Anushasanika Parva — The disposition of women

Yudhishthira said Overcome by the illusion of the divine Being, all men, O king in this world, are seen to attach themselves to women.

Likewise, women, too, are seen to attach themselves to men. All this is seen taking place everywhere in the world. I have a doubt on this subject.

Why, O delighter of the Kurus, do men still attach themselves to women? Who, again, are those men with whom are women highly pleased, and who are they with whom they are displeased.

You should, O chief of men, explain to me how men are capable of protecting women?

While men take pleasure in women and sport with them, women, it seems, are engaged in imposing upon men. Then, again, if a man once falls into their hands, it is difficult for him to escape from them. Like kine ever liking pastures new, women like new men one after another.

The women have in them the sum total of that illusion which the Asura Shambara possessed, that illusion which the Asura Namuchi possessed, that illusion which Bali or Kumbhinasi had.

If man laughs, women laugh. If man weeps, they weep. If the opportunity requires, they receive the man who is disagreeable to them with sweet words.

That science of policy which the preceptor of the Asuras knew, that science of policy which the preceptor of the celestials, viz., Brihaspati, knew, is not deeper or more subtile than what woman's intelligence. Indeed, how can women, therefore, be restrained by men?

They make a lie appear as truth, and a truth, appear as a lie. They who can do this I ask, O hero how can they be governed by persons of the opposite sex?

It appears to me that Brihaspati and othur great thinkers, O destroyer of enemies evolved the science of policy from observation of the understanding of women.

Whether treated by men, with respect or with hatred, women are seen to turn the heads and agitate the hearts of men.

Living creatures, O you of mighty arms are virtuous. Even this is what we have heard. Treated with love and respect or otherwise women are seen to deserve censure for their conduct towards men.

This great doubt fills my mind, viz., when their conduct is such, what man is there that can restrain them within the limits of virtue? Do you explain this to me, O highly blessed scion of Kuru's race.

You should tell me, O chief of Kuru's race, whether women are truly capable of being governed within the limits prescribed by the scriptures or whether any one before our time did really succeeded in so controlling them.