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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 16, 2022 3:23:30 GMT -6
SB.1.11.23-33
Then he with elders and the brahmans came, With their wives, as also the halt and lame; And blest by his admirers and friends, The Lord into the city forward wends. 23
Along the royal road as Krishna goes, The ladies of Dvaraka eager rose, And ascending their roof-top balcony, Gaze upon him, a festival to see. 24
Those Dvarakensians enjoyed the grace, To look unsurfeited upon the face Of Acyuta, the infallible One, Whose limbs always with rarest beauty shone. 25
Upon whose chest the Goddess Shri abides, His face the cup that eye-nectar provides; In whose arms rest the guardian deities, His lotus-feet, refuge for devotees. 26
A white umbrella o'er his head was reared, And flowers from the sky like rain appeared; And fragrant blossoms thus cover the road. His yellow robes and flower garland glowed, As if from a cloud the sun and moon light Sparkled with flashing of the lightning bright. 27
Entered his father's home he greets him fair, And is embraced by all the matrons there; With reverence for them he bowed his head, To all the seven by Devaki lead. 28
Then taking their dear son onto their laps, From affection milk trickled from their paps; And with vicissitudes of joy upset, Their garments from both tears and milk were wet. 29
Now entered he his palace as beseems, Where waited him some sixteen thousand queens; The palace domes to kiss the sky aspire, And where accomplished is every desire. 30
These consorts of the Lord were blithe and gay, To him behold after many a day, Which was a grand festival for the mind, They rose up sudden and their seats resigned; They forsook their vows and austerity, And gazed with faces bright with modesty. 31
Their sons they sent before to look on him, And contemplative, embraced him within; O foremost of Bhrugus, as they drew near, They could not withhold dropping of a tear. 32
Although he was always close by their side, And did always in privacy confide, Despite this constant contact with his feet, They perceived fresh and fresh novelty sweet; And verily, I wonder who is there, That could the refuge of those feet forswear, E'en Goddess Shri, known for her fickleness, Those feet does not forsake nevertheless. 33
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 16, 2022 23:53:47 GMT -6
Concluding SB.1.11.34-39
Those ruling princes who had taken birth, Were an unwieldy burden to the earth, Proud of their grand military array, Vast multitudes entered upon the fray, Occasioned by the fire of mutual strife, And in the contest were deprived of life. E'en as the wind by friction doth ignite The bamboo grove, they were impelled to fight. 34
Thus he the Lord illustrious and great, Was in the world of mankind incarnate, And reveled with those jewels of women, As though he were an ordinary man. 35
With high emotion, expressing delight, And soft smiling cast from side-glances bright, Such charms as could make Cupid's angry foe, In excess of confusion, drop his bow. Yet by such witcheries they could not bind, Or disturb his serenity of mind. 36
He was regarded by the common man, As one attached to worldliness, like them; Thus mankind do generally project, And their own faults in other men detect. 37
But this of the Lord's lordliness is proof, Though entering nature he is aloof; As those who in self consciousness remain, Though contacting nature are free from stain. 38
Those soft damsels innocently adored Him whom they deemed their uxorious Lord, They played, not knowing his divinity, As even the common crowd do not see. 39
Thus ends Chapter Eleven in Book One 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 Jul 18, 2022 3:23:19 GMT -6
Well, my patient and sympathetic reader, by the unreserved grace of Sri Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas the first eleven chapters of Book One of Srimad Bhagavatam are done. Now invoking the continuity of grace, chapter Twelve opens with further points of inquiry raised by the learned sage Shaunaka. In the first verse he reiterates what we have heard before in order to proceed with inquiries into the subjects that follow. As if, 'now what you told us earlier about......
