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महाभारतः       mahābhārataḥ - book-12, chapter-161

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वैशंपायन उवाच ।
इत्युक्तवति भीष्मे तु तूष्णींभूते युधिष्ठिरः ।
पप्रच्छावसरं गत्वा भ्रातॄन्विदुरपञ्चमान् ॥१॥
1. vaiśaṁpāyana uvāca ,
ityuktavati bhīṣme tu tūṣṇīṁbhūte yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ,
papracchāvasaraṁ gatvā bhrātṝnvidurapañcamān.
1. vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca iti uktavati bhīṣme tu tūṣṇīmbhūte
yudhiṣṭhiraḥ papraccha avasaram gatvā bhrātṝn vidurapañcamān
1. vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca tu bhīṣme iti uktavati tūṣṇīmbhūte
yudhiṣṭhiraḥ avasaram gatvā vidurapañcamān bhrātṝn papraccha
1. Vaiśampāyana said: When Bhishma had thus spoken and then fell silent, Yudhishthira, seizing the opportune moment, approached and questioned his brothers, with Vidura as the fifth among them.
धर्मे चार्थे च कामे च लोकवृत्तिः समाहिता ।
तेषां गरीयान्कतमो मध्यमः को लघुश्च कः ॥२॥
2. dharme cārthe ca kāme ca lokavṛttiḥ samāhitā ,
teṣāṁ garīyānkatamo madhyamaḥ ko laghuśca kaḥ.
2. dharme ca arthe ca kāme ca lokavṛttiḥ samāhitā
teṣām garīyān katamaḥ madhyamaḥ kaḥ laghuḥ ca kaḥ
2. lokavṛttiḥ dharme ca arthe ca kāme ca samāhitā
teṣām katamaḥ garīyān kaḥ madhyamaḥ ca kaḥ laghuḥ
2. Human society's way of life (lokavṛtti) is established in natural law (dharma), economic prosperity (artha), and sensual gratification (kāma). Of these, which one is the most significant, which is of middling importance, and which is the least important?
कस्मिंश्चात्मा नियन्तव्यस्त्रिवर्गविजयाय वै ।
संतुष्टा नैष्ठिकं वाक्यं यथावद्वक्तुमर्हथ ॥३॥
3. kasmiṁścātmā niyantavyastrivargavijayāya vai ,
saṁtuṣṭā naiṣṭhikaṁ vākyaṁ yathāvadvaktumarhatha.
3. kasmin ca ātmā niyantavyaḥ trivargavijayāya vai
santuṣṭā naiṣṭhikam vākyam yathāvat vaktum arhatha
3. ātmā ca kasmin trivargavijayāya vai niyantavyaḥ
santuṣṭā yathāvat naiṣṭhikam vākyam vaktum arhatha
3. And on which of these should the self (ātman) be controlled for the proper attainment of the three aims of life (trivarga)? Being content, you are worthy to speak the conclusive teaching accurately.
ततोऽर्थगतितत्त्वज्ञः प्रथमं प्रतिभानवान् ।
जगाद विदुरो वाक्यं धर्मशास्त्रमनुस्मरन् ॥४॥
4. tato'rthagatitattvajñaḥ prathamaṁ pratibhānavān ,
jagāda viduro vākyaṁ dharmaśāstramanusmaran.
4. tataḥ arthagati tattvajñaḥ prathamam pratibhānavān
jagāda viduraḥ vākyam dharmaśāstram anusmaran
4. tataḥ prathamam arthagati tattvajñaḥ pratibhānavān
viduraḥ dharmaśāstram anusmaran vākyam jagāda
4. Thereafter, Vidura, who understood the true essence of prosperity (artha) and was highly intelligent, first spoke this statement, recalling the treatises on natural law (dharmaśāstra).
बाहुश्रुत्यं तपस्त्यागः श्रद्धा यज्ञक्रिया क्षमा ।
भावशुद्धिर्दया सत्यं संयमश्चात्मसंपदः ॥५॥
5. bāhuśrutyaṁ tapastyāgaḥ śraddhā yajñakriyā kṣamā ,
bhāvaśuddhirdayā satyaṁ saṁyamaścātmasaṁpadaḥ.
5. bāhuśrutyam tapaḥ tyāgaḥ śraddhā yajñakriyā kṣamā
bhāvaśuddhiḥ dayā satyam saṃyamaḥ ca ātmasaṃpadaḥ
5. bāhuśrutyam tapaḥ tyāgaḥ śraddhā yajñakriyā kṣamā
bhāvaśuddhiḥ dayā satyam saṃyamaḥ ca ātmasaṃpadaḥ
5. Extensive learning, spiritual austerity (tapas), renunciation, faith (śraddhā), ritual sacrifice (yajñakriyā), forgiveness, purity of disposition, compassion, truthfulness, and self-control - these constitute the true treasures of the self (ātmasaṃpadaḥ).
एतदेवाभिपद्यस्व मा ते भूच्चलितं मनः ।
एतन्मूलौ हि धर्मार्थावेतदेकपदं हितम् ॥६॥
6. etadevābhipadyasva mā te bhūccalitaṁ manaḥ ,
etanmūlau hi dharmārthāvetadekapadaṁ hitam.
6. etat eva abhipadyasva mā te bhūt calitam manaḥ
etat mūlau hi dharma arthau etat ekapadam hitam
6. etat eva abhipadyasva te manaḥ calitam mā bhūt
hi etat mūlau dharma arthau etat hitam ekapadam
6. You should devote yourself to this very thing; let your mind not become agitated. Indeed, both natural law (dharma) and material prosperity (artha) are rooted in this, and this alone is the beneficial path.
धर्मेणैवर्षयस्तीर्णा धर्मे लोकाः प्रतिष्ठिताः ।
धर्मेण देवा दिविगा धर्मे चार्थः समाहितः ॥७॥
7. dharmeṇaivarṣayastīrṇā dharme lokāḥ pratiṣṭhitāḥ ,
dharmeṇa devā divigā dharme cārthaḥ samāhitaḥ.
