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महाभारतः       mahābhārataḥ - book-3, chapter-33

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द्रौपद्युवाच ।
नावमन्ये न गर्हे च धर्मं पार्थ कथंचन ।
ईश्वरं कुत एवाहमवमंस्ये प्रजापतिम् ॥१॥
1. draupadyuvāca ,
nāvamanye na garhe ca dharmaṁ pārtha kathaṁcana ,
īśvaraṁ kuta evāhamavamaṁsye prajāpatim.
1. draupadī uvāca na avamanye na garhe ca dharmam pārtha
kathaṃcana īśvaram kutaḥ eva aham avamaṃsye prajāpatim
1. Draupadi said, 'O Pārtha, I do not despise or blame (dharma) in any way. How then could I despise the Lord (īśvara), the Lord of creatures (Prajāpati)?'
आर्ताहं प्रलपामीदमिति मां विद्धि भारत ।
भूयश्च विलपिष्यामि सुमनास्तन्निबोध मे ॥२॥
2. ārtāhaṁ pralapāmīdamiti māṁ viddhi bhārata ,
bhūyaśca vilapiṣyāmi sumanāstannibodha me.
2. ārtā aham pralapāmi idam iti mām viddhi bhārata
bhūyaḥ ca vilapiṣyāmi sumanāḥ tat nibodha me
2. O Bhārata, know that I am distressed (ārtā) and thus I lament this. Furthermore, I will lament again, even with a clear mind, so understand this from me.
कर्म खल्विह कर्तव्यं जातेनामित्रकर्शन ।
अकर्माणो हि जीवन्ति स्थावरा नेतरे जनाः ॥३॥
3. karma khalviha kartavyaṁ jātenāmitrakarśana ,
akarmāṇo hi jīvanti sthāvarā netare janāḥ.
3. karma khalu iha kartavyaṃ jātena amitrakarśana
akarmāṇaḥ hi jīvanti sthāvarā na itare janāḥ
3. O subduer of enemies, one who is born into this world must certainly perform action (karma). Indeed, only stationary beings live without action; other people do not.
आ मातृस्तनपानाच्च यावच्छय्योपसर्पणम् ।
जङ्गमाः कर्मणा वृत्तिमाप्नुवन्ति युधिष्ठिर ॥४॥
4. ā mātṛstanapānācca yāvacchayyopasarpaṇam ,
jaṅgamāḥ karmaṇā vṛttimāpnuvanti yudhiṣṭhira.
4. ā mātṛstanapānāt ca yāvat śayyopasarpaṇam
jaṅgamāḥ karmaṇā vṛttim āpnuvanti yudhiṣṭhira
4. O Yudhishthira, from the time of drinking their mother's milk until they go to bed, all moving beings obtain their livelihood (vṛtti) through action (karma).
जङ्गमेषु विशेषेण मनुष्या भरतर्षभ ।
इच्छन्ति कर्मणा वृत्तिमवाप्तुं प्रेत्य चेह च ॥५॥
5. jaṅgameṣu viśeṣeṇa manuṣyā bharatarṣabha ,
icchanti karmaṇā vṛttimavāptuṁ pretya ceha ca.
5. jaṅgameṣu viśeṣeṇa manuṣyāḥ bharatarṣabha
icchanti karmaṇā vṛttim avāptum pretya ca iha ca
5. O best of Bharatas, among moving beings, humans especially desire to obtain livelihood (vṛtti) through action (karma), both in this world and in the next.
उत्थानमभिजानन्ति सर्वभूतानि भारत ।
प्रत्यक्षं फलमश्नन्ति कर्मणां लोकसाक्षिकम् ॥६॥
6. utthānamabhijānanti sarvabhūtāni bhārata ,
pratyakṣaṁ phalamaśnanti karmaṇāṁ lokasākṣikam.
6. utthānam abhijānanti sarvabhūtāni bhārata
pratyakṣam phalam aśnanti karmaṇām lokasākṣikam
6. O descendant of Bharata, all beings recognize the value of effort (utthāna). They directly experience the results of their actions (karma), which are witnessed by all people.
पश्यामि स्वं समुत्थानमुपजीवन्ति जन्तवः ।
अपि धाता विधाता च यथायमुदके बकः ॥७॥
7. paśyāmi svaṁ samutthānamupajīvanti jantavaḥ ,
api dhātā vidhātā ca yathāyamudake bakaḥ.
7. paśyāmi svam samutthānam upajīvanti jantavaḥ
api dhātā vidhātā ca yathā ayam udake bakaḥ
7. I observe that all beings sustain themselves through their own exertion. Even the Creator (dhātā) and the Ordainer (vidhātā) [operate similarly], just as this crane [sustains itself] in the water.
स्वकर्म कुरु मा ग्लासीः कर्मणा भव दंशितः ।
कृत्यं हि योऽभिजानाति सहस्रे नास्ति सोऽस्ति वा ॥८॥
8. svakarma kuru mā glāsīḥ karmaṇā bhava daṁśitaḥ ,
kṛtyaṁ hi yo'bhijānāti sahasre nāsti so'sti vā.
8. svakarma kuru mā glāsīḥ karmaṇā bhava daṃśitaḥ
kṛtyam hi yaḥ abhijānāti sahasre na asti saḥ asti vā
8. Perform your own duty (karma); do not grow weary. Be resolute through action (karma). Indeed, one who truly understands what is to be done is exceedingly rare among thousands, perhaps one, or perhaps none at all.
