भगवद्यान पर्व — भीष्म के वचन

Vaishampayana said Hearing the words of Kunti the great carwarriors Bhishma and Drona, said these words of Duryodhana who had grown unaccustomed to obey their orders.

It has been heard by you, O foremost of men, what inciting words Kunti has said to Krishna, than which nothing is more excellent and which lead to virtue.

The sons of Kunti will do that with the approval of Vasudeva and they will not be pacified without the kingdom, O son of Kuru.

The sons of Pritha had been persecuted by you in the Assembly-hall, but being bound by the ties of virtue they over-looked all that at the time.

Having however now obtained the master of all weapons, Arjuna, and Bhima of fast determination and the Gandiva bow and the two quivers and the chariot and flag.

And Nakula and Sahadeva, both endued with might and energy and Vasudeva as his allies, Yudhishthira will not forgive anything.

You are an witness, O you of long arms, how before this in the city of Virata, all of us were vanquished in battle by the wise son of Pritha.

Those Danavas of fierce deeds called Nivatakavachas were consumed by him, who has the emblem of monkeys on his banner, in battle with a number of fierce weapons.

Karna and all of your councillors and yourself clad in coats of mail and seated on a chariot were liberated (from the grasp of the Gandharvas) on your expedition against cattle which is a sufficient proof,

O foremost among the Bharatas, make peace along with your brothers with the sons of Pandu. Save this entire earth which has come under the very jaws of death. Your elder brother is of virtuous habits of life, affectionate, sweet of speech and wise.

Seek you therefore the protection of that foremost of men abandoning these sinful intentions. If by the son of Pandu, you are seen to have laid aside your bow,

And with the wrinkles of rage smoothed down, and looking happy as if endued with prosperity then will the peace of our race have been effected. Having gone to him with your ininisters and embracing that son of a ruler of men.

Salute that king as you used to do before, O chastiser of foes, and let the elder brother of Bhima, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti hold you when saluting, by his two hands out of affection.

Let also that one, possessed of the shoulders of a lion and round thighs and arms and of long arms, namely Bhima, the foremost among smiters, with his arms embrace you.

Let also the son of Kunti, Partha or Dhananjaya of eyes like the leaves of the lotus, with a neck like the conch and of curling hairs, also respectfully salute you.

Let the two sons of Ashvini also those foremost among men, who are of unrivaled beauty in this world-let them also offer you worship out of love, as to their elder brother.

Let also these rulers among men with the scion of the Dasharha race shed tears of joy (at the union); having abandoned your vanity, O ruler of the earth, be united with your brothers.

Rule this earth united together with your brothers and let the rulers of men return to their, kingdoms after embracing one another (in a friendly way)

War is not necessary, O chief among kings; listen to the dissuasion of your well wishers; sure destruction stares the Kshatriyas in the face in case of fight.

The stars and planets are against us; animals and birds of ill omen as also many sorts of disturbances portending the massacre of the Kshatriyas are seen.

Especially are these omens seen in our encampment. Burning meteors again are coming in the way of your army.

Our soldiers are cheerless and weeping as it were, O lord of the universe and vultures are constantly wheeling around our army.

The town has lost its old appearance as also the palace of the king; jackals too with constant howls are prowling about in every direction which is blazing.

Listen therefore to the advice of your father and of your mother as also of ourselves for we desire your wellbeing. At your discretion, O you of long arms, lies peace or war.

If you do not follow the advice of your well wishers you will come to grief having seen your army afflicted by the arrows of the son of Pritha,

As also by the loud and frequent roars of Bhima in battle. Hearing also the twang of the Gandiva bow you will remember our words and if all this is not followed by you, what we say will come to pass.