rule



 

Canto 6

Mahāmantra 1

 


 

Chapter 1: Dharma and Adharma: the Life of Ajāmila

(1) S'rī Parīkchit said: 'Oh great devotee, in the beginning [in the second canto] you described how, following the path of finding liberation by renunciation [nivritti mārga], one with the spirit of the Absolute ['with Brahmā'] in the process of yoga gradually puts an end to the cycle of rebirth. (2) With one's attention focussed on the three modes of nature, oh sage, one is time and again caught in the clutches of the material world where there is a constant renewal of forms. (3) The hells belonging to the different sorts of impiety were by you described [in the fifth canto] as also the period of the first Manu, the son of Brahmā, Svāyambhuva [in the fourth canto]. (4-5) You described the character and the dynasties of Priyavrata and Uttānapāda as also the different realms [dvīpas], regions [varshas], oceans, mountains, rivers, gardens and trees of the earthly sphere and the characteristics and measurements of the luminaries and the lower worlds created by the Almighty Lord. (6) Please explain to me now, oh man of great fortune, what a human being must do in this world in order not to undergo all these sorts of terrible conditions of heavily suffering in hell.'

(7) S'rī S'uka said: 'When someone in this life does not take the necessary countermeasures, when one is not of proper atonement after having engaged wrongly in the mind, in one's expressions and with one's body [one's 'hands' or with one's marriage], such a person after having died, undoubtedly will end up in [one of] the different types of hell of terrible suffering I formerly described. (8) Before one has died and before one's body is too old and decrepit, one should therefore in this world as soon as possible endeavor to atone for one's sins with a proper estimate of their gravity, just like an experienced physician determines the cause in order to treat a disease.'

(9) The king said: 'What is the value of atonement when one cannot control oneself, despite hearing and seeing about it and knowing how harmful to oneself [and others] it is to act badly? (10) Sometimes ceasing with the sin, sometimes engaging in it again, I consider the process of atonement quite useless. It is like with an elephant covering itself with dust after coming out of the water.'

(11) The son of Vyāsa said: 'By countering one [fruitful] deed with another deed [with compensations] there is indeed no end to that action when there is a lack of [self-]knowledge. Sins are only atoned for after [self-]searching, after investigation [also: discussions, confessions or psychotherapy; vimars'ana]. (12) Those who eat the right food will not be plagued by all kinds of diseases, similarly the one who manages to discipline himself [in niyama], oh King, will more and more qualify for well-being and happiness. (13-14) By means of voluntary penance and chastity, by equal-mindedness and sense control, by sacrificing [charity] and truthfulness, by inner and outer cleanliness, by refraining from violence and abuse and by self-restraint [by means of mantra meditation e.g.], they who, endowed with faith and knowledge of dharma, are calm and steady in their actions, words and intelligence, put an end to all kinds of sin, however great and abominable, the way a fire consumes a bamboo forest. (15) Some who rely on nothing but unalloyed devotion [*] unto Vāsudeva, manage to destroy all their badness completely, just like the sun dissipates fog. (16) A man full of sin, oh King, is certainly not as much purified by penance and such as the devotee is, who surrendered his life to Krishna in dedicated service unto the person [the representative] of God [in particular the ācārya, see also 5.5: 10-13]. (17) In this world the most appropriate path is the safe path that free from fear is followed by the well-behaved and auspicious devotees who are of full surrender to Nārāyana. (18) All the atonement well performed by someone who is not devoted to Nārāyana will not purify, oh King, the same way the water of all rivers cannot purify a liquor jar. (19) Once the mind is of full surrender to the two lotus feet of Lord Krishna, one is of the right atonement; one will, attached to His qualities, then never encounter in this world - or even in one's dreams - Yamarāja and his servants carrying the noose [compare B.G. 18: 66]. (20) Concerning this the example is given of a very old story of a discussion between the servants of Vishnu and Yamarāja. Please let me tell you about it.

