36. VYAASA MEETS PAANDAVAAS

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > AARANYA PARVA > ARJUNAABHIGAMANA PARVA > CHAPTER 36 - VYAASA MEETS PAANDAVAAS

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Hearing those words of Bhima, Yudhishthira – the son of Kunti – tiger among men and slayer of all enemies – began to sigh heavily and think in silence. He thought within himself, ‘I have heard recited Raaja Dharma and also all truths about the duties of the different varnas. He is said to observe those duties truly who keeps them before his eyes, so as to regulate his behaviour both in the present and the future. Knowing as I do the true course of Dharma, which, however is so very difficult of being known, how can I forcibly grind down Dharma like grinding the mountains of Meru?’ Having thought so for a moment, and settled what he should do, he replied to Bhimasena as follows without allowing him another word:

‘O you of mighty arms (Bhimasena), it is like as you have said. But, O you foremost of speakers, listen now to another word I say. Whatever sinful deeds (Maha Paapam in Sanskrit), O Bhimasena, one seeks to achieve, depending on his courage (Saahasam in Sanskrit) alone, become always a source of pain. But, O you of mighty arms, whatever is begun with consultation, with well-directed prowess (Suvikraantam in Sanskrit), with all appliances (Sukrutam in Sanskrit), and much previous thought (Suvichaaram in Sanskrit), is seen to succeed. Devas themselves favour such designs. Hear from me something about what, proud of your might (Bala in Sanskrit), O Bhimasena, and led away by your restlessness, you think should be immediately begun.

“Bhoorisravaa, Shala, the mighty (Veeryavaan in Sanskrit) Jalasandha, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, the mighty son of Drona, Dhritarashtra’s sons – Duryodhana and others – so difficult of being defeated, are all accomplished in weaponry and always ready for battle with us. Also, those kings and chiefs of the earth who have been injured by us, have all adopted the side of the Kauravaas, and are bound by ties of affection to them. O Bharata (Bhimasena), they are engaged in seeking the good of Duryodhana and not of us. With full treasures and aided by large forces, they will certainly strive their best in battle. Also, all the officers of the Kuru army together with their sons and relatives, have been honoured by Duryodhana with wealth and luxuries (Bhogam in Sanskrit). Those heroes (Veera in Sanskrit) are also much regarded by Duryodhana. This is my certain conclusion that they will sacrifice their lives for Duryodhana in battle. Although the behaviour of Bhishma, Drona, and the Mahatma Kripa, is the same towards us as towards them, yet, O you of mighty arms (Bhimasena), this is my certain conclusion that in order to pay off the royal favours (Raaja Pindam in Sanskrit) they enjoy, they will throw their very lives, than which there is nothing dearer, in battle. All of them are masters of divine weapons and devoted to the practice of Dharma. I think they are incapable of being defeated even by Devas led by Vaasava (Lord Indra) Himself. There is again amongst them that mighty warrior (Maharatha in Sanskrit) Karna – impetuous (Amarshi in Sanskrit), always angry, master of all weapons, invincible, and encased in impenetrable armour (Kavacha in Sanskrit). Without first defeating in battle all those foremost of men, unaided as you are, how can you slay Duryodhana? O Vrikodara (Bhimasena), I cannot sleep thinking of the lightness of hand of that Soota’s son (Karna), who, I regard, is the foremost of all wielders of the bow!’

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of Yudhishthira, the angry Bhima became alarmed, and refrained from speaking anything. While Paandavaas were thus talking with each other, there came to that spot the Maha Yogi Vyaasa, the son of Satyavati. As he came, the Paandavaas worshipped him duly. Then that foremost of all speakers (Vyaasa), addressing Yudhishthira, said, ‘O Yudhishthira, O you of mighty arms, knowing by spiritual insight (Maneesha in Sanskrit) what is passing in your heart, I have come to you, O you bull among men! The fear that is in your heart, arising from Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna, Drona’s son, prince Duryodhana, and Duhshaasana, I will dispell, O slayer of all enemies, by means of an act encouraged by the ordinance (Vidhi Drishtena Karmanaa in Sanskrit). Hearing it from me, you accomplish it with patience, and having accomplished it, O king, put an end to this fever of yours soon.’

“That foremost of speakers then, the son of Paraasharaa (Vyaasa), taking Yudhishthira to a corner, began to address him in words of deep meaning, saying, ‘O best of the Bharatas, the time is come for your prosperity, when, indeed Dhananjaya – that Paarthaa (Paandavaa) – will slay all your enemies in battle. Uttered by me and like to success personified, accept from me this knowledge (Vidya in Sanskrit) called Pratismriti that I impart to you, knowing that you are capable of receiving it. Receiving it (from you), Arjuna will be able to accomplish his desire. Let Arjuna, O Paandavaa (Yudhishthira), go to Mahendra (The great Indra), Rudra (Lord Shiva), Varuna, Kubera, and Dharmaraja (Yama), for receiving weapon from them. He is competent to see Devas for his Tapas and prowess (Vikramenam in Sanskrit). He (Arjuna) is a Rishi of great energy (Maha Teja in Sanskrit), the friend of Naaraayana; ancient, an eternal Deva himself, invincible, ever successful, and knowing no deterioration. Of mighty arms, he will achieve mighty deeds (Mahat Karma in Sanskrit), having obtained weapons from (Lord) Indra, Rudra, and the Lokapaalas. O Kaunteya (Yudhishthira), also think of going from this (Dwaita forest) to some other forest that may, O king, be fit for your abode. To reside in one place for a long period of time is hardly pleasant. In your case, it might also be productive of anxiety to the ascetics (Tapaswis in Sanskrit). As you maintain numerous Brahmanas versed in the Vedas and the several branches of Vedas (Vedaangaas in Sanskrit), (as) continued residence here might exhaust the deer of this forest and be destructive of the creepers and plants.’

“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Having addressed him thus, that Bhagawaan and noble Yogi Vyaasa, of great wisdom, acquired with the mysteries of the world, then imparted to the willing Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, who had meanwhile purified himself, that foremost of sciences (Vidya in Sanskrit). Bidding farewell to the Kaunteya (Yudhishthira), Vyaasa disappeared then and there. The virtuous (Dharmaatma in Sanskrit) and intelligent Yudhishthira, however, having obtained that knowledge (Pratismriti) carefully retained it in his mind and always recited it on proper occasions. Glad of the advice given him by Vyaasa, the Kaunteya (Yudhishthira) then, leaving the forest Dwaitavana went to the forest of Kaamyaka (Kaamyakavana in Sanskrit) on the banks of the Saraswati. O king (Janamejaya), numerous Brahmanas of Tapas merit and versed in the science of orthoepy (Shikshaa in Sanskrit) and orthography (Akshara in Sanskrit), followed him like the Rishis following the chief of Devas (Lord Indra). Arrived at Kaamyaka (forest), those illustrious bulls among the Bharata (Paandavaas) took up their residence there along with their friends and attendants. Possessed of energy, those heroes (Veera in Sanskrit), O king (Janamejaya), lived there for some time, devoted to the exercise of the bow and hearing all the while the chanting of the Vedas. They went about those forest every day in search of deer, armed with pure arrows. They duly performed all the rites in honour of the Pitris (deceased ancestors), Devas and the Brahmanas.’”