Anushasana Parva

हिन्दी अर्थ

भूमौ निपतमानाया: शरणं भव मेडनघ

English

that 'rishti' is 'kshema'.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कथं निवृत्तो भगवांस्तद् भवान् प्रब्रवीतु मे

English

[Yudhishthira said:] A kshatriya, a vaishya, or a shudra, best of kings, by what could he gain brahminhood? You ought to tell me.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कन्यां प्राप्स्यसि तां विप्र पुत्रिणी च भविष्यति

English

By great austerity, or deed, or learning: if one should wish brahminhood, tell me that, grandfather.

हिन्दी अर्थ

उल्लंघनीय नहीं होती

English

[Bhishma said:] Brahminhood, dear one, is hard to get for the three classes beginning with kshatriya; it is the highest place of all beings, Yudhishthira.

हिन्दी अर्थ

यावद् ब्रवीमि विप्रर्षे अष्टावक्र यथातथम्

English

Passing through many wombs, being born again and again, in some turn, dear one, one is born a brahmana.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कहिये, मैं वह सब कुछ यथार्थरूपसे बताऊँगी

English

On this they recite this ancient Itihasa, the conversation of Matanga and a she-donkey, Yudhishthira.

हिन्दी अर्थ

तस्य सम्माननार्थ मे त्वयि वाक्‍्यं प्रभाषितम्

English

A certain twice-born had a son, of equal class, powerful, named Matanga, endowed with all qualities.

हिन्दी अर्थ

ही मैंने ये सारी बातें कही हैं

English

He, a sacrificial performer, Kaunteya, sent by his father, went on a swift chariot yoked with donkeys.

हिन्दी अर्थ

हाथ जोड़कर खड़े हो गये। फिर उसकी आज्ञा ले पुन: अपने घरको लौट आये

English

He struck again and again on the nose with a goad a young donkey, O king, that was pulling near its mother.

हिन्दी अर्थ

पृथ्वीपर पड़ी हूँ। आप मुझपर कृपा करें और मुझे शरण दें

English

Seeing that severely wounded one, the she-donkey, fond of her son, said: "Do not grieve, son; a Chandala is driving you.

हिन्दी अर्थ

आत्मानं स्पर्शयाम्यद्य पार्णिं गृह्ीष्व मे द्विज

English

There is no cruelty in a brahmana; a brahmana is called friendly, teacher of all beings, protector; what will he strike?

हिन्दी अर्थ

अपना दान करती हूँ। आप मेरा पाणिग्रहण कीजिये

English

But this one is of sinful nature and has no mercy on a child; he honours his own womb; feeling goes to feeling."

हिन्दी अर्थ

अतः मुझे स्वीकार कीजिये

English

Hearing the donkey's harsh words, Matanga quickly got down from the chariot and said to the she-donkey:

हिन्दी अर्थ

पत्नीं कुरुष्व मां विप्र श्रद्धांविजहि मा मम

English

"Tell me, fair she-donkey, how you know me as a Chandala by whom my mother is defiled; say it quickly.

हिन्दी अर्थ

जिज्ञासेयमृषेस्तस्य विघ्न: सत्यं न कि भवेत्

English

By whom am I born a Chandala, by whom was my brahminhood lost? Tell me all this in truth, greatly wise one, without remainder."

हिन्दी अर्थ

दिव्याभरणवत्त्रा हि कन्येयं मामुपस्थिता

English

[The she-donkey said:] "You were born of a brahmin woman intoxicated, by a shudra barber; you are a Chandala, and therefore your brahminhood was lost."

हिन्दी अर्थ

मेरे लिये कल्याणकारी होगा?

English

Thus addressed, Matanga returned home; seeing him come, his father spoke these words:

हिन्दी अर्थ

कन्यारूपमिहाद्यैवं किमिवात्रोत्तरं भवेत्

English

"I appointed you for the accomplishment of the sacrifice in the teacher's work; why have you turned back? I hope you are well."

हिन्दी अर्थ

न रोचते हि व्युत्थानं सत्येनासादयाम्यहम्

English

[Matanga said:] "One who is of no womb or of a fine womb is well; how can he be well whose mother is this, father?

हिन्दी अर्थ

थी; और वे भगवान् अष्टावक्र किस तरह वहाँसे लौटे थे? यह सब मुझे बताइये

English

Father, this she-donkey, not human, tells me here that I was born of a brahmin woman by a shudra; therefore I shall practise great austerity."

हिन्दी अर्थ

नचानृतं ते वक्तव्यं ब्रूहि ब्राह्मणगकाम्यया

English

Having so spoken to his father, he set out resolved, then went to a great forest and practised great austerity.