(21) Once in the city of Kānyakubja there was a brahmin named Ajāmila who, as the husband of a maidservant, had lost his way in association with her and therefrom no longer endeavored for the truth. A cheater(22) He had resorted to reprehensible activities as arresting and robbing people and cheating. Thus he maintained his family in a most sinful way and caused others a lot of trouble. (23) Caring for her sons this way managing his existence, oh King, the great lapse of time passed of eighty-eight years of his life. (24) He, as an old man, had ten sons and the youngest of them, held very dear by the father and mother, was addressed by the name of Nārāyana. (25) The little boy was the apple of his eye and the old man enjoyed it very much to witness his prattling and playing. (26) As he ate, drank and chewed he, controlled by his affection, also fed the child and gave it something to drink, but, foolish as he was, he failed to notice that his life drew to a close. (27) When the time of his death arrived he, who had lived in ignorance, thus had a mind fixed on his little son who carried the name of Nārāyana. (28-29) He saw how three characters approached him with fearful features, twisted faces and their hairs standing on end, who, with the noose in their hands, were ready to take him away. Terrified and with tears in his eyes he thus loudly called for his nearby playing child named Nārāyana. (30) The moment Vishnu's servants heard the name of the Lord, their master, from the mouth of the dying man, oh King, they came immediately. (31) As the messengers of death were pulling Ajāmila away from the heart of the maidservant's husband, the Vishnudūtas forbade it with resounding voices. (32) The messengers of Yamarāja thus being thwarted replied: 'Who do you all think you are to oppose the authority of the King of Dharma? (33) Whose servants are you, where are you from and why have you come here? Why do you stop us in this? Do you belong to the demigods, the  lesser gods or to the perfected souls? (34-36) You all, with your lotuslike eyes, yellow garments, helmets, glittering earrings and lotus flower garlands; you all, looking so young and beautiful with your four arms, bow, quiver of arrows and the decoration of a sword, club, conch, disc and lotus flower, you dissipate in all directions the darkness with the effulgence of the light emanating from you. For what reason do you deny us, the servants of the Maintainer of Dharma?'

(37) S'uka said: 'Thus being addressed by the Yamadūtas they, who followed the word of Vāsudeva, replied with a smile, saying the following with voices resounding like rumbling clouds. (38) The Vishnudūtas said: 'If you really are all the servants of the King of Dharma, then just tell us what the principles of dharma and the characteristics of adharma are. (39) How and where should punishment be administered, and are all or only some human beings who take advantage of others punishable?'

(40) The Yamadūtas said: 'Dharma or religious principles is what is prescribed in the Vedas, adharma is the opposite. The Vedas are Nārāyana Himself and originated from Him alone, so we have heard. (41) All that manifested with its specific qualities, names, activities and forms has by Him been created from His position in heaven, by means of [the interaction of] the basic material qualities of passion, goodness and slowness. (42) The sun, the fire, the sky, the air, the gods, the moon, the evening, the day and the night, the directions, the water and the land are all evidence of the personal dharma [the very nature] of the embodied living entity [see also B.G. 8: 4]. (43) Adharma [in the sense of going against nature] with all these [witnessing natural divinities], is recognized as the form of behavior qualifying for retribution, for the reaction deemed appropriate for all the actions of offenders that deserve punishment. (44) They who under the influence of the natural modes are engaged in actions motivated for results, can be of good, pious deeds as also of deeds directly opposite to that, oh pure souls, but no embodied soul can exist without engaging in action. (45) The extent to which someone in this life is of certain righteous or bad deeds, assures him in his next life of the enjoyment or suffering that is their result [compare B.G. 14: 18]. (46) The way one here in this life among the living beings, oh best of the demigods, experiences the different effects of the basic qualities of matter -  in the form of their three attributes [viz. knowledge, movement and inertia] - one may expect to have a similar experience elsewhere [in another world]. (47) Just as the present time carries the characteristics of what was and what will become, someone's present birth likewise is indicative of the dharma and adharma of what one did and will be doing. (48) The godhead [of Yamarāja] is a great Lord as good as Brahmā; he in his abode sees before his mind's eye the form one previously had and then understands what one's future will be. (49) Just like someone who, with what he projects in his sleep, has lost the awareness of what precedes or follows that dream, one is equally unaware of a life before or after this [present] birth. (50) With the five working senses, the five senses of perception and their five objects engaged in pursuing his goals, he with his mind as the sixteenth element is of awareness. But as the one [soul, as a person] he himself constitutes the seventeenth element in enjoying the threefold nature of reality [see also B.G. 3: 42-43]. (51) With that sixteen part subtle body [the linga] as a result of the three forces of our greater nature, the living entity is subjected to a [difficult to overcome] repeated series of births [transmigration or samsriti] in which it experiences jubilation, lamentation, fear and misery. (52) The embodied soul, lacking in awareness for not being in control of his senses and mind, is against his will led to actions for the sake of his own material interests; thus being bewildered he, like a silkworm, weaves himself in[to the cocoon of] his own karma. (53) No one can exist but for a moment without doing something. One is by the three modes automatically forced to perform the fruitful actions belonging to one's nature. (54) On the basis of the imperceptible, unknown cause of that so very powerful personal nature, from the womb of the mother and the seed of the father, the gross and subtle body finds its existence to their likeness [see also B.G. 8: 6]. (55) Because of this association with material nature the position of the living entity has turned into an awkward one [of forgetfulness], but if one but for a short while manages to enjoy the association of the Lord, that problem is overcome.

