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Post by madanmohandas on May 26, 2021 4:16:35 GMT -6
The next Canto begins with an inquiry from the king. SB.X.XVII
(The king said) Wherefore did Kaliya the mighty snake, Ramanaka, the serpent realm, forsake? And what hostile action was by him done, That Suparna was wroth with him alone? 1
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Post by madanmohandas on May 26, 2021 7:34:23 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XVII
(Sri Suka said) Oh king, the serpents had agreement made, That votive offerings each month be paid, And laid at the base of a mighty tree, And monthly make tribute severally; In order to secure continued grace Of great Suparna, on the serpent race. 2/3
With this arrangement the serpents comply, But Kadru's son Kaliya did defy; He took himself, in pride and insolence, The share, and made to Garuda offence. 4
Oh king, when almighty Garuda heard, The Lord's beloved, he with wrath was stirred, With impetuous force he made his way Toward Kaliya, determined to slay. 5
Then Garuda, swooping down from above, Against his wily adversary drove, But Kaliya with upraised hoods defied Brandished his fangs and rose in haughty pride; He bit Suparna as his hoods arise, His tongue was forky, terrible his eyes. 6
But Madhusudana's mount, Tarksya's son, Did the attack with skill and swiftness shun; And did with his left wing of golden glow, Upon Kadru's son deal a mighty blow. 7
Thus struck down by Goldwing's ferocity, Kaliya was reduced to misery, And thus defeated and discomfited, Here to the Kalindi river he sped, Where Garuda to enter was forbid, And thus in safety here the serpent hid. 8
Once, long ago, Garuda had a wish, To eat from this same lake a mighty fish, Though Saubhari did interdiction lay, He was hungry and took it anyway. 9
Observing the fish in their woeful state, The sage Saubhari felt compassionate, And taking up their cause for pity's sake, And for their general welfare he spake. 10
'If Garuda enters this lake again, To eat the fish, his life will not remain; His sudden death will thereupon ensue, This I have spoken and my words are true!' 11
Intelligence of this affair was known To none but serpent Kaliya alone, Thus in fear of Garuda here he dwelled, Until by Lord Krishna he was expelled. 12
Meantime from out the lake Krishna appears, And scents and wreaths and divine garments wears, Adorned with fine gems and riches untold, Glittering and enchased in ductile gold; Beholding him, his friends who had remained Unconscious, now their vital breath regained; Beside themselves the cowherds forward pace, And with fond affection Krishna embrace. 13/14
Yashoda, Rohini, Nanda combine With the cowherds, chief of the Kuru line, And hasten in their arms Krishna to strain, Even the dried up trees flourished again. 15
Rama held Acyuta in his arms tight, Experiencing excess of delight, Repeatedly to his embrace he drew, Who of his love and omnipotence knew; And again and again upon him gazed. The animals too were to joy upraised, As cows and bulls and calves that there remained, Supreme bliss and felicity attained. 16
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Post by madanmohandas on May 26, 2021 15:39:57 GMT -6
Here is the argument or sutra if I may use the term which should be inserted before verse 1.
The king with pious curiosity Was fain to learn Kaliya’s history; And Suka told him that in days gone by How Kaliya did Garuda defy; The cowherds Krishna saves from danger dire, And consumes the first raging forest fire. Such are the themes elaborated here, In Canto seventeen as you shall hear.
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Post by madanmohandas on May 27, 2021 2:56:40 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XVII. 17-22
The learned Vipras and the elder train, To Nanda with their worthy spouses came, And said, 'your son by Kaliya was seized, But by blessed fortune has been released. 17
'To the twice-born you should give charity, In largess, for Krishna's prosperity.' Oh king, Nanda was well pleased in his mind, And gifts of gold and kine to them consigned, 18
E'en pious Yashoda, who had deplored Her loss was blest now her son was restored; She held him on her lap in fond embrace, While tears in torrents trickled down her face. 19
Exhausted by the events of the day, That night the cowherds by the river stay; By thirst, Oh king of kings, and hunger spent, With all the cows, to rest, some distance went. 20
Now while to rest the cowherds did retire, The wind and parching summer heat conspire, A forest conflagration to ignite, Which blazed up in the middle of the night. 21
The cowherds woke up by the heat oppressed, And sought refuge with Krishna, sore distressed; Who does by his Maya potency seem A son of man, although he is supreme. 22
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Post by madanmohandas on May 27, 2021 3:30:27 GMT -6
'Oh Krishna, Krishna! highly fortunate! Oh Rama! of the prowess infinite! The raging flames and terrifying gloom, We, your own dear people, will now consume! 23
'Protection from this fire of death afford, We are your dear friends and you are our Lord; We never can forsake, but still adhere To your dear feet that drive away all fear.' 24
When the Lord of the universe had heard And seen his devotee's anguish was stirred; His infinite potency he assumed, And then the fire swallowed and consumed. 25
And thus ends Canto seventeen in Book ten of the great and glorious Bhagavata Purana, the text beloved of swan-like saints, sung by the son of Vyasa
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Post by madanmohandas on May 27, 2021 15:42:48 GMT -6
Here are the first four verses from SB.X.XVIII.
