28. STORY OF PRAHLAADA AND BALI

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > AARANYA PARVA > ARJUNAABHIGAMANA PARVA > CHAPTER 28 - STORY OF PRAHLAADA AND BALI

“Draupadi continued, ‘On this subject, the ancient story of the conversation between Prahlaada and Bali, the son of Virochana, is quoted as an example. One day Bali asked his grand-father Prahlaada, the chief of the Asuras and the Daanavaas, possessed of great wisdom (Maha Pragnaa in Sanskrit) and well-versed in the mysteries of the science of duty (Dharmaanaamaagataagamam in Sanskrit), saying, ‘O sire (Taata in Sanskrit), is forgiveness meritorious or might and energy such? I am puzzled as regards this; O sire, enlighten me who ask you this! O you familiar with all Dharma, tell me truly which of these is meritorious? I will strictly obey whatever your command may be!’

“Thus asked (by Bali), his wise grandfather, familiar with every conclusion, replied upon the whole subject to his grand-son who had sought at his hands the resolution of his doubts. Prahlaada said, ‘Know, O child (Bali), these two truths with certainty, viz., that might (Bala in Sanskrit) is not always meritorious and forgiveness also is not always meritorious! He that forgives always suffers many evils. Servants, strangers and enemies always disregard him. No creature ever bends down to him. Therefore, it is, O child, that the learned applaud not a constant habit of forgiveness! The servants of an ever-forgiving person always disregard him and commit numerous faults. These mean-minded men also seek to deprive him of his wealth. Evil souled servants also appropriate to themselves his vehicles, clothes, ornaments, apparel, beds, seats, food, drink and other articles of use. They do not also at the command of their master, give to others the things they are directed to give nor do they even worship their master with that respect which is their master’s due. Disregard in this world is worse than death. O child, sons, servants, attendants and even strangers speak harsh words to the man who always forgives. Disregarding the man of an always-forgiving natures, people even desire his wife, and his wife also, becomes ready to act as she desires. Servants also that are ever fond of pleasure, if they do not receive even slight punishments from their master, commit all sorts of evil, and the wicked ever injure such a master. These and many other demerits (Dosha in Sanskrit) attach to those that are ever-forgiving!

“Listen now, O son of Virochana (Bali), to the demerits of those that are never forgiving! The man of anger who, surrounded by darkness, always inflicts, by help of his own energy (Tejas in Sanskrit), various kinds of punishment on persons whether they deserve them or not, is necessarily separated from his friends in consequence of that energy (Tejas in Sanskrit) of his. Such a man is hated by both relatives and strangers. Such a man, because he insults others, suffers loss of wealth, reaps disregard, sorrow, hatred, confusion and enemies. The man of anger, in consequence of his anger, inflicts punishments on men and obtains (in return) harsh words. He is deproved of his prosperity (Aishwarya in Sanskrit) soon and even of life, not to say, of friends and relatives (Swajanaadapi in Sanskrit). He that puts forth his might (Tejas in Sanskrit) both upon his friend and his enemy, is an object of alarm to the world, like a snake that has taken shelter in a house, to the inmates thereof. What prosperity can he have who is an object of alarm to the world? People always do him an injury when they find a hole (opportunity). Therefore, men should never exhibit might in excess nor forgiveness on all occasions. One should put forth his might and show his forgiveness on proper occasions. He that becomes forgiving at the proper time and harsh and mighty also at the proper time, obtains happiness both in this world and the other.

“I shall now indicate the occasions in detail of forgiveness, as laid down by the learned, and which should always be observed by all. Listen to me as I speak! He that has done you a service, even if he is guilty of a grave wrong to you, recollecting his former service, you should forgive that offender. Those also that have become offenders from ignorance and foolishness should be forgiven for learning and wisdom (Paandityam in Sanskrit) are not always easily attainable by man. They that having offended you knowingly, plead ignorance should be punished, even if their offences be trivial. Such crooked men should never be pardoned. The first offence of every creature should be forgiven. The second offence, however, should be punished, even if it be trivial. If, however, a person commits an offence unwillingly, it has been said that examining his plea well by a judicious enquiry, he should be pardoned. Humility (Mruduna in Sanskrit) may defeat might, humility may defeat weakness. There is nothing that humility may not accomplish. Therefore, humility is truly fiercer (than it seems)! One should act with reference to place and time, taking note of his own might (Bala in Sanskrit) or weakness. Nothing can succeed that has been undertaken without reference to place and time. Therefore, you do always wait for place and time! Sometimes offenders should be forgiven from fear of the people. These have been declared to be times of forgiveness. It has been said that on occasions besides these, might (Tejas in Sanskrit) should be put forth against violaters.’

“Draupadi continued, ‘I, therefore, regard, O king (Yudhishthira), that the time has come for you to put forth your might (Tejas in Sanskrit)! To those Kurus the greedy sons of Dhritarashtra who injure us always, the present is not the time for forgiveness! It is your duty to put forth your might. The humble and forgiving person is disregarded; while those that are fierce persecute others. He, indeed, is a king who has recourse to both, each according to its time!’”