily diverted by his power, to an enchanting women. In his eyes, a woman is a symbolic creation. He says, he would confer bliss on man ( evidently transitory bliss or happiness) 1. Vasanta then declares that even sages fall a victim to the charms of a young women and to her enticing dance and words. If this is the reality, in the opinion of Vasanta, Purusa's down fall is certain. This is corroborated by an example of sage Soubhari : "If Viveka grown arrogant by his association with vyavasaya continues his efforts (to lead Purusa towards Samadhi), in disregard of me, he will then be himself the cause of creating in Purusa the condition of Soubhari (who was lured by a hundered women)." 2 Vasanta reiterates the prowess of Kama that there is no need for Vasanta to stain himself in his errand. However, Kama is aware of his limitations; and therefore he says that both Vasanta and himself should spare no efforts in causing disturbance to Purusa because their enemy (Viveka and others are strong). Recaptulating the environment capable of being created by Kama, where man looses senses, Vasanta makes Kama remember his prowess and says thus: 1. paramanandadayinyah prajanam srstihetavah | nh brahmalaksanalaksanya na katham brahma yositah || S.S. IV 8, p- 401 yadi mamavamatya samyateta vyavasayanvayadarpito vivekah 1 vanitasatavancitasya pumsah svayamadhasyati saubhareravastham || S.S. IV 12 p 405 -

71 "Purusa now dreads the great fears of Samsara; at the same time, he longs also for the home (and other pleasures); he is eager to attain Brahman and, at the same time, has an eye for the prosperity (of Samsara). He has a passion for the pleasures of the senses and, at the same time, is ashamed of them. So his contemplation of the Supreme Brahman is both manifest and unmanifest, and is therefore in sure peril." 3 Then, observing incompletion of Purusa's Yoga, Kama decides to make a night-attack using all his missiles. Agreeing with Kama and also witnessing the period appropriate for use of evil powers, Vasanta suggests to Kama to use his weapons in his military headquarters to divert Purusa from meditation, particularly to the company of women and their dalliance. Kama underestimates Viveka saying that he is attracted by a desire to obtain Samadhi; but it is not very easy for him to get Samadhi. Because, he suffers from ills of the body and the mind. He is not aware of the hurdles which lies before him. "Purusa is still not free from the excitement caused by the eagerness to enjoy life and is inebriated with draughts of the liquer of sense-pleasures. In trying to secure deliverance for him, Viveka seems to be unaware of the joyful experience of the dalliances of celestial women, which is like a sweet drink consisting of nectar mixed with the juice of the grape." » 4 Symbolising his prowess in the form of a noose, Kama makes a statement of a dilemma; i.e. if the person engaged in Dhyana, becomes angry due to Mahamoha's evil power, Purusa cannot attain Brahman. According to Kama, such person seems to be making a foolish attempt to attain Samadhi, because he is sure that Purusa cannot easily escape from his clutches. Next, Krodha enters the stage with a dreacful face, and admires Kama who is according to him, capable of defeating Viveka. He goes round the stage and makes 3. 4. smarati mahatamatankanam manarakurute grhan prasajati parabrahmapraptau samrddhimapeksate | abhinivisate bhogodanvatyapatrapate punah pranidhiradhuna siddhapayah sita sitapaddhatih || S.S. IV-17, p - 408 purusamajahamdoga sraddhapuraskrtasambhramam visayamadirasvadaksivam vimocayitum sthitah | S.S. IV-22, p-412 amrtamilitadraksavalliphaladravasampadamamaratarunibibbokanamavaiti na vaibhavam ||