(Shaunaka said) The fetus in Uttara was destroyed, When Asvatthama Brahma's crest employed, But by the power of the Supreme Lord, The fetus was again to life restored. 1
Then say, how was that great one brought to birth? What were his emprises and deeds of worth? Why did he determine to fast to death? Where did he go when he resigned his breath? 2
All this we desire that you make clear, If you think that we are worthy to hear; In all good faith we also wish to know, What knowledge to him did Shuka bestow? 3
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 18, 2022 12:44:07 GMT -6
Continuing with SB.1.12. 4-10. Suta responds to the points of inquiry raised by Shaunaka, such as, 'Then say. how was that great one brought to birth?' etc.
(Suta said) The pious king e'en as his forebears great, With equity and justice ruled the state, He governed subjects, sans desire or pride, He was, serving Krishna's feet, satisfied. 4
His sacrifice to gain higher abodes, With queens and brothers gratified the gods; His fame was blazoned forth up to the sky, To the emperium of gods on high. 5
What joy in god-like pleasures could he find, To what aspire, Mukunda in his mind? O Dvijas, that was all his fond delight, The king for vain joys had no appetite. 6
O joy of Bhrigus, in his mothers' womb, Our hero had certainly met his doom; Scorched by the Brahmastra, he sudden saw, Some being wonderful toward him draw. 7
He saw with sparkling crown the Mighty One, Immaculate, no bigger than a thumb; And saw him dark, delightsome to the sight, Acyuta, clad in lightning raiment bright. 8
He with four long and sturdy arms appears, Like ductile gold the pendants on his ears; His eyes glowed red with anger on his face, And whirled around and round his pond'rous mace; And as he spun the mace around it gleamed, Which like a shooting star or comet seemed. 9
E'en as the sun evaporates the dew, The circling mace the astra overthrew; The child nearby observing this could see, And deeply pondering, thought, 'Who is he?' 10
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 20, 2022 3:31:45 GMT -6
Proceeding further SB.1.12.11-21
The guardian of virtue, thereupon, Having dispelled the heat of the weapon, And being seen, now that danger was cleared, Omnipresent Hari thence disappeared. 11 When constellations showed the lucky sign, And all the stars favourably combine, To uphold royal Pandu's dynasty, He was born, like Pandu, and strong as he. 12 The king with fond affection in his mind, Performance of postnatal rites assigned To Dhaumya, Kripa, and the vipra train, Who the observances and hymns proclaim. 13 The pious king to celebrate the birth Gave donatives of land and gold of worth, Cows, villages, and elephants and steeds, And good rice to the vipras for their needs. 14 The brahmans with the king were satisfied, And by his pious conduct gratified, And showed that best of Puru's every sign, That marked the child scion of Puru's line. 15 "Since by divine will his life was restored, Of great Vishnu, the omnipotent Lord, Due to the favour he has towards you, The danger was averted by Vishnu. 16 Therefore, indeed, he shall be known to fame, In all the world, by Vishnurata's name; O fortunate one! let there no doubt be, He shall be known as a great devotee." 17 "Will he, O holy ones," the good king said, "The fame of his pious ancestors spread? Will he the ancient glory thus uphold, And will his deeds and renown be extolled?" 18
(The brahmanas said) O Pritha's son, indeed this child shall bring Succours like Ikshvaku the ancient king, And son of Manu; and for truth will be E'en like Rama, known as Dasarathi. 19 This child with gifts supplicants will maintain, Like Shibi of Usinara's domain; Like Dushyanta's son, for sacrifice known, He shall augment the dynasty's renown. 20 In archery he shall great skill attain, Equalling both of the Arjunas twain; Like flames he will be irresistible, And like the ocean unsurpassable. 21
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 20, 2022 12:27:13 GMT -6
SB.1.12.22-28
He will be like the lion strong and bold, Fit for resort as himalaya cold, Enduring as the earth and forebearant, And even as are parents tolerant. 22
Like the Grandsire in equanimity, Gracious as the mountain divinity; Refuge to all beings he will afford, As Goddess Rama resorts to the Lord. 23
This child with all virtues will be possessed, As Krishna's adherent he will be blessed, Like Rantideva, most magnanimous, In virtue like Yayati ,the righteous. 24