7. dharmeṇa eva ṛṣayaḥ tīrṇāḥ dharme lokāḥ pratiṣṭhitāḥ
dharmeṇa devāḥ divigāḥ dharme ca arthaḥ samāhitaḥ
7. ṛṣayaḥ dharmeṇa eva tīrṇāḥ lokāḥ dharme pratiṣṭhitāḥ
devāḥ dharmeṇa divigāḥ ca arthaḥ dharme samāhitaḥ
7. Indeed, through natural law (dharma), the sages (ṛṣis) have overcome (obstacles); in natural law (dharma), the worlds are founded. By natural law (dharma), the gods reach the heavens, and in natural law (dharma), material prosperity (artha) is firmly placed.
धर्मो राजन्गुणश्रेष्ठो मध्यमो ह्यर्थ उच्यते ।
कामो यवीयानिति च प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः ।
तस्माद्धर्मप्रधानेन भवितव्यं यतात्मना ॥८॥
8. dharmo rājanguṇaśreṣṭho madhyamo hyartha ucyate ,
kāmo yavīyāniti ca pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ ,
tasmāddharmapradhānena bhavitavyaṁ yatātmanā.
8. dharmaḥ rājan guṇaśreṣṭhaḥ madhyamaḥ
hi arthaḥ ucyate kāmaḥ yavīyān iti
ca pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ tasmāt
dharma-pradhānena bhavitavyam yatātmanā
8. rājan dharmaḥ guṇaśreṣṭhaḥ hi arthaḥ
madhyamaḥ ucyate manīṣiṇaḥ ca kāmaḥ
yavīyān iti pravadanti tasmāt
yatātmanā dharma-pradhānena bhavitavyam
8. O King, natural law (dharma) is considered the foremost virtue; material prosperity (artha) is declared to be of middle importance. The wise (manīṣiṇaḥ) assert that desire (kāma) is the least significant. Therefore, one whose self is controlled (yatātman) must prioritize natural law (dharma).
समाप्तवचने तस्मिन्नर्थशास्त्रविशारदः ।
पार्थो वाक्यार्थतत्त्वज्ञो जगौ वाक्यमतन्द्रितः ॥९॥
9. samāptavacane tasminnarthaśāstraviśāradaḥ ,
pārtho vākyārthatattvajño jagau vākyamatandritaḥ.
9. samāpta-vacane tasmin artha-śāstra-viśāradaḥ pārthaḥ
vākya-artha-tattvajñaḥ jagau vākyam atandritaḥ
9. tasmin artha-śāstra-viśāradaḥ samāpta-vacane
vākya-artha-tattvajñaḥ pārthaḥ atandritaḥ vākyam jagau
9. When he, who was proficient in the science of material prosperity (artha-śāstra), had concluded his speech, Pārtha, who understood the true meaning of sentences, then spoke tirelessly.
कर्मभूमिरियं राजन्निह वार्त्ता प्रशस्यते ।
कृषिवाणिज्यगोरक्ष्यं शिल्पानि विविधानि च ॥१०॥
10. karmabhūmiriyaṁ rājanniha vārttā praśasyate ,
kṛṣivāṇijyagorakṣyaṁ śilpāni vividhāni ca.
10. karmabhūmiḥ iyam rājan iha vārttā praśasyate
kṛṣivāṇijyagorakṣyam śilpāni vividhāni ca
10. rājan iyam karmabhūmiḥ iha vārttā praśasyate
kṛṣivāṇijyagorakṣyam ca vividhāni śilpāni
10. O King, this is the land of (karma) action. Here, economic activity (vārttā) is highly esteemed: agriculture, commerce, cattle-rearing, and various crafts.
अर्थ इत्येव सर्वेषां कर्मणामव्यतिक्रमः ।
न ऋतेऽर्थेन वर्तेते धर्मकामाविति श्रुतिः ॥११॥
11. artha ityeva sarveṣāṁ karmaṇāmavyatikramaḥ ,
na ṛte'rthena vartete dharmakāmāviti śrutiḥ.
11. arthaḥ iti eva sarveṣām karmaṇām avyatikramaḥ
na ṛte arthena vartete dharmakāmau iti śrutiḥ
11. arthaḥ iti eva sarveṣām karmaṇām avyatikramaḥ
śrutiḥ iti arthena ṛte dharmakāmau na vartete
11. Material prosperity (artha) is indeed the proper execution (avyatikramaḥ) for all actions (karma). The sacred tradition (śruti) states that righteousness (dharma) and desire (kāma) do not proceed without material prosperity (artha).
विजयी ह्यर्थवान्धर्ममाराधयितुमुत्तमम् ।
कामं च चरितुं शक्तो दुष्प्रापमकृतात्मभिः ॥१२॥
12. vijayī hyarthavāndharmamārādhayitumuttamam ,
kāmaṁ ca carituṁ śakto duṣprāpamakṛtātmabhiḥ.
12. vijayī hi arthavān dharmam ārādhayitum uttamam
kāmam ca caritum śaktaḥ duṣprāpam akṛtātmabhiḥ
12. hi vijayī arthavān uttamam dharmam āradhayitum
ca akṛtātmabhiḥ duṣprāpam kāmam caritum śaktaḥ
12. Indeed, one who is victorious (vijayī) and possesses material prosperity (artha) is able to practice supreme righteousness (dharma) and to fulfill desires (kāma), which are unattainable for those who have not disciplined their self (ātman).
अर्थस्यावयवावेतौ धर्मकामाविति श्रुतिः ।
अर्थसिद्ध्या हि निर्वृत्तावुभावेतौ भविष्यतः ॥१३॥
13. arthasyāvayavāvetau dharmakāmāviti śrutiḥ ,
arthasiddhyā hi nirvṛttāvubhāvetau bhaviṣyataḥ.
13. arthasya avayavau etau dharmakāmau iti śrutiḥ
arthasiddhyā hi nirvṛttau ubhau etau bhaviṣyataḥ
13. śrutiḥ iti arthasya etau avayavau dharmakāmau hi
arthasiddhyā ubhau etau nirvṛttau bhaviṣyataḥ
13. The sacred tradition (śruti) declares that righteousness (dharma) and desire (kāma) are both components (avayava) of material prosperity (artha). Indeed, it is through the accomplishment of material prosperity (artha) that both of these will be fulfilled.