हिन्दी अर्थ

शृणुष्वावहितः सर्व यदिदं सत्यविक्रम

English

Then, joined with austerity, he distressed the gods, Matanga, wishing a happy place from good conduct.

हिन्दी अर्थ

बताती हूँ, सावधान होकर सुनिये

English

To him, thus joined with austerity, the lord whose steeds are bay horses said: "Matanga, why do you practise austerity, giving up human enjoyments?

हिन्दी अर्थ

अव्युत्थानेन ते लोका जिता: सत्यपराक्रम

English

I shall give you a boon; choose whatever you wish, and whatever else is to be obtained by you, tell it all quickly."

हिन्दी अर्थ

पुण्यलोकोंको जीत लिया है

English

[Matanga said:] "Wishing brahminhood I began this austerity; may I go and gain it here. This boon is chosen by me."

हिन्दी अर्थ

स्थविराणामपि स्त्रीणां बाधते मैथुनज्वर:

English

Hearing this, Purandara said to him: "You, seeking brahminhood, ask what is unattainable to the unpractised.

हिन्दी अर्थ

स त्वं येन च कार्येण सम्प्राप्तो भगवानिह

English

You seek that best state among all beings, austerity that does not pass beyond; you will soon perish.

हिन्दी अर्थ

तवोपदेशं कर्तु वै तच्च सर्व कृतं मया

English

What is remembered as the supreme holiness among gods, asuras and mortals cannot in any way be got by one born in a Chandala womb."

हिन्दी अर्थ

अभ्यगच्छच्च तं विप्रं न्‍्यायत: कुरुनन्दन

English

"Yudhisthira said, 'I wish to know, O royal sage, whether any fault is incurred by one who from interested or disinterested friendship imparts instructions unto a person belonging to a low order of birth! O grandsire, I desire to hear this, expounded to me in detail. The course of duty is exceedingly subtile. Men are often seen to be stupefied in respect of that course.'

हिन्दी अर्थ

हव्यं कव्यं तथा दानं को दोष: स्यात् पितामह

English

Then the greatly famous Shakra spoke again to him, Matanga, who asked for a supreme, very hard state:

हिन्दी अर्थ

किस दोषकी प्राप्ति होती है?

English

"Do not be rash, son; this is not the path of dharma; seeking the unattainable you will soon perish.

हिन्दी अर्थ

पूतो भवति सर्वत्र किमुत त्वं महाद्युते

English

Matanga, though I forbid you once from the supreme state, you wish to do it by austerity, but in every way you will not become so.

हिन्दी अर्थ

फिर तुम-जैसे धर्मात्माके पवित्र होनेमें तो संदेह ही क्या है?

English

One who has gone to an animal womb, if he goes to the human state, is sometimes born a Pulkasa or a Chandala.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कव्यप्रदाने तु बुधा: परीक्ष्यं ब्राह्मणं विदु:

English

Whoever is seen here as a whore or of a sinful womb, Matanga, turns about in that very state for a long time.

हिन्दी अर्थ

देवप्रसादादिज्यन्ते यजमानैर्न संशय:

English

Then in ten times that time he gains the state of a shudra, and again turns about many times in the shudra womb.

हिन्दी अर्थ

ह्वीमानृजु: सत्यवादी पात्र पूर्वे च ये त्रयः

English

Then in thirty times that time he gains the state of a vaishya, and turns about in the vaishya state for a long time.

हिन्दी अर्थ

तपस्वी) ब्राह्मण हैं, वे उत्तम पात्र माने गये हैं

English

Then in sixty times that time he is born a kshatriya, and turns about in the kshatriya state for a long time.

हिन्दी अर्थ

फिर ब्राह्मण वदान्यके घर गये

English

"Bhishma said, 'In this connection, O king, I shall recite to thee, in due order, what I heard certain Rishis say in days of yore. Instruction should not be imparted unto one that belongs to a low or mean caste. It is said that the preceptor who imparts instruction to such a person incurs great fault. Listen to me, O chief of Bharata's race, as I recite to thee, O Yudhishthira, this instance that occurred in days of old, O monarch, of the evil consequences of the imparting of instruction unto a low-born person fallen into distress. The incident which I shall relate occurred in the asylum of certain regenerate sages that stood on the auspicious breast of Himavat. There, on the breast of that prince of mountains, was a sacred asylum adorned with trees of diverse kinds. Overgrown also with diverse species of creepers and plants, it was the resort of many animals and birds. Inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas also, it was exceedingly delightful in consequence of the woods that flowered these at every season. Many were the Brahmacharins that dwelt there, and many belonging to the forest mode of life. Many also were the Brahmanas that took up their residence there, that were highly blessed and that resembled the sun or the fire in energy and effulgence. Ascetics of diverse kinds, observant of various restraints and vows, as also others, O chief of the Bharatas, that had undergone Diksha and were frugal in fare and possessed of cleansed souls, took up their residence there. Large numbers of Valakhilyas and many that were observant of the vow of Sanyasa also, used to dwell there. The asylum, in consequence of all this, resounded with the chanting of the Vedas and the sacred Mantras uttered by its inhabitants. Once upon a time a Sudra endued with compassion for all creatures, ventured to come into that asylum. Arrived at that retreat, he was duly honoured by all the ascetics. Beholding those ascetics of diverse classes that were endued with great energy, that resembled the deities (in purity and power), and that were observing diverse kinds of Diksha, O Bharata, the Sudra became highly pleased at heart. Beholding everything, O chief of Bharata's race, the Sudra felt inclined to