72 a big laughter. He also reposes confidence in Kama's prowess in defeating Viveka. Kama welcomes Krodha and expresses compliments to him as a powerful member of the military array. He further speaks even if Dambha, Moha and himself were to fail in the master's task, Krodha is one who cannot be overpowered. (He is sure to win a victory for the master). Then, Vasanta intervenes and hails Kama and Krodha, who like wind and fire fight in the battle. In this case, i.e. when a favourable set of circumstances have been created why should there be delay in taking the offensive. He is eager to begin the battle. - "Let the celestial women (apsaras) bent with the weight of their beautiful breasts which are as attractive as the bunches of flowers in the gem - like creepers nurtured by the ladies attendant on Manmatha let these celestial woman with tremulous eyes resembling the bees which form the bow string of Manmatha, attended on Purusa, who now regards Vairagya as his great weath." 5 As per the plan of Kama, Krodha and Vasanta begin their march in which, Vasanta wishes to make a night-attack. Just then admiring Vasanta, Krodha expresses that proper atmosphere has been set to pursue the battle. Kama gives a description of the moon light which is again suited to continue the battle. Kama then gives a beautiful description of the natural setting with the waters of the Ganges and moonlihgt which is conducive to the evil forces to win a victory over Viveka. However Krodha is in full support of Kama and Vasanta. Instantly Kama suggests that there need not be any delay in foiling Purusa's efforts who is already engaged in meditation. At this juncture, Vasanta sees Purusa who is dis-interested in external objects and who is in the grip of Viveka. He comes out with the attainment of Purusa in the midst of books and above to win his object. In his opinion, Purusa is in two minds - Whether to proceed further in meditation or withdraw. However he is a little diffident in fulfiling his errand. But Kama and Krodha do not entertain any wishful thinking as Vasanta entertains. 5. 6. ratiparivarayosidanupalitaranalatastabakavilobhaniyalalitastanabharanatah | amaramrgeksanah paricarantu viraktidhanammadanadhanurgunabhramaramantharataradrsah || SS. IV-26, p- 416 pade visnoresa prabhavamadhigamya prasrmara sphurataraphenastavakaparipatiparigata | ksaranti purvadreramaratatinisamplavarakhi tamisrakalindi sabalayati candramsupatali | S.S. IV 31 p 420

73 Then Vasanta directs Krodha to enter the mind of Jiva (Purusa). There is also another thing to be borne in mind by you two who are the dread of your enemies. Even to one who has shrunk from all contact with external desires, the desire for honour or renown is a great obstacle to meditation. That is why, - remembering the words of Brahma - Samvarta, Bharata (Jada Bharatha) Vidura and others courted the contempt of the world and pretended to be mad men, because they thought it would cut off all sins. So before Purusa seeks contemptuous treatment from others, Krodha should enter by force into him by inducing in him pain at the thought of losing his reputation and the like. He continues that if Krodha does not influence on Purusa, he would take interest in listening to stories of the Lord; there by he becomes so strong that he could not be made fall from his righteous duties. He finds in Purusa a firm determination to renounce all allurable objects that come in the way of spiritualism. However, Kama does not agree with Vasanta's comments and chides him not to be afraid of the battle that has begun. Again Kama warns Vasanta not to act like a coward on the battle field. Kama further says that he is capable of controlling gods, men and beasts. While Krodha by his cruel nature could not put up with any harm to them. They therefore, decide to function together. Krodha then demands that Kama and Vasanta should join him in giving effect to his plan and in order to achieve the goal. He cites the examples from mythology relating to Jamadagni and Ravana.7 Vasanta categorically remarks that though he agrees with the plans of Kama, he expresses a doubt regarding their, success. Because, Purusa has nil interest in worldly desires. Still Krodha declares that though Purusa is unattached, he would cause havoc in his environment namely stealing and hiding of articles, like rags of cloth, grass seat and Kamandala, mental excitement, mental delusion and thus brings about the loss of Samadhi. He quotes the example of Siva and justifies the strength of action. Kama looking at Vasanta, 7. jamadagnimukhan parityajan parigrhnan dasakamdharadikan | vinipatitavanupayatah purusanadbhutapaurusanaham || S.S. IV-40, p - 428 8. pumsastyaktaparigrahasya visayagrahojjhitasyapyaham | kanthavistara kundikadiharanapracchadanadyasrayah | antahksobhamalikajalpamasadaropasprham paisunam sammohadi ca sammukhayya sahasa dasye samadhiksayam || S.S. IV 41, p-428

74 gives his support to Krodha. He explains about his plans. "Who is there that has the strength to withstand the tamas (ignorance) caused by Krodha, the like of which cannot be found in sleep, swoon or death, which causes all differences of high and low to disappear, in which all distinctions of caste are forgotten and which spreads on all sides as black as the waves of the river Yamuna over-flowing its banks on account of the heavy downpour of rain at the end of a kalpa ?" 9 He continues that even sages are not free from his prowess and cites the instance of Valmiki and other Puranic personalities. Appraising Kama, Vasanta encourages Krodha to pursue his course of action. Kama replies that all his act ons are abated by Vasanta. In turn Vasanta admires Kama. Still Vasanta entertains a doubt regarding their success. At this time, another character, Lobha accompanied by his mistress Trsna enter the stage. Venkatanatha has brought in this character of Lobha to show that it is capable of cutting at the root of Dharma, nips in the bud the 'sprout of serenity and self control'. He is another assistant of king Mahamoha in creating obstacles in Purusa's meditation. On the arrival of Lobha, Kama and Krodha feel delighted. Vasanta now regains the hope of victory, because Lobha is capable of filling in the minds of persons delusion, nay, even the entire world. Kama and Krodha also feel jubilant at Vasanta's suggestion. As a logical sequence, he welcomes Lobha and Krodha also joins him. Feeling elated, Lobha replies that he has been accompanied by his wife Trsna, and no offering can possiblely satisfy them. In Jubilance, he embraces his spouse, and says that all the gold and silver offerings fail to satisfy Trsna. Lobha with pride proclaims that even the gods, Kinnaras, demons, sages men and beasts have been overpowered by him. As such diverting Purusa from meditation is a small work. Trsna is confident of his strength to defeat Purusa because they know, their strength has been firmly established in the three worlds. Declaring that his presence and support are now required to Kama and Krodha, Lobha pointing to his wife, shows his eagerness to join his friends. Trsna also joins her husband. Kama and Krodha bless Lobha and Trsna. 9. nidramugdhinimilitesvasulabham nirdhutanimnonnatam nidranakhilavarnabhedaniyanam visvavapravrttodayam | kah krodhodbhavamutsaheta taritum kalpantakadambinikalolakalindasailatanayakallolakalam tamah || S.S. IV-43, p-430