उद्भूतार्थं हि पुरुषं विशिष्टतरयोनयः ।
ब्रह्माणमिव भूतानि सततं पर्युपासते ॥१४॥
14. udbhūtārthaṁ hi puruṣaṁ viśiṣṭatarayonayaḥ ,
brahmāṇamiva bhūtāni satataṁ paryupāsate.
14. udbhūtārtham hi puruṣam viśiṣṭatarayonayaḥ
brahmāṇam iva bhūtāni satatam paryupāsate
14. hi viśiṣṭatarayonayaḥ udbhūtārtham puruṣam
satatam paryupāsate iva bhūtāni brahmāṇam
14. Indeed, just as all beings constantly serve Brahma, so too do those of superior birth always attend upon a person (puruṣa) whose purpose has become fully manifest.
जटाजिनधरा दान्ताः पङ्कदिग्धा जितेन्द्रियाः ।
मुण्डा निस्तन्तवश्चापि वसन्त्यर्थार्थिनः पृथक् ॥१५॥
15. jaṭājinadharā dāntāḥ paṅkadigdhā jitendriyāḥ ,
muṇḍā nistantavaścāpi vasantyarthārthinaḥ pṛthak.
15. jaṭājinadharāḥ dāntāḥ paṅkadigdhāḥ jitendriyāḥ muṇḍāḥ
nistantavaḥ ca api vasanti arthārthinaḥ pṛthak
15. jaṭājinadharāḥ dāntāḥ paṅkadigdhāḥ jitendriyāḥ muṇḍāḥ
nistantavaḥ ca api arthārthinaḥ pṛthak vasanti
15. Wearing matted hair and deerskins, self-controlled, smeared with mud, with senses conquered; also, shaven-headed and without family ties - these individuals, seeking their respective objectives, live separately.
काषायवसनाश्चान्ये श्मश्रुला ह्रीसुसंवृताः ।
विद्वांसश्चैव शान्ताश्च मुक्ताः सर्वपरिग्रहैः ॥१६॥
16. kāṣāyavasanāścānye śmaśrulā hrīsusaṁvṛtāḥ ,
vidvāṁsaścaiva śāntāśca muktāḥ sarvaparigrahaiḥ.
16. kāṣāyavasanāḥ ca anye śmaśrulāḥ hrīsusavṛtāḥ
vidvāṃsaḥ ca eva śāntāḥ ca muktāḥ sarvaparigrahaiḥ
16. anye ca kāṣāyavasanāḥ śmaśrulāḥ hrīsusavṛtāḥ
vidvāṃsaḥ ca eva śāntāḥ ca sarvaparigrahaiḥ muktāḥ
16. And others, wearing saffron robes, bearded, and well-covered with modesty, who are learned and peaceful, are liberated (mokṣa) from all possessions.
अर्थार्थिनः सन्ति केचिदपरे स्वर्गकाङ्क्षिणः ।
कुलप्रत्यागमाश्चैके स्वं स्वं मार्गमनुष्ठिताः ॥१७॥
17. arthārthinaḥ santi kecidapare svargakāṅkṣiṇaḥ ,
kulapratyāgamāścaike svaṁ svaṁ mārgamanuṣṭhitāḥ.
17. arthārthinaḥ santi kecit apare svargakāṅkṣiṇaḥ
kulapratyāgamāḥ ca eke svam svam mārgam anuṣṭhitāḥ
17. kecit arthārthinaḥ santi apare svargakāṅkṣiṇaḥ ca
eke kulapratyāgamāḥ svam svam mārgam anuṣṭhitāḥ
17. Some there are who seek worldly aims, and others who desire heaven. Still others, maintaining their family traditions, follow their own respective paths.
आस्तिका नास्तिकाश्चैव नियताः संयमे परे ।
अप्रज्ञानं तमोभूतं प्रज्ञानं तु प्रकाशता ॥१८॥
18. āstikā nāstikāścaiva niyatāḥ saṁyame pare ,
aprajñānaṁ tamobhūtaṁ prajñānaṁ tu prakāśatā.
18. āstikāḥ nāstikāḥ ca eva niyatāḥ saṃyame pare
aprajñānam tamaḥbhūtam prajñānam tu prakāśatā
18. āstikāḥ ca eva nāstikāḥ pare saṃyame niyatāḥ
aprajñānam tamaḥbhūtam tu prajñānam prakāśatā
18. Both believers and non-believers are disciplined in supreme self-control. Ignorance is enveloped in darkness, but true knowledge is luminosity.
भृत्यान्भोगैर्द्विषो दण्डैर्यो योजयति सोऽर्थवान् ।
एतन्मतिमतां श्रेष्ठ मतं मम यथातथम् ।
अनयोस्तु निबोध त्वं वचनं वाक्यकण्ठयोः ॥१९॥
19. bhṛtyānbhogairdviṣo daṇḍairyo yojayati so'rthavān ,
etanmatimatāṁ śreṣṭha mataṁ mama yathātatham ,
anayostu nibodha tvaṁ vacanaṁ vākyakaṇṭhayoḥ.
19. bhṛtyān bhogaiḥ dviṣaḥ daṇḍaiḥ yaḥ
yojayati saḥ arthavān etat matimatām
śreṣṭha matam mama yathātatham anayoḥ tu
nibodha tvam vacanam vākyakaṇṭhayoḥ
19. yaḥ bhṛtyān bhogaiḥ dviṣaḥ daṇḍaiḥ
yojayati saḥ arthavān etat matimatām
śreṣṭha mama yathātatham matam tu tvam
anayoḥ vākyakaṇṭhayoḥ vacanam nibodha
19. The person who provides his dependents with enjoyments and punishes his adversaries is indeed successful. This, O most excellent among the intelligent, is my true and accurate opinion. Now, you should hear the words of these two eloquent speakers.
ततो धर्मार्थकुशलौ माद्रीपुत्रावनन्तरम् ।
नकुलः सहदेवश्च वाक्यं जगदतुः परम् ॥२०॥
20. tato dharmārthakuśalau mādrīputrāvanantaram ,
nakulaḥ sahadevaśca vākyaṁ jagadatuḥ param.