(Sri Suka said) Now Krishna by his friends surrounded came, With his dear relatives who sang his fame, And full of joy and revelry they went Back to Vraja, the cowherd settlement. 1
The pair in Vraja revel in the joys, In guise of ordinary cowherd boys. The season disagreeable now came, To bodied creatures, called by summer's name. 2
But Vrindavana's quality divine, The signs showed of perpetual springtime, Since the illustrious himself appeared, As Keshava and as Rama revered. 3
The crickets and the grasshopper's shrill calls, Were drowned out by cascading waterfalls; The spray from whence was carried by the breeze, Which kept the verdure of the shady trees. 4
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Post by madanmohandas on May 28, 2021 3:00:58 GMT -6
After the death of Kamsa in Canto XLIV, Balarama and Krishna approach their parents. The ultimate verse was,
Devaki and Vasudeva, with awe, Perceiving their godhead in what they saw, They did themselves from embraces restrain, And with joined palms, reverent did remain.
The next Canto resolves the difficulty where Krishna shows his filial piety, before proceeding with Krishna's further acts.
SB.X.XLV. 1-9
(Sri Suka said) Observing how his parents at that time, Were awestruck by his majesty divine; And considering that now this should not be, He cast the spell of Maya potency, By which his own devotees are beguiled, To look upon him as a mortal child. 1
He then toward his parents forward pressed, With his elder, of Sattvatas the best, And bowing low, respectful and sincere, He said, 'Oh dear mother, Oh father dear!' 2
'On our account you were to grief inured, And much anxiety and stress endured; Our infancy, boyhood, and budding youth, Have passed away in forced absence, forsooth. 3
'Irrevocable fate would not permit, For us to dwell with you or by you sit; As children with their parents wont to joy, At home, and pampered luxury enjoy. 4
'The body wherewith true welfare is gained, Is born to parents and by them maintained, And none there is, or has been able yet, E'n in an hundred years to pay the debt. 5
'That son who is capable and in health, But fails to provide from abundant wealth, And succours not his parents with his pelf, He is in hell, compelled to eat himself. 6
'A man who ancient parents abandons, A pious wife and young innocent sons, Who disregards the meek and suppliant, The elders, Vipras and the indigent; And though capable fails to succour these, Must be considered dead although he breathes. 7
'We two were helpless in our infancy, And due to fear of Kamsa's tyrany, We were unable reverence to pay To you, and have wasted many a day. 8
'Indeed we were not independent, thus, Oh father, Oh mother! please forgive us; We have not served you with filial care; The wicked one was cause of great despair.' 9
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Post by madanmohandas on May 28, 2021 7:03:19 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XLV. 10-16
(Sri Suka said) Hari who did thus a human form take, Though soul of all the universe, thus spake; Enchanted, in their laps they hold him tight, Beside themselves with excess of delight. 10
They sprinkled him with tears that from joy spring, Bound by the cords of affection, Oh king, Their throats were choked, their minds with bliss were stirred, And overwhelmed, could not utter a word. 11
And thus consoling his dear parents, he, The illustrious son of Devaki, Then Ugrasena, his grandsire did bring, And had him installed as the Yadu's king. 12
And said, 'Oh dread sov'reign, what is thy will? Command us, thy subjects, we shall fulfil. The curse of old Yayati we must own, That no Yadu may sit upon the throne. 13
When I thy servant thy commands obey, The gods themselves will solemn tribute pay, With due meekness and lowered diadem, What then of other proud rulers of men?' 14
He then arranged for the resettlement, Of emigres and those in banishment, The Yadus, Vrishnis, Andhakas, who fled, Madhus, Dasarhas, Kukuras, were led, And all the clans by Kamsa's reign appalled, From the adjacent regions were recalled. Their palaces and homes reoccupied, And were with means of livelihood supplied. Thus he the maker of the world divine, Did valuable gifts to each assign. 15/16
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Post by madanmohandas on May 30, 2021 16:46:09 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XLV. 17/20
Now in Krishna and Sankarshana's arms, They were protected from further alarms; They joyed at home and all pleasures achieved, And Rama and Krishna their grief relieved. Each day, with love, they revelled in the grace, To look upon Mukunda's lotus-face, Whose comely, gracious expression beguiles, With constant kind glances and tender smiles. 17/18