75 Vasanta feels extremely happy at this, and says that the combination is similar to that of wind, rain and fire. Therefore, their master Mahamoha, need not have any doubt of success. Meanwhile, the spouses of Krodha and Lobha also join together and embrace each other indicating complete cordiality in their errand. Kama enquires Lobha whether his functioning yields fruit. Lobha indicates his favours with Kama. Admiring Lobha, Krodha compliments that his attempts are always successful. Lobha replies that with their support (they being the Purusarthas) he is always successful. Lobha makes a generalisation as to how greed gives rise to further greed and knows no erd. Vasanta agrees with Lobha who joined with Trsna can do anything. He asserts that realisation of Purusarthas is possible by Lobha alone. He points out the importance of wealth to men and also the study of Arthasastra to kings. He adds that acquistion and security of wealth is possible with the help of Lobha only. He continues to say it is time now to decide how Purusa safeguarded by Viveka can be defeated. Then Venkatanatha portrays how the concerned characters arrange their military array to defeat Purusa. Kama comes out with the proclamation that he proceeds first; and then Trsna in the centre, and Lobha to follow him. Krodha and Lobha are to be on both sides safeguarding the array. This invincible array is to proceed further to destroy Purusa's objective. Then they march five to six paces. Kama is already ready with sharp string of sharp and soft bows and arrows to disturb. Purusa's penance. Purusa is all the wh le engaged in penance, who now apprehends some outside disturbance. Therefore he sits firmly controlling his breath and giving up all attachments and showing his firm determination to reach the goal. Making a keen observation of this situation, Vasanta takes it for granted that Purusa is lifted by Viveka from the ocean of Prakrti and eager to place him in Vaikuntha being far removed by rajas and tamas. Viveka is seen by Vasanta to plan a further strategy for Purusa with the help of Sumati. Kama now appears to have an upper hand because since the time in memorial, he has been a powerful force in devouring mediation. He finds Purusa being now surrounded by hunger, thirst, delusion, grief and fishing in the sea of sins; so it is easy for him to defeat Purusa just as the fisherman picks up a fish from

76 the hook. 10 In his eyes Purusa, though doing Penance is under the affliction of love. and the pretext of mental serenity. He repeats the Veda of love. However, Vasanta thwarts the ambition of Kama and hints caution. Just then Lobha is upset by the mental restlessness of his spouse Trsna. Still he asks her to remain comfortable as the entire array is with her. She too, now gets courage and express the security when she is amidst other warriors who are the friends of Lobha. But in surprise and terror, Kama observes that Viveka without loosing good sense is fortified by patience and contentment. He is seated in the chariot of Pranava. Hence, though approached by military array of Kama, Krodha and others, Purusa breaks their military array. The result of the first attack on Viveka is expressed by Vasanta. He says to his friends that moment the news of defeat is conveyed to Mahamoha, he will give up his life. So he asks his friends to retreat from Viveka. Lobha says that they should not fight in the absence of their King Mahamoha. Krodha feels regret for having given up the combat which would show their ungratefulness to the king. Lobha thinks that there is no use in wasting time but think off protecting themselves and from future dangers. Kama supports Lobha and his words. Kama anticipating danger, asks his friends to remain more cautiously. Because he finds Viveka, symbolising the yawning gulf, warns his friends not o fall into yawning gulf. He asks. his friends to flee in different directions and to love their life. Their present decision and to save their life. Their present decision to flee is similar to a wise saying that ( 3/4 1/4Asyada) to save one's life even the whole earth may be sacrificed. Act four comes to a close with the exit of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Trsna and Vasanta.