20. tataḥ dharmārthakuśalau mādrīputrau anantaram
nakulaḥ sahadevaḥ ca vākyam jagadatuḥ param
20. tataḥ anantaram dharmārthakuśalau mādrīputrau
nakulaḥ ca sahadevaḥ param vākyam jagadatuḥ
20. Thereafter, the two sons of Madri, Nakula and Sahadeva, who were adept in matters of righteousness (dharma) and material welfare (artha), spoke excellent words.
आसीनश्च शयानश्च विचरन्नपि च स्थितः ।
अर्थयोगं दृढं कुर्याद्योगैरुच्चावचैरपि ॥२१॥
21. āsīnaśca śayānaśca vicarannapi ca sthitaḥ ,
arthayogaṁ dṛḍhaṁ kuryādyogairuccāvacairapi.
21. āsīnaḥ ca śayānaḥ ca vicaran api ca sthitaḥ
arthayogam dṛḍham kuryāt yogaiḥ uccāvavcaiḥ api
21. āsīnaḥ ca śayānaḥ ca vicaran api ca sthitaḥ
api uccāvavcaiḥ yogaiḥ dṛḍham arthayogam kuryāt
21. Whether one is sitting, lying down, wandering, or even standing, one should firmly establish their connection to prosperity or purpose (artha) through various methods (yoga).
अस्मिंस्तु वै सुसंवृत्ते दुर्लभे परमप्रिये ।
इह कामानवाप्नोति प्रत्यक्षं नात्र संशयः ॥२२॥
22. asmiṁstu vai susaṁvṛtte durlabhe paramapriye ,
iha kāmānavāpnoti pratyakṣaṁ nātra saṁśayaḥ.
22. asmin tu vai susaṃvṛtte durlabhe paramapriye
iha kāmān avāpnoti pratyakṣam na atra saṃśayaḥ
22. susaṃvṛtte durlabhe paramapriye asmin tu vai
iha kāmān pratyakṣam avāpnoti atra saṃśayaḥ na
22. Upon its successful completion – this truly rare and most cherished thing – one directly obtains desires here in this world; there is no doubt about it.
योऽर्थो धर्मेण संयुक्तो धर्मो यश्चार्थसंयुतः ।
मध्विवामृतसंयुक्तं तस्मादेतौ मताविह ॥२३॥
23. yo'rtho dharmeṇa saṁyukto dharmo yaścārthasaṁyutaḥ ,
madhvivāmṛtasaṁyuktaṁ tasmādetau matāviha.
23. yaḥ arthaḥ dharmeṇa saṃyuktaḥ dharmaḥ yaḥ ca artha-saṃyutaḥ
madhu iva amṛta-saṃyuktam tasmāt etau matau iha
23. yaḥ arthaḥ dharmeṇa saṃyuktaḥ ca yaḥ dharmaḥ artha-saṃyutaḥ,
etau madhu iva amṛta-saṃyuktam tasmāt iha matau
23. That wealth/purpose (artha) which is associated with (natural) law (dharma), and that (natural) law (dharma) which is associated with wealth/purpose (artha) - these two are considered here (to be) like honey joined with nectar.
अनर्थस्य न कामोऽस्ति तथार्थोऽधर्मिणः कुतः ।
तस्मादुद्विजते लोको धर्मार्थाद्यो बहिष्कृतः ॥२४॥
24. anarthasya na kāmo'sti tathārtho'dharmiṇaḥ kutaḥ ,
tasmādudvijate loko dharmārthādyo bahiṣkṛtaḥ.
24. anarthasya na kāmaḥ asti tathā arthaḥ adharmiṇaḥ kutaḥ
tasmāt udvijate lokaḥ dharma-arthāt yaḥ bahiṣkṛtaḥ
24. anarthasya kāmaḥ na asti tathā adharmiṇaḥ arthaḥ kutaḥ?
tasmāt yaḥ dharma-arthāt bahiṣkṛtaḥ lokaḥ udvijate
24. For one without purpose or wealth, there is no desire (kāma); similarly, how can there be wealth/purpose (artha) for an unrighteous person (adharmin)? Therefore, the world (or people) are distressed when one is excluded from both (natural) law (dharma) and wealth/purpose (artha).
तस्माद्धर्मप्रधानेन साध्योऽर्थः संयतात्मना ।
विश्वस्तेषु च भूतेषु कल्पते सर्व एव हि ॥२५॥
25. tasmāddharmapradhānena sādhyo'rthaḥ saṁyatātmanā ,
viśvasteṣu ca bhūteṣu kalpate sarva eva hi.
25. tasmāt dharma-pradhānena sādhyaḥ arthaḥ saṃyata-ātmanā
viśvasteṣu ca bhūteṣu kalpate sarvaḥ eva hi
25. tasmāt arthaḥ dharma-pradhānena saṃyata-ātmanā sādhyaḥ.
ca hi sarvaḥ eva viśvasteṣu bhūteṣu kalpate
25. Therefore, wealth/purpose (artha) must be achieved by one whose supreme principle is (natural) law (dharma) and whose self (ātman) is controlled. And indeed, everything becomes possible (or prospers) among trusting beings (or when trust is established among beings).
धर्मं समाचरेत्पूर्वं तथार्थं धर्मसंयुतम् ।
ततः कामं चरेत्पश्चात्सिद्धार्थस्य हि तत्फलम् ॥२६॥
26. dharmaṁ samācaretpūrvaṁ tathārthaṁ dharmasaṁyutam ,
tataḥ kāmaṁ caretpaścātsiddhārthasya hi tatphalam.
26. dharmam samācaret pūrvam tathā artham dharmasaṃyutam
tataḥ kāmam caret paścāt siddhārthasya hi tatphalam
26. pūrvam dharmam samācaret tathā dharmasaṃyutam artham
tataḥ paścāt kāmam caret hi tatphalam siddhārthasya
26. One should first practice righteousness (dharma), and similarly, wealth (artha) that is aligned with righteousness. Only after that should one pursue desires (kāma), for indeed, that is the proper outcome for someone who has achieved their objectives.
