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The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa - Khamkoo

The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa - Khamkoo

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When, however, it strays again into the path <strong>of</strong> the wind, it becomes as flighty as<br />

the wind. <strong>The</strong> person conversant with the ways <strong>of</strong> yoga-meditation,<br />

undiscouraged by this, never regarding the loss <strong>of</strong> the toil undergone, casting<br />

aside idleness and malice, should again direct his mind to meditation. Observing<br />

the vow <strong>of</strong> silence, when one begins to set his mind on yoga, then discrimination,<br />

knowledge, and power to avoid evil, are gained by him.[619] Though feeling<br />

annoyed in consequence <strong>of</strong> the flightiness <strong>of</strong> his mind, he should fix it (in<br />

meditation). <strong>The</strong> yogin should never despair, but seek his own good. As a heap<br />

<strong>of</strong> dust or ashes; or <strong>of</strong> burnt cow-dung, when drenched with water, does not<br />

seem to be soaked, indeed, as it continues dry if drenched partially, and requires<br />

incessant drenching before it becomes thoroughly soaked, even thus should the<br />

yogin gradually control all his senses. He should gradually withdraw them (from<br />

all objects). <strong>The</strong> man that acts in this way succeeds in controlling them. One, O<br />

Bharata, by oneself directing one‟s mind and senses to the path <strong>of</strong> meditation,<br />

succeeds in bringing them under perfect control by steadfast yoga. <strong>The</strong> felicity<br />

that he feels who has succeeded in controlling his mind and senses is such that<br />

its like can never be obtained through Exertion or Destiny.[620] United with such<br />

felicity, he continues to take a pleasure in the act <strong>of</strong> meditation. Even in this way<br />

yogins attain to Nirvana which is highly blessed.‟”<br />

SECTION CXCVI<br />

“Yudhishthira said, „Thou hast discoursed on the four modes <strong>of</strong> life and their<br />

duties. Thou hast also spoken <strong>of</strong> the duties <strong>of</strong> kings. Thou hast recited many<br />

histories <strong>of</strong> diverse kinds and connected with diverse topics. I have also heard<br />

from thee, O thou <strong>of</strong> great intelligence, many discourses connected with morality.<br />

I have, however, one doubt. It behoveth thee to resolve it. I wish, O Bharata, to<br />

hear <strong>of</strong> the fruits that silent Reciters <strong>of</strong> sacred mantras acquire (by their practice).<br />

What are the fruits that have been indicated for such men? What is that region to<br />

which they go after death? It behoveth thee also, O sinless one, to tell me all the<br />

rules that have been laid down in respect <strong>of</strong> such silent recitation? When the<br />

word Reciter is uttered, what shall I understand by it? Is such a man to be<br />

regarded as following the ordinances <strong>of</strong> Sankhya or yoga or work?[621] Or, is<br />

such a man to be regarded as observing the ordinances about (mental)<br />

sacrifices? How is the path <strong>of</strong> the Reciters to be called? Thou art, as I think, <strong>of</strong><br />

universal knowledge. Tell me all this.‟<br />

“Bhishma said, „In this connection is cited the old history <strong>of</strong> what transpired<br />

between Yama, Time, and a certain Brahmana. Sages conversant with the<br />

means <strong>of</strong> attaining to Emancipation have spoken <strong>of</strong> two methods, viz., the<br />

Sankhya and the yoga. Amongst these, in the former, which is otherwise called<br />

the Vedanta, Renunciation has been preached with respect to silent recitation.<br />

<strong>The</strong> declarations <strong>of</strong> the Vedas preach Abstention (from rites), are fraught with<br />

tranquillity, and are concerned with Brahma.[622] Indeed, the two paths spoken<br />

<strong>of</strong> by sages bent on achieving what is for their good, viz., Sankhya and yoga, are<br />

Mahabharta <strong>of</strong> <strong>Krishna</strong> Dwipayana <strong>Vyasa</strong>, translated to English by Kesarimohan Ganguli<br />

384

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