The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa BOOK 1 ADI PARVA SECTION LXXIX (Sambhava Parva continued)

 

 The Mahabharata of

Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa BOOK 1

ADI PARVA

SECTION LXXIX

(Sambhava Parva continued)

"Sukra continued, 'Know, then, O Devayani, that he that mindeth not the

evil speeches of others, conquereth everything! The wise say that he is a

true charioteer who without slackening holdeth tightly the reins of his

horses. He, therefore, is the true man that subdueth, without indulging

in his rising wrath. Know thou, O Devayani, that by him is everything

conquered, who calmly subdueth his rising anger. He is regarded as a man

who by having recourse to forgiveness, shaketh off his rising anger like

a snake casting off its slough He that suppresseth his anger, he that

regardeth not the evil speeches of others, he that becometh not angry,

though there be cause, certainly acquireth the four objects for which we

live (viz., virtue, profit, desire, and salvation) Between him that

performeth without fatigue sacrifices every month for a hundred years,

and him that never feeleth angry at anything, he that feeleth not wrath

is certainly the higher. Boys and girls, unable to distinguish between

right and wrong, quarrel with each other. The wise never imitate them.'

Devayani, on hearing this speech of her father, said, 'O father, I know,

also what the difference is between anger and forgiveness as regards the

power of each. But when a disciple behaveth disrespectfully, he should

never be forgiven by the preceptor if the latter is really desirous of

benefiting the former. Therefore, I do not desire to live any longer in a

country where evil behaviour is at a premium. The wise man desirous of

good, should not dwell among those sinfully inclined men who always speak

ill of good behaviour and high birth. But there should one live,--indeed,

that hath been said to be the best of dwelling places,--where good

behaviour and purity of birth are known and respected. The cruel words

uttered by Vrishaparvan's daughter burn my heart even as men, desirous of

kindling a fire, burn the dry fuel. I do not think anything more

miserable for a man in the three worlds than to adore one's enemies

blessed with good fortune, himself possessing none. It hath been indeed

said by the learned that for such a man even death would be better.'"