विरेमतुस्तु तद्वाक्यमुक्त्वा तावश्विनोः सुतौ ।
भीमसेनस्तदा वाक्यमिदं वक्तुं प्रचक्रमे ॥२७॥
27. virematustu tadvākyamuktvā tāvaśvinoḥ sutau ,
bhīmasenastadā vākyamidaṁ vaktuṁ pracakrame.
27. virematuḥ tu tatvākyam uktvā tau aśvinoḥ sutau
bhīmasenaḥ tadā vākyam idam vaktum pracakrame
27. tau aśvinoḥ sutau tatvākyam uktvā tu virematuḥ
tadā bhīmasenaḥ idam vākyam vaktum pracakrame
27. Having spoken those words, the two sons of the Aśvins indeed ceased. Then, Bhīmasena began to utter these words.
नाकामः कामयत्यर्थं नाकामो धर्ममिच्छति ।
नाकामः कामयानोऽस्ति तस्मात्कामो विशिष्यते ॥२८॥
28. nākāmaḥ kāmayatyarthaṁ nākāmo dharmamicchati ,
nākāmaḥ kāmayāno'sti tasmātkāmo viśiṣyate.
28. nakāmaḥ kāmayati artham nakāmaḥ dharmam icchati
nakāmaḥ kāmayānaḥ asti tasmāt kāmaḥ viśiṣyate
28. nakāmaḥ artham kāmayati nakāmaḥ dharmam icchati
nakāmaḥ kāmayānaḥ asti tasmāt kāmaḥ viśiṣyate
28. A person without desire (kāma) does not seek wealth (artha), nor does such a person wish for righteousness (dharma). Indeed, a person without desire has no aspirations at all. Therefore, desire (kāma) is considered supreme.
कामेन युक्ता ऋषयस्तपस्येव समाहिताः ।
पलाशफलमूलाशा वायुभक्षाः सुसंयताः ॥२९॥
29. kāmena yuktā ṛṣayastapasyeva samāhitāḥ ,
palāśaphalamūlāśā vāyubhakṣāḥ susaṁyatāḥ.
29. kāmena yuktāḥ ṛṣayaḥ tapasi eva samāhitāḥ
palāśaphalamūlāśāḥ vāyubhakṣāḥ susaṃyatāḥ
29. kāmena yuktāḥ ṛṣayaḥ tapasi eva samāhitāḥ
palāśaphalamūlāśāḥ vāyubhakṣāḥ susaṃyatāḥ
29. Even sages, who are imbued with desire (kāma) while deeply absorbed in spiritual austerities (tapas), those who subsist on the fruits and roots of the Palāśa tree, or even on air, and who are profoundly self-controlled - even such individuals are fundamentally driven by desire.
वेदोपवादेष्वपरे युक्ताः स्वाध्यायपारगाः ।
श्राद्धयज्ञक्रियायां च तथा दानप्रतिग्रहे ॥३०॥
30. vedopavādeṣvapare yuktāḥ svādhyāyapāragāḥ ,
śrāddhayajñakriyāyāṁ ca tathā dānapratigrahe.
30. vedopavādeṣu apare yuktāḥ svādhyāyapāragāḥ
śrāddhayajñakriyāyām ca tathā dānapratigrahe
30. apare vedopavādeṣu svādhyāyapāragāḥ ca tathā
śrāddhayajñakriyāyām dānapratigrahe yuktāḥ
30. Others are engaged in Vedic recitations, having mastered their own sacred study (svādhyāya). Similarly, they are involved in performing ancestral rites (śrāddha) and sacrificial actions (yajña), as well as in giving and receiving gifts (dāna).
वणिजः कर्षका गोपाः कारवः शिल्पिनस्तथा ।
दैवकर्मकृतश्चैव युक्ताः कामेन कर्मसु ॥३१॥
31. vaṇijaḥ karṣakā gopāḥ kāravaḥ śilpinastathā ,
daivakarmakṛtaścaiva yuktāḥ kāmena karmasu.
31. vaṇijaḥ karṣakāḥ gopāḥ kāravaḥ śilpinaḥ tathā
daivakarmakṛtaḥ ca eva yuktāḥ kāmena karmasu
31. vaṇijaḥ karṣakāḥ gopāḥ kāravaḥ śilpinaḥ tathā
daivakarmakṛtaḥ ca eva kāmena karmasu yuktāḥ
31. Merchants, farmers, cowherds, artisans, and artists, as well as those who perform sacred duties, are all indeed engaged in their actions (karma) by desire.
समुद्रं चाविशन्त्यन्ये नराः कामेन संयुताः ।
कामो हि विविधाकारः सर्वं कामेन संततम् ॥३२॥
32. samudraṁ cāviśantyanye narāḥ kāmena saṁyutāḥ ,
kāmo hi vividhākāraḥ sarvaṁ kāmena saṁtatam.
32. samudram ca āviśanti anye narāḥ kāmena saṃyutāḥ
kāmaḥ hi vividhākāraḥ sarvam kāmena saṃtatam
32. anye narāḥ kāmena saṃyutāḥ ca samudram āviśanti
hi kāmaḥ vividhākāraḥ sarvam kāmena saṃtatam
32. And other men, driven by desire, enter the ocean. Indeed, desire (kāma) takes on many forms; everything is permeated by desire.
नास्ति नासीन्नाभविष्यद्भूतं कामात्मकात्परम् ।
एतत्सारं महाराज धर्मार्थावत्र संश्रितौ ॥३३॥
33. nāsti nāsīnnābhaviṣyadbhūtaṁ kāmātmakātparam ,
etatsāraṁ mahārāja dharmārthāvatra saṁśritau.
33. na asti na āsīt na abhaviṣyat bhūtam kāmātmakāt
param etat sāram mahārāja dharmārthau atra saṃśritau
33. mahārāja,
na asti na āsīt na abhaviṣyat bhūtam kāmātmakāt param etat sāram dharmārthau atra saṃśritau
33. There is nothing in existence, nor has there been, nor will there ever be, that is beyond the very essence of desire (kāmātmaka). This is the core truth, O great king: both natural law (dharma) and material prosperity (artha) are founded upon this.