तस्य चापि भवेत्कार्यं विवृद्धौ रक्षणे तथा ।
भक्ष्यमाणो ह्यनावापः क्षीयते हिमवानपि ॥९॥
9. tasya cāpi bhavetkāryaṁ vivṛddhau rakṣaṇe tathā ,
bhakṣyamāṇo hyanāvāpaḥ kṣīyate himavānapi.
9. tasya ca api bhavet kāryam vivṛddhau rakṣaṇe
tathā bhakṣyamāṇaḥ hi anāvāpaḥ kṣīyate himavān api
9. Therefore, his task should also be directed towards growth and protection. Indeed, that which is being consumed without any replenishment wastes away, just as even the Himalayas would diminish.
उत्सीदेरन्प्रजाः सर्वा न कुर्युः कर्म चेद्यदि ।
अपि चाप्यफलं कर्म पश्यामः कुर्वतो जनान् ।
नान्यथा ह्यभिजानन्ति वृत्तिं लोके कथंचन ॥१०॥
10. utsīderanprajāḥ sarvā na kuryuḥ karma cedyadi ,
api cāpyaphalaṁ karma paśyāmaḥ kurvato janān ,
nānyathā hyabhijānanti vṛttiṁ loke kathaṁcana.
10. utsīderan prajāḥ sarvāḥ na kuryuḥ
karma cet yadi api ca api aphalam karma
paśyāmaḥ kurvataḥ janān na anyathā
hi abhijānanti vṛttim loke kathaṃcana
10. All beings would certainly perish if they did not perform actions (karma). Moreover, we observe people undertaking actions (karma) even when they are fruitless, for they do not know any other means of livelihood in this world at all.
यश्च दिष्टपरो लोके यश्चायं हठवादकः ।
उभावपसदावेतौ कर्मबुद्धिः प्रशस्यते ॥११॥
11. yaśca diṣṭaparo loke yaścāyaṁ haṭhavādakaḥ ,
ubhāvapasadāvetau karmabuddhiḥ praśasyate.
11. yaḥ ca diṣṭaparaḥ loke yaḥ ca ayam haṭhavādakaḥ
ubhau apasadau etau karmabuddhiḥ praśasyate
11. Both the person in this world who relies solely on destiny and the one who advocates for arbitrary force are considered inferior. An intelligence focused on appropriate action (karma-buddhi) is highly praised.
यो हि दिष्टमुपासीनो निर्विचेष्टः सुखं स्वपेत् ।
अवसीदेत्सुदुर्बुद्धिरामो घट इवाम्भसि ॥१२॥
12. yo hi diṣṭamupāsīno nirviceṣṭaḥ sukhaṁ svapet ,
avasīdetsudurbuddhirāmo ghaṭa ivāmbhasi.
12. yaḥ hi diṣṭam upāsīnaḥ nirviceṣṭaḥ sukham svapet
avasīdet sudurbuddhiḥ āmaḥ ghaṭaḥ iva ambhasi
12. Indeed, a person of very dull intellect who, relying solely on destiny, would remain inactive and sleep peacefully, would surely perish, just like an unbaked pot disintegrates in water.
तथैव हठबुद्धिर्यः शक्तः कर्मण्यकर्मकृत् ।
आसीत न चिरं जीवेदनाथ इव दुर्बलः ॥१३॥
13. tathaiva haṭhabuddhiryaḥ śaktaḥ karmaṇyakarmakṛt ,
āsīta na ciraṁ jīvedanātha iva durbalaḥ.
13. tathā eva haṭhabuddhiḥ yaḥ śaktaḥ karmaṇi
akarmakṛt āsīta na ciram jīvet anāthaḥ iva durbalaḥ
13. Similarly, a person of stubborn intellect who, though capable of action (karma), remains inactive, would not live long, much like a helpless and weak individual.
अकस्मादपि यः कश्चिदर्थं प्राप्नोति पूरुषः ।
तं हठेनेति मन्यन्ते स हि यत्नो न कस्यचित् ॥१४॥
14. akasmādapi yaḥ kaścidarthaṁ prāpnoti pūruṣaḥ ,
taṁ haṭheneti manyante sa hi yatno na kasyacit.
14. akasmāt api yaḥ kaścit artham prāpnoti pūruṣaḥ
tam haṭhena iti manyante saḥ hi yatnaḥ na kasyacit
14. If a person attains a goal unexpectedly, people consider it to be by arbitrary force, because such an outcome is not seen as the result of anyone's specific effort.
यच्चापि किंचित्पुरुषो दिष्टं नाम लभत्युत ।
दैवेन विधिना पार्थ तद्दैवमिति निश्चितम् ॥१५॥
15. yaccāpi kiṁcitpuruṣo diṣṭaṁ nāma labhatyuta ,
daivena vidhinā pārtha taddaivamiti niścitam.
15. yat ca api kiṃcit puruṣaḥ diṣṭam nāma labhati uta
daivena vidhinā pārtha tat daivam iti niścitam
15. O Pārtha, whatever a person obtains by a divine decree, which is indeed known as destiny (diṣṭam), that is certainly considered fate (daivam).