In endurance like Bali he will be, Like Prahlada, Krishna's fond devotee; Oft he shall perform the horse sacrifice, Revere the elders, and take their advice. 25
This sage-like king will get good sons, and he Will reprimand the person of Kali; The wicked he will chastise and restrain, Righteous conduct in the world to maintain. 26
Learning that death by snake bite is denounced, By curse the dvija's son will have pronounced, Resigning himself, from attachment free, He shall himself dedicate to Hari. 27
He shall inquire of that righteous one, The immensely sagacious Vyasa's son; Abandoning all this, with conscience clear, To Ganga's bank he shall resort, sans fear. 28
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 20, 2022 22:41:57 GMT -6
Proceeding further with SB.1.12.29-31
Thus having told the king the auguries, The wise vipras performed the sanctities; And gratified by gifts of wealth and grain, All repaired to their dwellings once again. 29
Thus in this world he will be known to fame For scrutiny, and bear Pariksit's name; Desirous to see that form again, He will examine the ways of all men. 30
The royal prince with fair increase thus grew, Delightsome as the waxing moon to view, Nurtured with parental care, in this way, He flourished and developed every day. 31
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 21, 2022 3:18:12 GMT -6
Concluding SB.1.12.32-36
From sin accrued from conflict to be freed, The king would sacrifice the noble steed; But needed vast wealth to accumulate; He had but fines and dues paid to the state. 32
The income and expenditure of the state was balanced by fines and taxes, and in order to conduct a grand horse sacrifice abundant wealth, over and above the state revenue is required, in order that the state expenditure does not have to be reduced, thereby oppressing the subjects. In what manner the extra funds were collected will be alluded to.
His intention his brothers well cognised, And being by Lord Acyuta advised, To gather a vast treasure hastened forth, And brought back in abundance from the north. 33
With that the son of Dharma, the great king, Conducted thrice the holy offering, Apprehensive for his expiation, He worshipped Hari the Almighty One. 34
He did the Lord Illustrious invite, To participate in the holy rite; The dvijas for the king officiate, And thereby did all the sin expiate; A few months there the Lord delighted spends, To please with his good offices his friends. 35
He did from the king and Krishnaa receive, And relatives, his permission to leave; With Arjuna and Yadus in array, To Dvaravati he betook his way. 36
Thus ends Chapter Twelve in Book One 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 Jul 25, 2022 14:55:30 GMT -6
Now, Srimad Bhagavatam, Book One, Chapter thirteen, 1-10
(Suta said) Vidura had travelled on pilgrimage, And met with Maitreya, the holy sage; From him the knowledge of the self acquired, Then to Elephantopolis retired. 1
When Kshatta had Kausarava much plied With diverse questions, he was satisfied; Exclusive love for Govinda he gained, And from all further questioning refrained. 2
When he before his relatives arrived, Beholding him immense joy they derived. The pious king and brethren forward drew, Dhritarastra and his son Yuyutsu; The suta, Saradvata and Pritha, Draupadi, Subhadra and Uttara, Kripi, and, O bramans of worthy fame, Their wives and their sons and their daughters came. 3/4
They hastened forth as eagerly they yearn, As when to body life-breath doth return; In due order they came forward to greet, Some embracing, some bowing at his feet. 5
With fond affection much disquieted, Many a tear of joy and grief they shed; The king offered rites that the guest should greet, Then conducted him to a worthy seat. 6
Having been well fed with all courtesies, Relieved of weariness, seated at ease, The king addressed him meekly in the hall, In gentle tones in the hearing of all. 7
(Yudhusthira said) Dost thou recall how succours thou didst bring, E'en as a bird, with thy protective wing? From poison, flame, and such adversity, We were along with our mother set free. 8
While travelling the earth you did remain, How did you, and by what means, life sustain? What fanes and holy places of high worth Did you attend and serve upon the earth? 9
O master mine! devout and full of grace, Frequenting shrines, yourself a holy place! Who sanctity to holy shrines impart, Since he who wields the club dwells in your heart. 10
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 26, 2022 3:32:43 GMT -6
Proceeding further with SB.1.13. 11-23.
