2(B). CONVERSATION BETWEEN YUDHISHTHIRA AND SHAUNAKA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > AARANYA PARVA > AARANYAKA PARVA > CHAPTER 2(B) - CONVERSATION BETWEEN YUDHISHTHIRA AND SHAUNAKA

“Yudhishthira said, ‘O Brahmana, this my desire of wealth is not for enjoying it when obtained. It is only for the support of the Brahmanas that I desire it and not because I am motivated by greed! For what purpose, O Brahmana, does one like us lead a domestic life, if he cannot cherish and support those that follow him? All creatures are seen to divide the food (they get) among those that depend on them. So, should a person leading a domestic life (Gruhamedhina in Sanskrit) give a share of his food to Yatis and Brahmachaaris that have renounced cooking for themselves. The houses of the good men can never be in want of grass (for seat), space (for rest), water (to wash and quench thirst), and fourthly, sweet words. To the tired a bed, to one fatigued with standing – a seat, to the thirsty – water, and to the hungry – food, should ever be given. To (receive) a guest the following required – pleasant looks, a cheerful heart and sweet words. The host, rising up, should advance towards the guest, offer him a seat, and duly worship him. This is eternal Dharma. They that do not perform the Agnihotra (yagna), not wait upon bulls, nor cherish their relatives, guests, friends, sons, wives and servants, are consumed with sin for such neglect. None should cook his food for himself alone and none should slay an animal without dedicating it to Devas, Pitrus, and guests. Nor should one eat of that food which has not been duly dedicated to Devas and Pitrus. By scattering food on the earth, morning and evening, for (the benefit of) dogs, Chandaalaas and birds, should a person perform the Vishwadeva yagna. He that eats the Vighasaa, is regarded as eating ambrosia (Amrita in Sanskrit). What remains in a yagna after dedication to Devas and Pitrus is regarded as Amrita; and what remains after feeding the guest is called Vighasaa and is equivalent to Amrita itself. Feeding a guest is equivalent to a yagna, and the pleasant looks the host casts upon the guest, the attention he devotes to him, the sweet words in which he addresses him, the respect he pays by following him, and the food and drink with which he treats him, are the five Dakshinas in that yagnas. He who gives without hesitation food to a fatigued traveller never seen before, obtains merit that is great, and he who leading a domestic life, follows such practices, acquires merit of Dharma that is said to be very great. O Brahmana, what is your opinion on this?’

“Shaunaka said, ‘Alas, this world is full of contradictions! That which shames the good, pleases the wicked! Alas, moved by ignorance, passion and slaves of their own senses, even fools perform many acts of (apparent merit) to satisfy in after-life their appetites! With eyes open are these men led away by their seducing senses, as a charioteer, who has lost his senses, by restless and wicked horses! When any of the six senses finds its particular object, the desire springs up in the heart to enjoy that particular object. Thus, when one’s heart proceeds to enjoy the objects of any particular sense, a wish is entertained which in its turn gives birth to a resolve (Sankalpa in Sanskrit). Finally, like to an insect falling into a flame from love of light, the man falls into the fire of temptation, pierced by the arrows of the object of enjoyment discharged by the desire constituting the seed of the resolve! From that time, blinded by sensual pleasure which he seeks without hesitation, and steeped in dark ignorance and foolishness which he mistakes for a state of happiness, he does not know himself! Like to a wheel that is incessantly rolling, every creature, from ignorance, action and desire, falls into various states in this world, wandering from one birth to another, and travels the entire circle of existences from a Brahma to the point of a blade of grass, in water, on land, and against in the air!

“This then is the career of those that are without knowledge. Listen now to the path of the wise, they that are intent on profitable Dharma and are desirous of Moksha! Vedas encourage action (Karma in Sanskrit) but renounce (interest in) action. Therefore, you should act, renouncing Abhimaana, performance of yagna, study (of the Vedas), gifts (Daanaam in Sanskrit), Tapas, truth (in both speech and act), forgiveness, controlling the senses, and renunciation of desire – these have been declared to be the eight (cardinal) Dharmas constituting the true path. Of these, the first four (performance of yagna, study (of the Vedas), gifts (Daanaam in Sanskrit), Tapas) pave the way to the world of the Pitrus. These should be practised without Abhimana. The last four are always observed by the Dharmic, to attain the heaven of Devas. The pure in spirit (Vishuddhaatmaa in Sanskrit) should ever follow these eight paths. Those who wish to conquer the world for purpose of Moksha, should ever act fully renouncing motives, effectually conquering their senses, rigidly observing particular vows (Vrata in Sanskrit), devotedly serving their Gurus, severely regulating their fare, diligently studying the Vedas, renouncing action as mean and restraining their hearts. By renouncing desire and dislike, Devas have attained prosperity. It is by virtue of their wealth of yoga that the Rudraas, the Saadhyaas, the Adityaas, the Vasus, the twin Ashwins, rule the creatures. Therefore, O son of Kunti, like to them, you do, O Bharata (Yudhishthira), entirely refraining from action with motive, strive to attain success in yoga and by severe Tapas. You have already achieved such success so far as your debts to your ancestors, both male and female concerned, and that success also which is derived from action (Karma in Sanskrit). You do, for serving the Dwijas try to attain success in Tapas. Those that are crowned with success in Tapas, can, by virtue of that success, do whatever they want; you do, therefore, practising Tapas realise all your wishes.’”