यत्स्वयं कर्मणा किंचित्फलमाप्नोति पूरुषः ।
प्रत्यक्षं चक्षुषा दृष्टं तत्पौरुषमिति स्मृतम् ॥१६॥
16. yatsvayaṁ karmaṇā kiṁcitphalamāpnoti pūruṣaḥ ,
pratyakṣaṁ cakṣuṣā dṛṣṭaṁ tatpauruṣamiti smṛtam.
16. yat svayam karmaṇā kiṃcit phalam āpnoti pūruṣaḥ
pratyakṣam cakṣuṣā dṛṣṭam tat pauruṣam iti smṛtam
16. Whatever result (phalam) a person (puruṣa) obtains by their own action (karma), which is directly seen with the eye, that is considered human effort (pauruṣa).
स्वभावतः प्रवृत्तोऽन्यः प्राप्नोत्यर्थानकारणात् ।
तत्स्वभावात्मकं विद्धि फलं पुरुषसत्तम ॥१७॥
17. svabhāvataḥ pravṛtto'nyaḥ prāpnotyarthānakāraṇāt ,
tatsvabhāvātmakaṁ viddhi phalaṁ puruṣasattama.
17. svabhāvataḥ pravṛttaḥ anyaḥ prāpnoti arthān akāraṇāt
tat svabhāvātmakam viddhi phalam puruṣasattama
17. O excellent person (puruṣasattama), know that another obtains things without an apparent cause, being impelled by their intrinsic nature (svabhāva); that result is to be understood as arising from one's intrinsic nature (svabhāva).
एवं हठाच्च दैवाच्च स्वभावात्कर्मणस्तथा ।
यानि प्राप्नोति पुरुषस्तत्फलं पूर्वकर्मणः ॥१८॥
18. evaṁ haṭhācca daivācca svabhāvātkarmaṇastathā ,
yāni prāpnoti puruṣastatphalaṁ pūrvakarmaṇaḥ.
18. evam haṭhāt ca daivāt ca svabhāvāt karmaṇaḥ tathā
yāni prāpnoti puruṣaḥ tat phalam pūrvakarmaṇaḥ
18. In this way, whatever a person (puruṣa) obtains by chance, and by fate (daiva), and by intrinsic nature (svabhāva), and also by their own actions (karma) – that result is indeed from their past actions (karma).
धातापि हि स्वकर्मैव तैस्तैर्हेतुभिरीश्वरः ।
विदधाति विभज्येह फलं पूर्वकृतं नृणाम् ॥१९॥
19. dhātāpi hi svakarmaiva taistairhetubhirīśvaraḥ ,
vidadhāti vibhajyeha phalaṁ pūrvakṛtaṁ nṛṇām.
19. dhātā api hi svakarma eva taiḥ taiḥ hetubhiḥ īśvaraḥ
vidadhāti vibhajya iha phalam pūrvakṛtam nṛṇām
19. Indeed, even the Ordainer (Dhātā), the supreme Lord (īśvaraḥ), distributes here in this world the results of actions (karma) previously performed by human beings. He apportions these outcomes, based on various causes, as part of his own function (karma).
यद्ध्ययं पुरुषः किंचित्कुरुते वै शुभाशुभम् ।
तद्धातृविहितं विद्धि पूर्वकर्मफलोदयम् ॥२०॥
20. yaddhyayaṁ puruṣaḥ kiṁcitkurute vai śubhāśubham ,
taddhātṛvihitaṁ viddhi pūrvakarmaphalodayam.
20. yat hi ayam puruṣaḥ kiñcit kurute vai śubhāśubham
tat dhātṛvihitam viddhi pūrvakarmaphalodayam
20. Whatever good or bad action (karma) this individual (puruṣa) performs, know that it is indeed ordained by the Ordainer (Dhātā) and represents the arising of the fruit of past actions (karma).
कारणं तस्य देहोऽयं धातुः कर्मणि कर्मणि ।
स यथा प्रेरयत्येनं तथायं कुरुतेऽवशः ॥२१॥
21. kāraṇaṁ tasya deho'yaṁ dhātuḥ karmaṇi karmaṇi ,
sa yathā prerayatyenaṁ tathāyaṁ kurute'vaśaḥ.
21. kāraṇam tasya dehaḥ ayam dhātuḥ karmaṇi karmaṇi
saḥ yathā prerayati enam tathā ayam kurute avaśaḥ
21. This body serves as the instrument for the individual. The Ordainer (Dhātā) is active in every action (karma). As He impels this (individual through the body), so this one acts, being powerless (avaśaḥ).
तेषु तेषु हि कृत्येषु विनियोक्ता महेश्वरः ।
सर्वभूतानि कौन्तेय कारयत्यवशान्यपि ॥२२॥
22. teṣu teṣu hi kṛtyeṣu viniyoktā maheśvaraḥ ,
sarvabhūtāni kaunteya kārayatyavaśānyapi.
22. teṣu teṣu hi kṛtyeṣu viniyoktā maheśvaraḥ
sarvabhūtāni kaunteya kārayati avaśāni api
22. Indeed, in all those various actions, the Great Lord (Maheśvara) is the director. O son of Kuntī, He causes all beings to act, even those that are powerless (avaśa).
मनसार्थान्विनिश्चित्य पश्चात्प्राप्नोति कर्मणा ।
बुद्धिपूर्वं स्वयं धीरः पुरुषस्तत्र कारणम् ॥२३॥
23. manasārthānviniścitya paścātprāpnoti karmaṇā ,
buddhipūrvaṁ svayaṁ dhīraḥ puruṣastatra kāraṇam.