And say, did you of our well wishers dear, Our friends and Krishna's fond adherents hear? Do all those Yadavas in comfort dwell Contented in their mighty citadel?" 11
Thus having heard the just inquiries Raised by the pious king, he then replies, Relating what he had learnt from each place, But left unsaid the fall of Yadus' race. 12
It is not meet ill-tidings to convey, Since rumour among men finds its own way; From pity from that subject he refrained, Who could not bear to see them sorely pained. 13
For some while thus delighted there he spends His days, like a god honoured by his friends; And as he dwelt content and happy there, He pondered his elder brother's welfare. 14
He was the chastiser Yama of yore, Whom by a curse a sudra woman bore, And until a full hundred years had sped, Aryama judged the sinners in his stead. 15
Yudhusthir thus his royal right upheld, A grandson to uphold the clan beheld; Like guardian gods his brothers were employed, And wealth and content the people enjoyed. 16
As those bound to household felicity, Infatuated with their family, In ignorance, in vain, they pass their lives, And then inexorable time arrives. 17
With this Vidura was well acquainted, And to his brother Dhritarastra said, 'O king, a most fearful time has now come, Without delay and even now, be gone! 18
O my lord, in this world there cannot be For ever moving time a remedy; It is the Supreme Mighty Lord sublime, Who all of us approaches as stern time. 19
Now, when the moment of time doth appear, One must resign ones' vital breath, though dear, And forsake wealth and gain that pleasure brings, And what then can be said of other things! 20
Your father, brother, friends and sons are dead, The major portion of your life is sped You are by decrepitude overcome, And live dependent in another's home. 21
You have always and from your birth been blind, And now you lose your hearing and your mind, Your teeth are loose, you have no gastric heat, And coughing, mucus and bile you secrete. 22
Ah me, how wondrous! beings hope and strive, To remain in despite of all alive, Since you to this shameful condition cling, And subsist on food that Bhima may fling. 23
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 26, 2022 10:19:12 GMT -6
SB.1.13.24-28
How can you subsist and remain here still, With those whom you sought by intrigue to kill, By poison, flame, and insult to their wife, The usurpation and the battle strife! 24
Yet in despite of this if you maintain Your body it will be sadly in vain, For like an old garment, tattered and worn, Its thread will be all unravelled and torn. 25
Who leaves his body when his life is spent, Released from all bondage and attachment, And repairs to the undefined, unknown, Is as a wise man most certainly known. 26
The best of men called 'narottam' is he Who, having in his heart installed Hari, On the advice of others, or his own, Sets forth steadfast and self absorbed from home. 27
Therefore with determination set forth, Without informing any to the north, For now the time has certainly arrived, When mankind will be of virtue deprived. 28
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 26, 2022 14:39:36 GMT -6
Proceeding further with SB.1.13.29-33
Thus the king, Ajamidha's scion heard, And was by his younger Vidura stirred; With eye of introspection he awoke, And bonds of family affection broke; He made his departure without delay, Directed by his brother, went his way. 29
Subala's daughter, strict in pious vows, Devoted to her husband with him goes; And thus together bravely they set forth, To Himalaya's peaks far in the north; Which is a joy to holy anchorites, As a hero in scars and wounds delights. 30
The fire rites Ajatasatru sped, Grain, cows and land and gold were donated To the Vipras, and then his way he made, To the elders that honour might be paid, But there when he arrived he could not see His uncle and his aunt chaste Saubali. 31
He spoke unto Sanjaya seated there, Who was distraught and fraught with anxious care, And, 'O son of Gavalgana,' he cries, 'Where is our uncle of the sightless eyes? 32
Where is our aunt, of all her sons bereft? Has our mentor uncle Vidura left? Has the bereaved lord and his grieving wife, Disconsolate and despairing of life, Haply for ingratitude I have shown, Now leapt into the Ganga's flood to drown? 33