हिन्दी अर्थ

प्राह विप्रं तदा विप्र: सुप्रीतेनान्तरात्मना

English

devote himself to the practice of penances. Touching the feet of the Kulapati (the head man of the group), O Bharata, he addressed him saying, l 'Through thy grace, O foremost of regenerate persons, I desire, to learn (and practise) the duties of religion. It behoveth thee, O illustrious one, to discourse to me on those duties and introduce me (by performing the rites of initiation) into a life of Renunciation. I am certainly inferior in colour, O illustrious one, for I am by caste a Sudra, O best of men. I desire to wait upon and serve you here. Be gratified with me that humbly seek thy shelter.'"

हिन्दी अर्थ

तस्य चोत्तरतो देशे दृष्टं मे हैवतं महत्

English

Then in three hundred times that time he gains twice-bornness, and having reached it turns about there a long time.

हिन्दी अर्थ

श्रावितश्नापि तद्वाक्यं गृहं चाभ्यागत: प्रभो:

English

Then in four hundred times that time he is born a Shrotriya, and turns about in that state a long time.

हिन्दी अर्थ

नक्षत्रविधियोगेन पात्र हि परमं भवान्

English

Then, son, anger and joy, desire and hatred, excessive pride and slander enter that lowest of the twice-born.

हिन्दी अर्थ

कन्यां परमथधर्मात्मा प्रीतिमांश्नाभवत् तदा

English

If he conquers those enemies, then he gains a good goal; but if they conquer him, he falls as if from the top of a palm.

हिन्दी अर्थ

गयी और वे अपने आश्रममें उसके साथ आनन्दपूर्वक रहने लगे

English

Matanga, consider this which I have told you; choose another wish, for brahminhood is very hard."

हिन्दी अर्थ

पृथिव्या: काश्यपस्याग्नेर्मार्कण्डेयस्य चैव हि

English

"The Kulapati said, 'It is impossible that a Sudra should live here adopting the marks specially intended for those practising lives of Renunciation. If it pleases thee, thou mayest stay here, engaged in waiting upon and serving us. Without doubt, by such service thou shalt attain to many regions of high felicity.'"

हिन्दी अर्थ

दत्तं ब्राह्यगकामाय कथं तत् सुकृतं भवेत्

English

[Bhishma said:] Bearing very hard yoga, lean, with veins showing, skin and bone, the righteous-souled one fell: so we have heard.

हिन्दी अर्थ

भुज्जते ब्रह्म॒कामाय व्रतलुप्ता भवन्ति ते

English

Rushing at him as he fell, Vasava took hold of him, lord of boons, giver, delighting in the good of all beings.

हिन्दी अर्थ

किंनिमित्तं भवेदत्र तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह

English

[Shakra said:] "Matanga, your brahminhood is hindered by enemies; honouring brings happiness, not honouring brings sorrow.

हिन्दी अर्थ

सरलता--ये धर्मके निश्चित लक्षण हैं

English

In a brahmana the welfare and security of all beings is composed; from brahmanas ancestors and gods are satisfied.

हिन्दी अर्थ

अनाचरन्तस्तद् धर्म संकरेडभिरता: प्रभो

English

A brahmana is called the highest of all beings, Matanga; a brahmana does that as and what he wishes.

हिन्दी अर्थ

दश वर्षाणि विष्ठां स भुड्क्ते निरयमास्थित:

English

Passing through many wombs, being born again and again, in some turn, dear one, one finds brahminhood here."

हिन्दी अर्थ

कृतं कर्माकृतं वापि रागमोहेन जल्पताम्

English

[Matanga said:] "Why do you torment me, afflicted by sorrow, and kill me who am dead? I grieve for him who, having got brahminhood, does not wish to be so.