23. manasā arthān viniścitya paścāt prāpnoti karmaṇā
buddhipūrvaṃ svayaṃ dhīraḥ puruṣaḥ tatra kāraṇam
23. A resolute person (puruṣa), having first mentally determined their goals with forethought, subsequently achieves them through action (karma). That person is the underlying cause in such endeavors.
संख्यातुं नैव शक्यानि कर्माणि पुरुषर्षभ ।
अगारनगराणां हि सिद्धिः पुरुषहैतुकी ॥२४॥
24. saṁkhyātuṁ naiva śakyāni karmāṇi puruṣarṣabha ,
agāranagarāṇāṁ hi siddhiḥ puruṣahaitukī.
24. saṃkhyātuṃ na eva śakyāni karmāṇi puruṣarṣabha
agāranagarāṇāṃ hi siddhiḥ puruṣahaitukī
24. O best among men (puruṣa)! Actions (karma) are indeed impossible to count. For the success (siddhi) of houses and cities is certainly due to human effort (puruṣa).
तिले तैलं गवि क्षीरं काष्ठे पावकमन्ततः ।
धिया धीरो विजानीयादुपायं चास्य सिद्धये ॥२५॥
25. tile tailaṁ gavi kṣīraṁ kāṣṭhe pāvakamantataḥ ,
dhiyā dhīro vijānīyādupāyaṁ cāsya siddhaye.
25. tile tailaṃ gavi kṣīraṃ kāṣṭhe pāvakam antataḥ
dhiyā dhīraḥ vijānīyāt upāyaṃ ca asya siddhaye
25. Just as oil is found in a sesame seed, milk in a cow, and fire ultimately within wood, so too should a resolute person, through his intelligence, discern the proper means for its (or his) accomplishment (siddhi).
ततः प्रवर्तते पश्चात्करणेष्वस्य सिद्धये ।
तां सिद्धिमुपजीवन्ति कर्मणामिह जन्तवः ॥२६॥
26. tataḥ pravartate paścātkaraṇeṣvasya siddhaye ,
tāṁ siddhimupajīvanti karmaṇāmiha jantavaḥ.
26. tataḥ pravartate paścāt karaṇeṣu asya siddhaye
tāṃ siddhim upajīvanti karmaṇām iha jantavaḥ
26. Subsequently, from that (discernment), one engages in the means for achieving accomplishment (siddhi). Here in this world, living beings (jantu) depend upon that accomplishment (siddhi) resulting from actions (karma).
कुशलेन कृतं कर्म कर्त्रा साधु विनिश्चितम् ।
इदं त्वकुशलेनेति विशेषादुपलभ्यते ॥२७॥
27. kuśalena kṛtaṁ karma kartrā sādhu viniścitam ,
idaṁ tvakuśaleneti viśeṣādupalabhyate.
27. kuśalena kṛtam karma kartrā sādhu viniścitam
idam tu akuśalena iti viśeṣāt upalabhyate
27. An action (karma) performed by a skilled person is well and definitively accomplished by the doer. However, it is specifically observed that this (same kind of action) is done by an unskilled person (and thus is flawed).
इष्टापूर्तफलं न स्यान्न शिष्यो न गुरुर्भवेत् ।
पुरुषः कर्मसाध्येषु स्याच्चेदयमकारणम् ॥२८॥
28. iṣṭāpūrtaphalaṁ na syānna śiṣyo na gururbhavet ,
puruṣaḥ karmasādhyeṣu syāccedayamakāraṇam.
28. iṣṭāpūrtaphalam na syāt na śiṣyaḥ na guruḥ bhavet
puruṣaḥ karmasādhyeṣu syāt cet ayam akāraṇam
28. The fruits of sacrifices and charitable deeds would not exist; there would be neither a disciple nor a preceptor (guru), if this individual (puruṣa) were considered to be without agency in matters that are accomplished through action (karma).
कर्तृत्वादेव पुरुषः कर्मसिद्धौ प्रशस्यते ।
असिद्धौ निन्द्यते चापि कर्मनाशः कथं त्विह ॥२९॥
29. kartṛtvādeva puruṣaḥ karmasiddhau praśasyate ,
asiddhau nindyate cāpi karmanāśaḥ kathaṁ tviha.
29. kartṛtvāt eva puruṣaḥ karmasiddhau praśasyate
asiddhau nindyate ca api karmanāśaḥ katham tu iha
29. It is solely because of his agency (kartṛtva) that a person (puruṣa) is praised upon the accomplishment of an action (karma). And if there is non-accomplishment, he is blamed. How, then, can there be a destruction of the action (karma) itself in this context?
सर्वमेव हठेनैके दिष्टेनैके वदन्त्युत ।
पुरुषप्रयत्नजं केचित्त्रैधमेतन्निरुच्यते ॥३०॥
30. sarvameva haṭhenaike diṣṭenaike vadantyuta ,
puruṣaprayatnajaṁ kecittraidhametannirucyate.
30. sarvam eva haṭhena eke diṣṭena eke vadanti uta
puruṣaprayatnajam kecit traidham etat nirucyate
30. Some people, indeed, declare that everything is achieved by force, while others attribute it to destiny. Still others state that it is born of human effort (puruṣa-prayatna). Thus, this (phenomenon of causality) is explained as threefold.