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 27, 2022 2:23:19 GMT -6
SB.1.13.34-38
Oh where have our dear aunt and uncle gone, Who fostered us and gave us protection? When Pandu died we were orphans bereft; Where have they gone from here, why have they left? 34
(Suta said) The suta sat in grief agitated, Now from his fond master separated, And due to distress and perplexity, He was unable straight to make reply. 35
Then with his hands he wiped the tears that rose, And gradually his mind he did compose, He thought of his master disquieted, Then to the king Ajatasatru said, 36
(Sanjaya said) I know not, O delighter of the clan, What your elders intend or what they plan; The mighty armed and Gandhari have gone, And I have been deceived by what is done. 37
Now even as he spoke sudden appeared, With Tumburu, Narada the revered, The king, with his brothers, rose from his seat, The sage, with honour and respect, to greet. 38
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 27, 2022 5:46:01 GMT -6
More, more, I prithee more! (As You Like It)
SB.1.13. 39-45
(Yudhisthira said) I knew not how, O illustrious one, But my revered uncles from here have gone; My pious aunt, of all her sons bereft, That lady ascetic has also left. 39 Like a ships' pilot you our way can guide, And show us the way to the other side." Then Narada, of great sages the best, His salutary speech to him addressed. 40 (Narada said) O my dear king, grieve not for anyone, The Ruler holds the world in subjection; The wide populous and their leaders bring, Their propitiatory offering; By operation of his will divine, Beings are separated and combine. 41 Even as the cattle are led about, By ropes attached to their protruding snout, So mankind, to their Vedic duties bound, Adore the Ruler, as he moves them round. 42 Or even as a gamester shows his skill, Disposing pieces on the board at will, So according to the will of the Lord, Mankind is moved like pieces on a board. 43 Whether you consider eternity, Or the unstable and transitory, If neither or both of these you perceive, 'Tis but delusion from fondness to grieve. 44 Therefore, dear king, forsake bewilderment, Which is indulged but by the ignorant, Where one laments, 'Ah me, what a pity, How will these helpless ones fare without me?' 45
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Post by madanmohandas on Jul 28, 2022 2:11:03 GMT -6
Continuing, SB.1.13.46-56
This body is formed of five evolutes, Controlled by time, action and attributes, What protection then for another's sake Could one afford, himself seized by a snake? 46
Those without hands are food for those with hands, The quadruped those without legs demands As food; the weak are eaten by the strong, And life subsists on life, life to prolong. 47
Therefore, all 'this' the Almighty controls; O king, he is the One, the soul of souls, He does internally and outward shine, Behold his multiplicity divine! 48
And this is he, the Illustrious One, The cause and stay of all this creation; Incarnate now, and the great time employs, And adversaries of the gods destroys. 49
There is but now a little more to do, On the gods' behalf, further to ensue, Wait now awhile, and observance maintain, So long as he does in the world remain. 50
Dhritarastra in brothers' company, And his chaste wife the pious Gandhari, Have gone to where the great sages abide, On Himavat's pleasant south-facing side. 51
The sacred flood in seven there divides, And gently in seven rivulets glides, To please the seven sages of high fame, And hence is called by Sapta-srota's name. 52
At the junctures of the day bathing there, He worships sacred fire, as texts declare; With self controlled, on water he subsists, And from all worldly desire desists. 53
His posture mastering with breath control, From the six senses has withdrawn his soul; And fondly concentrating on Hari, He has attained to pristine purity, From 'rajah', 'sattva', and from 'tamah' free. 54
He now in self consciousness doth abide, With the perceiving self identified; And to the Supreme Brahman doth repair, As air from a pot merges with the air. 55
He is now from Maya's adjuncts made free, His mind and senses in tranquillity; He eats no more, he is firm and intent, And sits unflinching like a monument; He has forsworn all acts by fervent vow, Do not, I say, go and disturb him now! 56
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