नवनीतं यथा दध्नस्तथा कामोऽर्थधर्मतः ।
श्रेयस्तैलं च पिण्याकाद्घृतं श्रेय उदश्वितः ॥३४॥
34. navanītaṁ yathā dadhnastathā kāmo'rthadharmataḥ ,
śreyastailaṁ ca piṇyākādghṛtaṁ śreya udaśvitaḥ.
34. navanītam yathā dadhnaḥ tathā kāmaḥ artha-dharmataḥ
śreyaḥ tailam ca piṇyākāt ghṛtam śreyaḥ udaśvitaḥ
34. yathā dadhnaḥ navanītam tathā artha-dharmataḥ kāmaḥ.
piṇyākāt tailam śreyaḥ ca udaśvitaḥ ghṛtam śreyaḥ.
34. Just as fresh butter is derived from curds, so too pleasure (kāma) arises from material prosperity (artha) and righteous conduct (dharma). Oil is superior to oilcake, and clarified butter (ghṛta) is superior to buttermilk.
श्रेयः पुष्पफलं काष्ठात्कामो धर्मार्थयोर्वरः ।
पुष्पतो मध्विव रसः कामात्संजायते सुखम् ॥३५॥
35. śreyaḥ puṣpaphalaṁ kāṣṭhātkāmo dharmārthayorvaraḥ ,
puṣpato madhviva rasaḥ kāmātsaṁjāyate sukham.
35. śreyaḥ puṣpaphalam kāṣṭhāt kāmaḥ dharmārthayoḥ varaḥ
puṣpataḥ madhu iva rasaḥ kāmāt saṃjāyate sukham
35. kāṣṭhāt puṣpaphalam śreyaḥ.
dharmārthayoḥ kāmaḥ varaḥ.
puṣpataḥ madhu iva rasaḥ,
kāmāt sukham saṃjāyate.
35. Flowers and fruits are superior to mere wood. Among righteous conduct (dharma) and material prosperity (artha), pleasure (kāma) is the best. Just as the essence (rasa) of flowers (like honey) is extracted, so too happiness (sukham) arises from pleasure (kāma).
सुचारुवेषाभिरलंकृताभिर्मदोत्कटाभिः प्रियवादिनीभिः ।
रमस्व योषाभिरुपेत्य कामं कामो हि राजंस्तरसाभिपाती ॥३६॥
36. sucāruveṣābhiralaṁkṛtābhi;rmadotkaṭābhiḥ priyavādinībhiḥ ,
ramasva yoṣābhirupetya kāmaṁ; kāmo hi rājaṁstarasābhipātī.
36. sucāruveṣābhiḥ alaṅkṛtābhiḥ madotkaṭābhiḥ priyavādinībhiḥ
ramasva yoṣābhiḥ upetya kāmam kāmaḥ hi rājan tarasā abhipātī
36. rājan,
sucāruveṣābhiḥ alaṅkṛtābhiḥ madotkaṭābhiḥ priyavādinībhiḥ yoṣābhiḥ upetya kāmam ramasva.
hi kāmaḥ tarasā abhipātī.
36. O King, indulge yourself with women who are beautifully attired, adorned, brimming with passion, and speak sweetly; approach and enjoy pleasure (kāma). For indeed, desire (kāma) strikes swiftly.
बुद्धिर्ममैषा परिषत्स्थितस्य मा भूद्विचारस्तव धर्मपुत्र ।
स्यात्संहितं सद्भिरफल्गुसारं समेत्य वाक्यं परमानृशंस्यम् ॥३७॥
37. buddhirmamaiṣā pariṣatsthitasya; mā bhūdvicārastava dharmaputra ,
syātsaṁhitaṁ sadbhiraphalgusāraṁ; sametya vākyaṁ paramānṛśaṁsyam.
37. buddhiḥ mama eṣā pariṣatsthitasya
mā bhūt vicāraḥ tava dharmaputra
syāt saṃhitam sadbhiḥ aphalgusāram
sametya vākyam paramānṛśaṃsyam
37. dharmaputra,
pariṣatsthitasya mama eṣā buddhiḥ tava vicāraḥ mā bhūt.
sadbhiḥ sametya saṃhitam aphalgusāram paramānṛśaṃsyam vākyam syāt.
37. O son of Dharma (dharmaputra), let this opinion of mine, expressed while I stand in this assembly, not be your ultimate consideration. Rather, may the counsel (vākyam) you accept, after consulting with the virtuous (sadbhiḥ), be consistently profound in essence and of supreme benevolence.
धर्मार्थकामाः सममेव सेव्या यस्त्वेकसेवी स नरो जघन्यः ।
द्वयोस्तु दक्षं प्रवदन्ति मध्यं स उत्तमो यो निरतस्त्रिवर्गे ॥३८॥
38. dharmārthakāmāḥ samameva sevyā; yastvekasevī sa naro jaghanyaḥ ,
dvayostu dakṣaṁ pravadanti madhyaṁ; sa uttamo yo niratastrivarge.
38. dharma artha kāmāḥ samam eva sevyāḥ
yaḥ tu ekasevī saḥ naraḥ jaghanyaḥ
dvayoḥ tu dakṣam pravadanti
madhyam saḥ uttamaḥ yaḥ nirataḥ trivarge
38. dharma artha kāmāḥ samam eva sevyāḥ
tu yaḥ ekasevī saḥ naraḥ jaghanyaḥ
dvayoḥ tu dakṣam madhyam pravadanti
yaḥ trivarge nirataḥ saḥ uttamaḥ
38. The pursuits of intrinsic nature (dharma), wealth (artha), and pleasure (kāma) should be engaged in equally. However, the person who pursues only one of these is considered inferior. They declare one who is skilled in two to be mediocre, but he who is devoted to all three pursuits (trivarga) is superior.
प्राज्ञः सुहृच्चन्दनसारलिप्तो विचित्रमाल्याभरणैरुपेतः ।
ततो वचः संग्रहविग्रहेण प्रोक्त्वा यवीयान्विरराम भीमः ॥३९॥
39. prājñaḥ suhṛccandanasāralipto; vicitramālyābharaṇairupetaḥ ,
tato vacaḥ saṁgrahavigraheṇa; proktvā yavīyānvirarāma bhīmaḥ.