न चैवैतावता कार्यं मन्यन्त इति चापरे ।
अस्ति सर्वमदृश्यं तु दिष्टं चैव तथा हठः ।
दृश्यते हि हठाच्चैव दिष्टाच्चार्थस्य संततिः ॥३१॥
31. na caivaitāvatā kāryaṁ manyanta iti cāpare ,
asti sarvamadṛśyaṁ tu diṣṭaṁ caiva tathā haṭhaḥ ,
dṛśyate hi haṭhāccaiva diṣṭāccārthasya saṁtatiḥ.
31. na ca eva etāvatā kāryam manyante iti
ca apare asti sarvam adṛśyam tu diṣṭam
ca eva tathā haṭhaḥ dṛśyate hi haṭhāt
ca eva diṣṭāt ca arthasya saṃtatiḥ
31. And others do not consider the outcome to be brought about by these factors alone. Indeed, there also exist unseen elements such as destiny (diṣṭa) and self-exertion. For it is certainly observed that the succession of results stems from both self-exertion and destiny (diṣṭa).
किंचिद्दैवाद्धठात्किंचित्किंचिदेव स्वकर्मतः ।
पुरुषः फलमाप्नोति चतुर्थं नात्र कारणम् ।
कुशलाः प्रतिजानन्ति ये तत्त्वविदुषो जनाः ॥३२॥
32. kiṁciddaivāddhaṭhātkiṁcitkiṁcideva svakarmataḥ ,
puruṣaḥ phalamāpnoti caturthaṁ nātra kāraṇam ,
kuśalāḥ pratijānanti ye tattvaviduṣo janāḥ.
32. kiṃcit daivāt haṭhāt kiṃcit kiṃcit
eva svakarman tas puruṣaḥ phalam āpnoti
caturtham na atra kāraṇam kuśalāḥ
pratijānanti ye tattvaviduṣaḥ janāḥ
32. A person (puruṣa) attains results partly due to destiny, partly due to strenuous effort, and partly due to their own past actions (karma). There is no fourth cause for this. This is declared by discerning people, those who are knowers of truth (tattva).
तथैव धाता भूतानामिष्टानिष्टफलप्रदः ।
यदि न स्यान्न भूतानां कृपणो नाम कश्चन ॥३३॥
33. tathaiva dhātā bhūtānāmiṣṭāniṣṭaphalapradaḥ ,
yadi na syānna bhūtānāṁ kṛpaṇo nāma kaścana.
33. tathā eva dhātā bhūtānām iṣṭāniṣṭaphalapradaḥ
yadi na syāt na bhūtānām kṛpaṇaḥ nāma kaścana
33. Similarly, the Ordainer (Dhātā) is indeed the dispenser of both desired and undesired results for all beings. If that were not the case, then no being would ever be miserable.
यं यमर्थमभिप्रेप्सुः कुरुते कर्म पूरुषः ।
तत्तत्सफलमेव स्याद्यदि न स्यात्पुराकृतम् ॥३४॥
34. yaṁ yamarthamabhiprepsuḥ kurute karma pūruṣaḥ ,
tattatsaphalameva syādyadi na syātpurākṛtam.
34. yam yam artham abhiprepsuḥ kurute karma pūruṣaḥ
tat tat saphalam eva syāt yadi na syāt purākṛtam
34. Whatever objective a person (puruṣa) desires to obtain, they perform the appropriate action (karma) for it. Each of those endeavors would certainly be successful, if there were no obstructing past actions (karma).
त्रिद्वारामर्थसिद्धिं तु नानुपश्यन्ति ये नराः ।
तथैवानर्थसिद्धिं च यथा लोकास्तथैव ते ॥३५॥
35. tridvārāmarthasiddhiṁ tu nānupaśyanti ye narāḥ ,
tathaivānarthasiddhiṁ ca yathā lokāstathaiva te.
35. tri-dvārām artha-siddhiṃ tu na anupaśyanti ye narāḥ |
tathā eva anartha-siddhiṃ ca yathā lokāḥ tathā eva te
35. However, those individuals who do not perceive the threefold path to achieving their purpose (artha-siddhi) similarly fail to perceive the path to misfortune. Just as ordinary people are, so too do they remain.
कर्तव्यं त्वेव कर्मेति मनोरेष विनिश्चयः ।
एकान्तेन ह्यनीहोऽयं पराभवति पूरुषः ॥३६॥
36. kartavyaṁ tveva karmeti manoreṣa viniścayaḥ ,
ekāntena hyanīho'yaṁ parābhavati pūruṣaḥ.
36. kartavyaṃ tu eva karma iti manoḥ eṣa viniścayaḥ
| ekāntena hi anīhaḥ ayam parābhavati pūruṣaḥ
36. Action (karma) must certainly be performed - this is Manu's firm conclusion. Indeed, a person (puruṣa) who is entirely inactive is defeated.
कुर्वतो हि भवत्येव प्रायेणेह युधिष्ठिर ।
एकान्तफलसिद्धिं तु न विन्दत्यलसः क्वचित् ॥३७॥
37. kurvato hi bhavatyeva prāyeṇeha yudhiṣṭhira ,
ekāntaphalasiddhiṁ tu na vindatyalasaḥ kvacit.