There even the old, of many a year, With strength and youthful vigour did appear; Since their eyes with Mukunda's face were filled, They quaffed the lotus-nectar thence distilled. 19
Now the Almighty son of Devaki And Sankarshana, came with courtesy Toward Nanda, Oh king most exalted, And with embraces fond, unto him said. 20
"Oh father, both you and our mother dear, With fond affection did both of us rear; The love by parents to their offspring shown, Exceeds considerations of their own. 21
"He is the father, she the mother styled, Who nourish and maintain another's child, Whose relatives have forsaken all care, Unable to protect them and to rear. 22
"Dear father, and all of ye cowherd men, Go to the cowherd settlement again, We wish to give joy to our friends who yearn For us, but we shall soon to you return." 23
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Post by madanmohandas on May 31, 2021 0:58:17 GMT -6
Cont. SB.X.XLV. 24-28
Thus comforting Nanda with his kind word, The illustrious Acyuta conferred Fine gifts of raiment, ornament and gem, Vessels, and thus honoured the cowherd men. 24
And when Nanda had heard all that he said, He embraced them with love disquieted, And while he did so tears flow from his eyes, Then with the cowherds he to Vraja hies. 25
Now Sura's son, Vasudeva, Oh king, His sons to the priest and the brahmans bring, Who with pure rites the boys initiate, And raise them to the noble twice-born state. 26
He gave to the brahmans of holy vows, Gold ornamented and garlanded cows Along with their calves with raiment supplied, And thus the holy brahmans satisfied. 27
The great one gave those cows in charity, For Krishna and Rama's nativity, Since he was under durance at that time, When wicked Kamsa had seized all his kine. 28
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Post by madanmohandas on May 31, 2021 14:28:09 GMT -6
Continuing SB.X.XLV. 29-31
Invested thus into the twice-born state, The brothers twain vows holy consecrate; From Garga they received the Gayatri, And the vow observed of celibacy. 29
Although they were the source of sapience, World rulers, endued with omniscience, Self accomplished, pure and immaculate, Yet human disposition imitate. Their wisdom they concealed and made their way, To the school of a preceptor to stay; Desirous to learn and dwell they came, To the teacher Sandipani by name; Who was a native of ancient Kashi, Now resident in Avanti city. 30/31
The brothers twain, sincere and self-subdued, The teacher serve with humble attitude, And showed by their conduct exemplary, To love the teacher as a deity. 32
That twice-born preceptor was satisfied, And by their love and service gratified; The Vedas and Upanishads imparts, And six corollaries in all their parts. 33
He taught them texts on how the bow to draw, The martial arts, virtue, and codes of law; The methods of didactical debate, And the six codes for kings ruling the state. 34
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 1, 2021 0:54:44 GMT -6
Proceeding further with SB.X.XLV. 35-39
Though they were the expounders and the source Of learning, to learning they had recourse, And hearing each subject but once described, Those foremost men all those subjects imbibed. The sixty four arts to them he conveys, They learn in four and sixty nights and days; On graduation they make offering Of the due fee and payment, mighty king. 35/36
That learned one of twice-born men the best, Observed the great wonder and was impressed, He thought that such capacity of mind, Exceeded the limits of human kind; And in consultation with his good wife, He chose the restoration of the life Of their young son who was swept out to sea; And this the boon he would choose as his fee. 37
With 'So be it', upon a car they ride, To Prabhasa tirtha by the seaside; Upon the mighty car their way they press, Whose power and puissance is limitless. When they did thus the mighty ocean reach, They sat them down a while upon the beach, Then old Oceanus came to salute, Acknowledged them with worship and tribute. 38
The Illustrious one then to him said, 'Let my preceptor's son be presented; The child was swept off by your mighty wave, But we demand the boy, his life to save.' 39
(The Ocean said) It was not I, Krishna, I truly say, Oh Deus! that took the infant away; But the Daitya Panchajana by name, Who in a conch hides in the briny main*. 40
* main- archaic/literary, the open ocean/sea
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 1, 2021 6:59:57 GMT -6
Well, here is the concluding portion of SB.X.XLV. 41-50, which marks the end of the first half of Book ten.