39. prājñaḥ suhṛt candanasāraliptaḥ
vicitramālyābharaṇaiḥ upetaḥ
tataḥ vacaḥ saṃgrahavigraheṇa
proktvā yavīyān virarāma bhīmaḥ
39. prājñaḥ suhṛt candanasāraliptaḥ
vicitramālyābharaṇaiḥ upetaḥ
yavīyān bhīmaḥ tataḥ
saṃgrahavigraheṇa vacaḥ proktvā virarāma
39. Then, Bhima, who was wise, a well-wisher, smeared with excellent sandalwood paste, and adorned with various garlands and ornaments, having spoken his words concisely and analytically, paused.
ततो मुहूर्तादथ धर्मराजो वाक्यानि तेषामनुचिन्त्य सम्यक् ।
उवाच वाचावितथं स्मयन्वै बहुश्रुतो धर्मभृतां वरिष्ठः ॥४०॥
40. tato muhūrtādatha dharmarājo; vākyāni teṣāmanucintya samyak ,
uvāca vācāvitathaṁ smayanvai; bahuśruto dharmabhṛtāṁ variṣṭhaḥ.
40. tataḥ muhūrtāt atha dharmarājaḥ
vākyāni teṣām anucintya samyak
uvāca vācā avitatham smayan vai
bahuśrutaḥ dharmabhṛtām variṣṭhaḥ
40. tataḥ atha muhūrtāt bahuśrutaḥ
dharmabhṛtām variṣṭhaḥ dharmarājaḥ
teṣām vākyāni samyak anucintya
smayan vai avitatham vācā uvāca
40. Then, after a moment, the king of intrinsic nature (dharma), Yudhiṣṭhira, who was learned and the foremost among the upholders of natural law (dharma), having thoroughly reflected upon their words, spoke with unfailing speech, indeed smiling.
निःसंशयं निश्चितधर्मशास्त्राः सर्वे भवन्तो विदितप्रमाणाः ।
विज्ञातुकामस्य ममेह वाक्यमुक्तं यद्वै नैष्ठिकं तच्छ्रुतं मे ।
इह त्ववश्यं गदतो ममापि वाक्यं निबोधध्वमनन्यभावाः ॥४१॥
41. niḥsaṁśayaṁ niścitadharmaśāstrāḥ; sarve bhavanto viditapramāṇāḥ ,
vijñātukāmasya mameha vākya;muktaṁ yadvai naiṣṭhikaṁ tacchrutaṁ me ,
iha tvavaśyaṁ gadato mamāpi; vākyaṁ nibodhadhvamananyabhāvāḥ.
41. niḥsaṃśayam niścitadharmaśāstrāḥ sarve bhavantaḥ
viditapramāṇāḥ vijñātukāmasya mama iha vākyam uktam
yat vai naiṣṭhikam tat śrutam me iha tu avaśyam
gadataḥ mama api vākyam nibodhadhvam ananyabhāvāḥ
41. niḥsaṃśayam sarve bhavantaḥ niścitadharmaśāstrāḥ
viditapramāṇāḥ iha vijñātukāmasya mama yat naiṣṭhikam
vākyam uktam vai tat me śrutam tu iha avaśyam
mama gadataḥ api vākyam ananyabhāvāḥ nibodhadhvam
41. Without a doubt, all of you are well-versed in the scriptures concerning natural law (dharma) and are familiar with the authorities. Whatever conclusive statement has been made here by me, desiring to know, that has been heard by me (i.e., I have understood your arguments). But here, you must also certainly listen to my words with undivided attention as I speak.
यो वै न पापे निरतो न पुण्ये नार्थे न धर्मे मनुजो न कामे ।
विमुक्तदोषः समलोष्टकाञ्चनः स मुच्यते दुःखसुखार्थसिद्धेः ॥४२॥
42. yo vai na pāpe nirato na puṇye; nārthe na dharme manujo na kāme ,
vimuktadoṣaḥ samaloṣṭakāñcanaḥ; sa mucyate duḥkhasukhārthasiddheḥ.
42. yaḥ vai na pāpe nirataḥ na puṇye
na arthe na dharme manuṣaḥ na kāme
vimuktadoṣaḥ samaloṣṭakāñcanaḥ
saḥ mucyate duḥkhasukhārthasiddheḥ
42. yaḥ manuṣaḥ vai pāpe na nirataḥ
puṇye na arthe na dharme na kāme
vimuktadoṣaḥ samaloṣṭakāñcanaḥ
saḥ duḥkhasukhārthasiddheḥ mucyate
42. Indeed, the human being (manuja) who is neither engrossed in sin nor in merit, neither in material pursuits nor in righteousness (dharma) nor in desire, and who is free from faults, viewing a clod of earth and gold as equal, is truly liberated (mokṣa) from the pursuit of sorrow, happiness, and material aims.
भूतानि जातीमरणान्वितानि जराविकारैश्च समन्वितानि ।
भूयश्च तैस्तैः प्रतिबोधितानि मोक्षं प्रशंसन्ति न तं च विद्मः ॥४३॥
43. bhūtāni jātīmaraṇānvitāni; jarāvikāraiśca samanvitāni ,
bhūyaśca taistaiḥ pratibodhitāni; mokṣaṁ praśaṁsanti na taṁ ca vidmaḥ.
43. bhūtāni jātimaraṇānvitāni
jarāvikāraiḥ ca samanvitāni bhūyaḥ ca
taiḥ taiḥ pratibodhitāni mokṣam
praśaṃsanti na tam ca vidmaḥ
43. bhūtāni jātimaraṇānvitāni ca
jarāvikāraiḥ samanvitāni bhūyaḥ ca
taiḥ taiḥ pratibodhitāni mokṣam
praśaṃsanti na ca tam vidmaḥ
43. Living beings are accompanied by birth and death, and they are also endowed with the transformations that come with old age. Furthermore, repeatedly instructed by these very experiences, they praise liberation (mokṣa), but we do not actually understand that (liberation).
स्नेहे नबद्धस्य न सन्ति तानीत्येवं स्वयंभूर्भगवानुवाच ।
बुधाश्च निर्वाणपरा वदन्ति तस्मान्न कुर्यात्प्रियमप्रियं च ॥४४॥
44. snehe nabaddhasya na santi tānī;tyevaṁ svayaṁbhūrbhagavānuvāca ,
budhāśca nirvāṇaparā vadanti; tasmānna kuryātpriyamapriyaṁ ca.