37. kurvataḥ hi bhavati eva prāyeṇa iha yudhiṣṭhira |
ekānta-phala-siddhiṃ tu na vindati alasaḥ kvacit
37. Indeed, for one who acts, things generally do happen in this world, O Yudhiṣṭhira. However, a lazy person never attains complete success.
असंभवे त्वस्य हेतुः प्रायश्चित्तं तु लक्ष्यते ।
कृते कर्मणि राजेन्द्र तथानृण्यमवाप्यते ॥३८॥
38. asaṁbhave tvasya hetuḥ prāyaścittaṁ tu lakṣyate ,
kṛte karmaṇi rājendra tathānṛṇyamavāpyate.
38. asaṃbhave tu asya hetuḥ prāyaścittaṃ tu lakṣyate
| kṛte karmaṇi rājendra tathā anṛṇyam avāpyate
38. However, in the event of its non-accomplishment, atonement (prāyaścitta) is indeed regarded as the remedy. And when an action (karma) is performed, O best of kings, freedom from debt (anṛṇya) is likewise attained.
अलक्ष्मीराविशत्येनं शयानमलसं नरम् ।
निःसंशयं फलं लब्ध्वा दक्षो भूतिमुपाश्नुते ॥३९॥
39. alakṣmīrāviśatyenaṁ śayānamalasaṁ naram ,
niḥsaṁśayaṁ phalaṁ labdhvā dakṣo bhūtimupāśnute.
39. alakṣmīḥ āviśati enam śayānam alasam naram
niḥsaṃśayam phalam labdhvā dakṣaḥ bhūtim upāśnute
39. Misfortune (alakṣmī) descends upon a person who is sleeping and lazy. In contrast, a diligent person, having undoubtedly achieved the desired outcome, attains prosperity.
अनर्थं संशयावस्थं वृण्वते मुक्तसंशयाः ।
धीरा नराः कर्मरता न तु निःसंशयं क्वचित् ॥४०॥
40. anarthaṁ saṁśayāvasthaṁ vṛṇvate muktasaṁśayāḥ ,
dhīrā narāḥ karmaratā na tu niḥsaṁśayaṁ kvacit.
40. anartham saṃśayāvastham vṛṇvate muktasaṃśayāḥ
dhīrāḥ narāḥ karmaratāḥ na tu niḥsaṃśayam kvacit
40. Wise and resolute individuals, who are committed to action (karma) and free from doubt, choose to undertake tasks that may appear disadvantageous or uncertain to others. Yet, they never truly choose anything that is unquestionably without benefit.
एकान्तेन ह्यनर्थोऽयं वर्ततेऽस्मासु सांप्रतम् ।
न तु निःसंशयं न स्यात्त्वयि कर्मण्यवस्थिते ॥४१॥
41. ekāntena hyanartho'yaṁ vartate'smāsu sāṁpratam ,
na tu niḥsaṁśayaṁ na syāttvayi karmaṇyavasthite.
41. ekāntena hi anarthaḥ ayam vartate asmāsu sāmpratam
na tu niḥsaṃśayam na syāt tvayi karmaṇi avasthite
41. Indeed, this misfortune (anartha) certainly afflicts us now. But, if you were firmly established in your action (karma), it certainly would not exist.
अथ वा सिद्धिरेव स्यान्महिमा तु तथैव ते ।
वृकोदरस्य बीभत्सोर्भ्रात्रोश्च यमयोरपि ॥४२॥
42. atha vā siddhireva syānmahimā tu tathaiva te ,
vṛkodarasya bībhatsorbhrātrośca yamayorapi.
42. atha vā siddhiḥ eva syāt mahimā tu tathā eva te
vṛkodarasya bībhatsoḥ bhrātroḥ ca yamayoḥ api
42. Alternatively, success (siddhi) would certainly be achieved, and likewise, it would be your glory (mahimā), as well as that of Vṛkodara (Bhīma), Bībhatsu (Arjuna), and the twin brothers (Nakula and Sahadeva).
अन्येषां कर्म सफलमस्माकमपि वा पुनः ।
विप्रकर्षेण बुध्येत कृतकर्मा यथा फलम् ॥४३॥
43. anyeṣāṁ karma saphalamasmākamapi vā punaḥ ,
viprakarṣeṇa budhyeta kṛtakarmā yathā phalam.
43. anyeṣām karma saphalam asmākam api vā punaḥ
viprakarṣeṇa budhyeta kṛtakarmā yathā phalam
43. The actions (karma) of others bear fruit, and similarly, our own actions (karma) may also. One should understand, by observing over time, how a person who has performed an action (karma) eventually reaps its results.
पृथिवीं लाङ्गलेनैव भित्त्वा बीजं वपत्युत ।
आस्तेऽथ कर्षकस्तूष्णीं पर्जन्यस्तत्र कारणम् ॥४४॥
44. pṛthivīṁ lāṅgalenaiva bhittvā bījaṁ vapatyuta ,
āste'tha karṣakastūṣṇīṁ parjanyastatra kāraṇam.
44. pṛthivīm lāṅgalena eva bhittvā bījam vapati uta |
āste atha karṣakaḥ tūṣṇīm parjanyaḥ tatra kāraṇam
44. A farmer first breaks the earth with a plough and sows the seed. Then, he sits silently, for the rain (parjanya) is the ultimate cause there.