हिन्दी अर्थ

ददते नेह राजेन्द्र ते लोकान् भुज्जतेडशुभान्

English

If brahminhood is hard to gain for the three classes, Shatakratu, very rare, men who have got it do not practise it."

हिन्दी अर्थ

तेजस्वी व्यक्तियोंका मत सुनो

English

"Bhishma continued, 'Thus addressed by the ascetic, the Sudra began to reflect in his mind, O king, saying, How should I now act? Great is my reverence for those religious duties that lead to merit. Let this, however, be settled, that I shall do what would be for my benefit.' 2 Proceeding to a spot that was distant from that asylum, he made a hut of the twigs and leaves of trees. Erecting also a sacrificial platform, and making a little space for his sleep, and some platforms for the use of the deities, he began, O chief of the Bharatas, to lead a life regulated by rigid observances and vows and to practise penances, abstaining entirely from speech all the while. He began to perform ablutions thrice a day, observe other vows (in respect of food and sleep), make sacrifices to the deities, pour libations on the sacrificial fire, and adore the worship and deities in this way. Restraining all carnal desires, living abstemiously upon fruits and roots, controlling all his senses, he daily welcomed and entertained all that came to his retreat as guests, offering them herbs and fruits that grew plentifully around. In this way he passed a very long time in that hermitage of his. 3 One day an ascetic came to that Sudra's retreat for the purpose of making his acquaintance. The Sudra welcomed and worshipped the Rishi with due rites, and gratified him highly. Endued with great energy, and possessed of a righteous soul, that Rishi of rigid vows conversed with his host on many agreeable subjects and informed him of the place whence he had come. In this way, O chief of the Bharatas, that Rishi, O best of men, came into the asylum of the Sudra times out of a number for the object of seeing him. On one of these occasions, the Sudra, O king, addressing

हिन्दी अर्थ

तथा दुश्नरितं सर्व त्रिवृत्यां च निमज्जति

English

the Rishi said,— I desire to perform the rites that are ordained for the Pitris. Do thou instruct me kindly in this matter.— Very well,— the Brahmana said in reply unto him, O monarch. The Sudra then, purifying himself by a bath, brought water for the Rishi to wash his feet, and he also brought some Kusa grass, and wild herbs and fruits, and a sacred seat, and the seat called Vrishi. The Vrishi, however, was placed by the Sudra towards the south, with his head turned to the west. Beholding, this and knowing that it was against the ordinance, the Rishi addressed the Sudra, saying,— Place the Vrishi with its head turned towards the East, and having purified thyself, do thou sit with thy face turned towards the north— The Sudra did everything as the Rishi directed. Possessed of great intelligence, and observant of righteousness, the Sudra received every direction, about the Sraddha, as laid down in the ordinance, from that Rishi endued with penances regarding the manner of spreading the Kusa grass, and placing the Arghyas, and as regards the rites to be observed in the matter of the libations to be poured and the food to be offered. After the rites in honour of the Pitris had been accomplished, the Rishi, was dismissed by the Sudra, whereupon he returned to his own abode, l After a long time, the whole of which he passed in the practice of such penances and vows, the Sudra ascetic met with his death in those woods. In consequence of the merit he acquired by those practices, the Sudra in the next life, took birth in the family of a great king, and in course of time became possessed of great splendour. The regenerate Rishi also, when the time came, paid his debt in Nature. In his next life, O chief of Bharata's race, he took birth in the family of a priest. It was in this way that those two, viz., that Sudra who had passed a life of penances and that regenerate Rishi who had in kindness given the former some instructions in the matter

हिन्दी अर्थ

चलानेवाले ब्राह्मणमें सारे दुष्कर्मोका लय हो जाता है

English

"Alone in my pleasure, Shakra, free of pairs, without possessions, standing in non-violence, self-control and giving, why am I not fit for brahminhood?

हिन्दी अर्थ

शीलव्यपेतस्य नृप द्विजस्य

English

Let me be a wanderer at will, a bird that takes any form, and let me gain honour without conflict between brahmin and kshatriya, and let my fame be imperishable, Purandara."

हिन्दी अर्थ

प्राप्ति होती है

English

[Indra said:] "You will be famed as Chhandodeva and be honoured by women."

हिन्दी अर्थ

बराबर भी होंगे या नहीं?

English

[Bhishma said:] Having so given him a boon, Vasava vanished, and Matanga, giving up his breath, gained that highest place.

हिन्दी अर्थ

पृथिवी काश्यपोडग्निश्च प्रकृष्टायुश्व भार्गव:

English

Thus this supreme state called brahminhood is, Bharata, hard to get, as Mahendra's word says.