44. snehe nabaddhasya na santi tāni
iti evam svayaṃbhūḥ bhagavān uvāca
budhāḥ ca nirvāṇaparāḥ vadanti
tasmāt na kuryāt priyam apriyam ca
44. snehe nabaddhasya tāni na santi
iti evam svayaṃbhūḥ bhagavān uvāca
budhāḥ ca nirvāṇaparāḥ vadanti
tasmāt priyam apriyam ca na kuryāt
44. For one who is not bound by affection, those (experiences of birth, death, and old age) do not exist. Thus, the self-existent Lord (Bhagavān) spoke. And the wise (budhas), having liberation (nirvāṇa) as their supreme aim, declare this. Therefore, one should not perform actions based on what is pleasing or displeasing.
एतत्प्रधानं न तु कामकारो यथा नियुक्तोऽस्मि तथा चरामि ।
भूतानि सर्वाणि विधिर्नियुङ्क्ते विधिर्बलीयानिति वित्त सर्वे ॥४५॥
45. etatpradhānaṁ na tu kāmakāro; yathā niyukto'smi tathā carāmi ,
bhūtāni sarvāṇi vidhirniyuṅkte; vidhirbalīyāniti vitta sarve.
45. etat pradhānam na tu kāmakāraḥ
yathā niyuktaḥ asmi tathā carāmi
bhūtāni sarvāṇi vidhiḥ niyuṅkte
vidhiḥ balīyān iti vitta sarve
45. etat pradhānam tu kāmakāraḥ na
yathā asmi niyuktaḥ tathā carāmi
vidhiḥ sarvāṇi bhūtāni niyuṅkte
vidhiḥ balīyān iti sarve vitta
45. This (fate or divine will) is paramount, not acting according to one's own desires. "As I am appointed, so I act." Fate (vidhi) appoints all beings. "Fate (vidhi) is more powerful," know this, all of you.
न कर्मणाप्नोत्यनवाप्यमर्थं यद्भावि सर्वं भवतीति वित्त ।
त्रिवर्गहीनोऽपि हि विन्दतेऽर्थं तस्मादिदं लोकहिताय गुह्यम् ॥४६॥
46. na karmaṇāpnotyanavāpyamarthaṁ; yadbhāvi sarvaṁ bhavatīti vitta ,
trivargahīno'pi hi vindate'rthaṁ; tasmādidaṁ lokahitāya guhyam.
46. na karmaṇā āpnoti anavāpyam artham
yat bhāvi sarvam bhavati iti
vitta trivargahīnaḥ api hi vindate
artham tasmāt idam lokahitāya guhyam
46. yat bhāvi sarvam bhavati iti vitta,
anavāpyam artham karmaṇā na āpnoti.
trivargahīnaḥ api hi artham vindate.
tasmāt idam guhyam lokahitāya.
46. An unobtainable goal is not achieved through actions (karma). Understand that whatever is destined to happen, all that indeed comes to pass. Indeed, even one who is devoid of the three aims of human life (dharma, artha, kāma) achieves their purpose. Therefore, this secret is for the welfare of the people.
ततस्तदग्र्यं वचनं मनोनुगं समस्तमाज्ञाय ततोऽतिहेतुमत् ।
तदा प्रणेदुश्च जहर्षिरे च ते कुरुप्रवीराय च चक्रुरञ्जलीन् ॥४७॥
47. tatastadagryaṁ vacanaṁ manonugaṁ; samastamājñāya tato'tihetumat ,
tadā praṇeduśca jaharṣire ca te; kurupravīrāya ca cakrurañjalīn.
47. tataḥ tat agryam vacanam manonugam
samastam ājñāya tataḥ atihetumat
tadā praṇeduḥ ca jaharṣire ca
te kuruprvīrāya ca cakruḥ añjalīn
47. tataḥ tat agryam manonugam samastam atihetumat vacanam ājñāya,
tadā te ca praṇeduḥ ca jaharṣire ca kuruprvīrāya añjalīn cakruḥ.
47. Then, having fully understood that excellent, mind-pleasing, and exceedingly logical statement, they roared and rejoiced. And they offered salutations (añjali) to the foremost hero of the Kurus.
सुचारुवर्णाक्षरशब्दभूषितां मनोनुगां निर्धुतवाक्यकण्टकाम् ।
निशम्य तां पार्थिव पार्थभाषितां गिरं नरेन्द्राः प्रशशंसुरेव ते ।
पुनश्च पप्रच्छ सरिद्वरासुतं ततः परं धर्ममहीनसत्त्वः ॥४८॥
48. sucāruvarṇākṣaraśabdabhūṣitāṁ; manonugāṁ nirdhutavākyakaṇṭakām ,
niśamya tāṁ pārthiva pārthabhāṣitāṁ; giraṁ narendrāḥ praśaśaṁsureva te ,
punaśca papraccha saridvarāsutaṁ; tataḥ paraṁ dharmamahīnasattvaḥ.
48. sucāruvarṇākṣaraśabdabhūṣitām manonugām
nirdhutavākyakaṇṭakām niśamya tām pārthiva pārthabhāṣitām
giram narendrāḥ praśaśaṃsuḥ eva te punaḥ ca papraccha
saridvarāsutam tataḥ param dharmam ahīnasattvaḥ
48. pārthiva,
pārthabhāṣitām sucāruvarṇākṣaraśabdabhūṣitām manonugām nirdhutavākyakaṇṭakām tām giram niśamya,
te narendrāḥ eva praśaśaṃsuḥ.
punaḥ ca ahīnasattvaḥ tataḥ param dharmam saridvarāsutam papraccha.
48. Having heard that speech, O King (Pārthiva), which was spoken by Arjuna (Pārtha), adorned with very beautiful letters, syllables, and words, agreeable to the mind, and free from any flaws in its statements, those kings indeed praised it. And again, Yudhiṣṭhira, the one of great fortitude, asked the son of the foremost river (Bhīṣma) about the supreme natural law (dharma) from that point onward.