वृष्टिश्चेन्नानुगृह्णीयादनेनास्तत्र कर्षकः ।
यदन्यः पुरुषः कुर्यात्कृतं तत्सकलं मया ॥४५॥
45. vṛṣṭiścennānugṛhṇīyādanenāstatra karṣakaḥ ,
yadanyaḥ puruṣaḥ kuryātkṛtaṁ tatsakalaṁ mayā.
45. vṛṣṭiḥ cet na anugṛhṇīyāt anena astaḥ tatra karṣakaḥ
| yat anyaḥ puruṣaḥ kuryāt kṛtam tat sakalam mayā
45. If the rain does not favor him, then by this (lack of rain) the farmer is ruined there. All that another person might do, all of that has been done by me.
तच्चेदफलमस्माकं नापराधोऽस्ति नः क्वचित् ।
इति धीरोऽन्ववेक्ष्यैव नात्मानं तत्र गर्हयेत् ॥४६॥
46. taccedaphalamasmākaṁ nāparādho'sti naḥ kvacit ,
iti dhīro'nvavekṣyaiva nātmānaṁ tatra garhayet.
46. tat cet aphalam asmākam na aparādhaḥ asti naḥ kvacit
| iti dhīraḥ anvavekṣya eva na ātmānam tatra garhayet
46. If that (action) is unfruitful for us, then there is no fault of ours anywhere. Thus, a wise person, having carefully considered this, should not blame their own self (ātman) in that situation.
कुर्वतो नार्थसिद्धिर्मे भवतीति ह भारत ।
निर्वेदो नात्र गन्तव्यो द्वावेतौ ह्यस्य कर्मणः ।
सिद्धिर्वाप्यथ वासिद्धिरप्रवृत्तिरतोऽन्यथा ॥४७॥
47. kurvato nārthasiddhirme bhavatīti ha bhārata ,
nirvedo nātra gantavyo dvāvetau hyasya karmaṇaḥ ,
siddhirvāpyatha vāsiddhirapravṛttirato'nyathā.
47. kurvataḥ na artha-siddhiḥ me bhavati iti
ha bhārata | nirvedaḥ na atra gantavyaḥ
dvau etau hi asya karmaṇaḥ | siddhiḥ vā api
atha vā asiddhiḥ apravṛttiḥ ataḥ anyathā
47. O Bhārata, if I do not achieve success (artha-siddhi) when performing an action (karma), one should not fall into despair concerning it. Indeed, for any action (karma), these two - success or failure - are the outcomes, or, alternatively, the non-initiation of the action.
बहूनां समवाये हि भावानां कर्म सिध्यति ।
गुणाभावे फलं न्यूनं भवत्यफलमेव वा ।
अनारम्भे तु न फलं न गुणो दृश्यतेऽच्युत ॥४८॥
48. bahūnāṁ samavāye hi bhāvānāṁ karma sidhyati ,
guṇābhāve phalaṁ nyūnaṁ bhavatyaphalameva vā ,
anārambhe tu na phalaṁ na guṇo dṛśyate'cyuta.
48. bahūnām samavāye hi bhāvānām karma
sidhyati | guṇa-abhāve phalam nyūnam
bhavati a-phalam eva vā | anārambhe
tu na phalam na guṇaḥ dṛśyate acyuta
48. Indeed, an action (karma) succeeds when many factors (bhāva) come together. In the absence of favorable qualities (guṇa), the result (phala) is diminished, or it becomes no result at all. But, O Acyuta, when there is no undertaking, neither a result (phala) nor a merit (guṇa) is seen.
देशकालावुपायांश्च मङ्गलं स्वस्ति वृद्धये ।
युनक्ति मेधया धीरो यथाशक्ति यथाबलम् ॥४९॥
49. deśakālāvupāyāṁśca maṅgalaṁ svasti vṛddhaye ,
yunakti medhayā dhīro yathāśakti yathābalam.
49. deśa-kālau upāyān ca maṅgalam svasti vṛddhaye |
yunakti medhayā dhīraḥ yathā-śakti yathā-balam
49. A wise person (dhīra), with intelligence (medhā), properly aligns place (deśa), time (kāla), means (upāya), auspiciousness (maṅgala), and well-being (svasti) for prosperity (vṛddhi), according to their capacity (śakti) and strength (bala).
अप्रमत्तेन तत्कार्यमुपदेष्टा पराक्रमः ।
भूयिष्ठं कर्मयोगेषु सर्व एव पराक्रमः ॥५०॥
50. apramattena tatkāryamupadeṣṭā parākramaḥ ,
bhūyiṣṭhaṁ karmayogeṣu sarva eva parākramaḥ.
50. a-pramattena tat kāryam upadeṣṭā parākramaḥ |
bhūyiṣṭham karma-yogeṣu sarvaḥ eva parākramaḥ
50. That work (kārya) must be done by a diligent person. Effort (parākrama) is the instructor. Predominantly, in paths of action (karma-yoga), everything indeed is effort (parākrama).
यं तु धीरोऽन्ववेक्षेत श्रेयांसं बहुभिर्गुणैः ।
साम्नैवार्थं ततो लिप्सेत्कर्म चास्मै प्रयोजयेत् ॥५१॥
51. yaṁ tu dhīro'nvavekṣeta śreyāṁsaṁ bahubhirguṇaiḥ ,
sāmnaivārthaṁ tato lipsetkarma cāsmai prayojayet.
