Chapter 151
“Bhishma said, ‘Thus addressed, Janamejaya replied unto the sage, saying,’Thou rebukest one that deserves to be rebuked. Thou censurest one thatis deserving of censure. Thou upbraidest me and my acts. I implore theeto be graceful towards me. All my acts have been sinful. I burn, however,with repentance as if I am in the midst of blazing fire! My mind, inremembrance of my deeds, is exceedingly cheerless. Verily, I am muchafraid of Yama. How can I bear to live without extracting that dart frommy heart? O Saunaka, suppressing all thy wrath, instruct me now. FormerlyI used to show regard for Brahmanas. I solemnly declare that I shall oncemore show the same regard for thee. Let not my line be extinct. Let notthe race in which I am born sink into the dust. It is not proper thatthey who have wronged Brahmanas and have for that, in consequence of theinjunctions of the Vedas, forfeited all claim to the respect of the worldand to social intercourse with their fellowmen, should have any bearer oftheir names for continuing their races. I am overwhelmed with despair. I,therefore, repeat my resolves (about mending my conduct). I pray you toprotect me like sages that do not accept gifts protecting the poor.Sinful wights abstaining from sacrifices never attain to heaven.[439]Leaving (this world), they have to pass their time in the pits of helllike Pullindas and Khasas.[440] Ignorant that I am, give me wisdom like alearned preceptor to his pupil or like a sire to his son. Be gratifiedwith me, O Saunaka!’
“Saunaka said, ‘What wonder is there that a person destitute of wisdomshould do many improper acts? Knowing this, a. person of real wisdom isnever angry with creatures (when they become guilty of folly). Byascending upon the top of wisdom’s palace, one grieves for others, one’sown self being then too pure for becoming an object of other people’sgrief. In consequence of one’s wisdom one surveys all creatures in theworld like a person on a mountain-top surveying people below. The personwho becomes an object of censure with good men, who hates good men andwho hides himself from their view, never succeeds in obtaining anyblessing and never understands the propriety of acts. Thou knowest whatthe energy and the nobility of the Brahmana is as laid down in the Vedasand other scriptures. Act now in such a way that tranquillity of heartmay be thine and let Brahmanas be thy refuge, If the Brahmanas cease tobe angry with thee, that will ensure thy felicity in heaven. If, again,thou repentest in sin, thy sight will be clear and thou wilt succeed inbeholding righteousness.’
“Janamejaya said, ‘I am repenting of my sins. I will never again seek toextinguish virtue. I desire to obtain blessedness. Be thou gratified withme.’
“Saunaka said, ‘Dispelling arrogance and pride, O king, I wish thee toshow regard for me![441] Employ thyself in the good of all creatures,ever remembering the mandates of righteousness. I am not reproving theefrom fear or narrowness of mind or covetousness. Listen now, with theseBrahmanas here, to the words of truth I utter. I do not ask for anything.I shall, however, instruct thee in the ways of righteousness. All personswill croak and bray and cry fie on me (for what I am going to do). Theywill even call me sinful. My kinsmen and friends will discard me.[442]Without doubt, however, my kinsmen and friends, hearing the words Ispeak, will succeed in vigorously crossing the difficulties of life. Somethat are possessed of great wisdom will understand (my motives) rightly.Know, O child, what my views are, O Bharata, in respect of the Brahmanas.Do thou (after listening to me) act in such away that they may, throughmy efforts, obtain every blessing. Do thou also, O king, pledge thy wordthat thou wilt not again injure the Brahmanas.’
“Janamejaya said, ‘I swear, touching even thy feet, that I shall neveragain, in thought, word, or deed, injure the Brahmanas.'”