'Twas him who stole the child away indeed.' Which heard, the Lord did thereupon proceed, And did within the waters slay and tare The conch demon, but saw not the boy there. 41
Now lifting up the shell that round him grew, He mounted on his car and did pursue His way to his dear Yama's city, famed, And as the divine Samyamani named. Janardan when arriving there at last, Blew on his new found conch a mighty blast, And with Halayudha who wields the mace, They arrived at the god Yama's own place. Then Yama to whom the subjects are bound, Heard the reverberation of that sound, Came forth with adoration them to greet, With supplication and reverence meet; And bowing to Krishna with lowered head, To he who dwells in all creatures, he said, 'Now in your human sport, Oh great Vishnu, Tell me what I can do for both of you.' 42-44
(The Illustrious one said) The son of my teacher was hither brought, By reason of his own past action wrought; Oh great monarch, my commandment obey, And bring the boy hither without delay. 45
With 'So be it', and 'Let thy will be done', Yama then brought forth the preceptor's son. Then the two Yadu princes returned soon, Gave the boy, and said. 'Choose another boon!' 46
(The preceptor said) My dear boys, you are both learned and skilled, And have my cherished desire fulfilled; A teacher who such worthy pupils gains, What further desire with him remains? 47
Worthy heroes, to thine own home repair, And may fame and fortune attend thee there, May recollection of the Veda text, Remain with you in this life and the next.' 48
Thus taking leave from their preceptor, they Mounted their mighty car and sped away; Swift as the wind, raising of dust a shroud, Back to the city, rumbling like a cloud. 49
The citizens were joyed and vivified, When Rama and Janardana arrived, For many days without their sight remained, Now felt like those who have lost wealth regained. 50
And thus ends Canto forty five in Book ten of the great and glorious Bhagavata Purana the text beloved of swan-like saints, sung by the son of Vyasa
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 1, 2021 9:03:53 GMT -6
Picking up where I left off with SB.X.XVIII. Suka continues to illustrate summer in Vrindavan. 5-8
The rivers and the lakes were studded o'er, With Kanja, Utpala and Kahlara, Which tremble in ripples when the breeze strays, And scent through the environment conveys; The inhabitants of the forest there, Were shaded from Arka's fiery glare, They were not by the summer's heat oppressed, And with abundance of fresh grass were blest. 5
The deep bodies of water overbore Their sandy banks and moistened all the shore; The hot sun could not scorch with wasting rays, While rivers lap the banks, the water sprays. And thus the heat could by no means contrive, The earth of her juicy sap to deprive. 6
The beautiful and charming forest bowers, Were filled with all varieties of flowers; And did with flora and fauna abound, The birds and beasts and bumble bees resound; The plumy peacocks call with their shrill mew, And the black Kokila birds sweetly coo. 7
Almighty Krishna with a view to play, With Bala and the cowherds makes his way; Arriving there he plays his flute divine, Surrounded by the wealth of herds of kine. 8
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Post by madanmohandas on Jun 3, 2021 2:46:03 GMT -6
Well, proceeding further with SB.X.XVIII. 9-17 Adorned with fresh leaflets and peacock plumes, Garlands, rock pigments, and clusters of blooms; Rama and Krishna and the cowherds strayed, And danced and sang and a mock combat played. 9
While Krishna danced some would accompany With song and music in sweet harmony; With flutes and clapping hands, while others there The glory of his deeds loudly declare. 10
In secret forms the gods appeared on earth, And as rustic cowherders took their birth, Like actors other actors honouring, They worshipped Rama and Krishna, Oh king. 11
With leaping, throwing down and whirling round, With blows and slaps and dragging on the ground; Thus with their friends the brothers sported there, Showing their crow-like dark side-locks of hair. 12
Sometimes when others danced, the brothers twain, With their own singing raise the dulcet strain; They would themselves play instruments and sing, And cry, 'Bravo, well done!' Oh mighty king. 13
At other times they threw and caught with glee, Big fruits like Bilva and Amalakee; Sometimes with eyes blind-folded, they must try To find each other and identify; Sometimes the animals they imitate, Sometimes the feathered birds they emulate. 14
Sometimes like leaping frogs along they went, Sometimes enjoy laughter and merriment; Sometimes they rode upon suspended swings, Sometimes they imitate the court of kings. 15
In this manner sported the brothers twain, The wonted games that are well known to fame, And wandered the forest, valleys and hills, The lakes, rivers, the groves and bubbling rills. 16
Now while Rama and Krishna with their friends, Tending the cattle through the forest wends, The demon Pralamba, with the foul aim To kidnap them, in form of cowherd came. 17
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