51. yam tu dhīraḥ anvavekṣeta śreyāṃsaṃ bahubhiḥ guṇaiḥ
sāmnā eva arthaṃ tataḥ lipset karma ca asmai prayojayet
51. If a discerning person perceives someone as superior due to many good qualities, he should then endeavor to achieve his purpose (artha) through conciliation alone and should employ that person in suitable actions (karma).
व्यसनं वास्य काङ्क्षेत विनाशं वा युधिष्ठिर ।
अपि सिन्धोर्गिरेर्वापि किं पुनर्मर्त्यधर्मिणः ॥५२॥
52. vyasanaṁ vāsya kāṅkṣeta vināśaṁ vā yudhiṣṭhira ,
api sindhorgirervāpi kiṁ punarmartyadharmiṇaḥ.
52. vyasanaṃ vā asya kāṅkṣeta vināśaṃ vā yudhiṣṭhira
api sindhoḥ gireḥ vā api kiṃ punaḥ martyadharmiṇaḥ
52. Or one should desire his misfortune or destruction, O Yudhishthira. Even an ocean or a mountain can be overcome, how much more so a mortal being, whose intrinsic nature (dharma) is to be perishable?
उत्थानयुक्तः सततं परेषामन्तरैषणे ।
आनृण्यमाप्नोति नरः परस्यात्मन एव च ॥५३॥
53. utthānayuktaḥ satataṁ pareṣāmantaraiṣaṇe ,
ānṛṇyamāpnoti naraḥ parasyātmana eva ca.
53. utthānayuktaḥ satataṃ pareṣām antareṣaṇe
ānṛṇyaṃ āpnoti naraḥ parasya ātmanaḥ eva ca
53. A person who is constantly active and diligent in detecting the weaknesses of others attains freedom from obligations (or dangers) towards his adversary and also towards his own self (ātman).
न चैवात्मावमन्तव्यः पुरुषेण कदाचन ।
न ह्यात्मपरिभूतस्य भूतिर्भवति भारत ॥५४॥
54. na caivātmāvamantavyaḥ puruṣeṇa kadācana ,
na hyātmaparibhūtasya bhūtirbhavati bhārata.
54. na ca eva ātmā avamantavyaḥ puruṣeṇa kadācana
na hi ātmaparibhūtasya bhūtiḥ bhavati bhārata
54. A person (puruṣa) should certainly never despise his own self (ātman), O Bharata, because prosperity does not come to one who has humiliated his own self (ātman).
एवं संस्थितिका सिद्धिरियं लोकस्य भारत ।
चित्रा सिद्धिगतिः प्रोक्ता कालावस्थाविभागतः ॥५५॥
55. evaṁ saṁsthitikā siddhiriyaṁ lokasya bhārata ,
citrā siddhigatiḥ proktā kālāvasthāvibhāgataḥ.
55. evaṃ saṃsthitikā siddhiḥ iyaṃ lokasya bhārata
citrā siddhigatiḥ proktā kālāvasthāvibhāgataḥ
55. Thus, O Bhārata, this accomplishment, which pertains to the natural law (dharma) of the world, is declared to have diverse paths to perfection, arising from the distinctions of time and state.
ब्राह्मणं मे पिता पूर्वं वासयामास पण्डितम् ।
सोऽस्मा अर्थमिमं प्राह पित्रे मे भरतर्षभ ॥५६॥
56. brāhmaṇaṁ me pitā pūrvaṁ vāsayāmāsa paṇḍitam ,
so'smā arthamimaṁ prāha pitre me bharatarṣabha.
56. brāhmaṇaṃ me pitā pūrvaṃ vāsayāmāsa paṇḍitam saḥ
asmai arthaṃ imaṃ prāha pitre me bharatarṣabha
56. My father formerly caused a learned Brahmin to reside (with us). That Brahmin then explained this meaning to my father, O best among the Bhāratas.
नीतिं बृहस्पतिप्रोक्तां भ्रातॄन्मेऽग्राहयत्पुरा ।
तेषां सांकथ्यमश्रौषमहमेतत्तदा गृहे ॥५७॥
57. nītiṁ bṛhaspatiproktāṁ bhrātṝnme'grāhayatpurā ,
teṣāṁ sāṁkathyamaśrauṣamahametattadā gṛhe.
57. nītiṃ bṛhaspatiproktāṃ bhrātṝn me agrāhayat purā
teṣāṃ sāṃkathyam aśrauṣam ahaṃ etat tadā gṛhe
57. Formerly, he (the Brahmin) taught my brothers the principles of proper conduct (nīti) as proclaimed by Bṛhaspati. I then heard their discussion (sāṃkathya) on this (subject) in the house.
स मां राजन्कर्मवतीमागतामाह सान्त्वयन् ।
शुश्रूषमाणामासीनां पितुरङ्के युधिष्ठिर ॥५८॥
58. sa māṁ rājankarmavatīmāgatāmāha sāntvayan ,
śuśrūṣamāṇāmāsīnāṁ pituraṅke yudhiṣṭhira.
58. saḥ māṃ rājan karmavatīm āgatām āha sāntvayan
śuśrūṣamāṇām āsīnām pituḥ aṅke yudhiṣṭhira
58. O King Yudhiṣṭhira, he (the Brahmin), while consoling me, spoke to me when I had come, engaged in my duties (karma), and was seated on my father's lap, desirous of serving him.