अनुशासनिक पर्व — इसी विषय पर इन्द्र और शम्बर का संवाद

Bhishma said Regarding it is cited the old history of the discourse between Shakra and Shambara. Do you listen to it, О Yudhishthira.

Once upon a time Shakra, assuming the guise of an ascetic with matted locks on his head and body covered with ashes all over, rode on an ugly car and went to the Asura Shambara.

Shakra said Through what conduct, O Shambara, you have been able to become the head of your family? Why do all people consider you as superior? Do you tell me this truly and fully.

Shambara said I never entertain any ill feelings towards the Brahmanas. Whatever instructions they give, I accept with unqualified reverence. When the Brahmanas are engaged in explaining the scriptures, I listen to them with great happiness.

Having heard their interpretations I never disregard them. Nor do I ever offend against the Brahmanas in any way. I always adore intelligent Brahmanas. I always seek information from them. I always adore their feet.

Approaching me with confidence, they always address me with affection and enquire after my wellbeing. If they ever happen to be careless, I am always careful. If they happen to sleep, I always remain awake.

Like bees drenching the cells of the comb with honey, the Brahmanas, who are my zstructors and rulers, always drench me with the nectar of knowledge who am always devoted to the path pointed out by the scriptures, wlw am devoted to the Brahmanas and who am perfectly shorn of malice or evil passion.

I always accept with cheerful hearts whatever they say. Helped by memory and understanding. I am always careful of my own faith in them and I always think of my own inferiority to them.

I always lick the nectar that is at the end of their tongue, and it is for this reason that I occupy a position far above that of all others of my family like the Moon transcending all the stars.

The scriptural interpretations which fall from the lips of the Brahmanas and listening to which every wise man acts in the world, form nectar on Earth and may, also be likened to most excellent.

Seeing the battle between the celestials and the Asuras in days of old, and understanding the power of the instructions that fell from the Brahmanas, my father became filled with delight and wonder.

Seeing the power of great Brahmanas, my father asked the Moon the question-How do the Brahmanas acquire success?

Soma said The Brahmanas become crowned with success by virtue of their penances. Their strength consists in speech. The power of Kshatriyas is in their arms. The Brahmanas, however, have words for their weapons.

Undergoing the discomforts of a residence into the house of his preceptor, the Brahmana should study the Vedas or at least the Pranava. Freeing himself of anger and renouncing earthly attachments, he should become a Yati, regarding all things and all creatures with equal eyes.

If remaining in the house of his father he masters all the Vedas and acquiring great knowledge acquires a position that should command respect, people still condemn him as untravelled or home-keeping.

Like a snake swallowing mice, the Earth swallows up these two, viz., a king that is unwilling to fight and a Brahmana who is reluctant to leave home for acquiring knowiedge.

Pride destroys the prosperity of persons of little wit. A maiden, if she conceives, becomes stained. A Brahmana incurs reproach by remaining at home.

This is what my father heard from the revered Soma. My father, on account of this, began to adore and respect the Brahmanas. Like him, I also worship and adore all Brahmanas of high vows!

Bhishma said Hearing these words that fell from the mouth of that prince of Danavas, Shakra began to adore the Brahmanas, and as a result thereof he succeeded in acquiring the kingship of the celestials.