(56-57) This man [Ajāmila] well versed in the Vedas, of a good character and good conduct, was [initially] a reservoir of good qualities. He conscientiously, mild, controlled and truthful kept to his vows and knew his mantras. He was neat and clean, of the greatest esteem in service of the guru, the fire god, his guests and members of the household and was free from false pride, friendly to all, faultless, non-envious and of the finest choice of words. (58-60) Some day this brahmin, following the orders of his father, went into the forest to collect fruits there, flowers, samit and kus'a [types of grass]. On his way back he saw some s'ūdra very lusty engaged with a promiscuous maidservant who, drunken because of maireya nectar [a drink made from the soma flower], intoxicated rolled her eyes to and fro. Under the influence her dress had slackened and he, unashamed having fallen from proper conduct, stood close to her singing and laughing having a good time with her. (61) When Ajāmila saw her with the with turmeric decorated arm of the lusty s'ūdra around her, he all of a sudden with a heart full of lust fell victim to bewilderment. (62) From within trying to regain control, he reminded himself of what was taught, but agitated as he was by Cupid he failed to restrain his mind. (63) Provoked by the sight he, who in his bewilderment stood senseless, resembled a planet in eclipse. With his attention focussed on her he [that very moment] gave up his dharma completely. (64) He decided that he would please her as far as the money allowed he had from his father. To keep her satisfied he thus catered to every material desire that came to her mind. (65) His youthful wife, the brahmin daughter of a respectable family he had married, he in his sin abandoned directly after his mind was caught by the looks of the unchaste woman. (66) Doing whatever possible he in his weakness properly or else improperly procured the money needed to maintain the family consisting of her and her many children. (67) Because this man acted so irresponsibly and broke with all the rules of the s'āstra, for a long time sinfully passing his time impiously with filthy practices, he is most condemned. (68) Not having atoned for his perpetual sinning, we will take him to the presence of the Lord of Punishment, where being chastised he will find purification.'

 

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Third revised edition, loaded August 9, 2018.
 

 

 

Previous Aadhar edition and Vedabase links:

Text 1

S'rī Parīkchit said: 'Oh great devotee, in the beginning [in the second canto] you described how, following the path of finding liberation by renunciation [nivritti mārga], one with the spirit of the Absolute ['with Brahmā'] in the process of yoga gradually puts an end to the cycle of rebirth.
S'rī Parīkchit said: 'By following the path of liberation described in the beginning by your Holiness is duly to order, by means of the process of yoga and by Lord Brahmā, learnt how not to start for another life. (Vedabase)


Text 2

With one's attention focussed on the three modes of nature, oh sage, one is time and again caught in the clutches of the material world where there is a constant renewal of forms.

Marked by fate and indeed directed at the three modes, is one time and again caught in the material world, where there is a constant renewal of forms, o sage.  (Vedabase)


Text 3

The hells belonging to the different sorts of impiety were by you described [in the fifth canto] as also the period of the first Manu, the son of Brahmā, Svāyambhuva [in the fourth canto].

The hells typical for the different sorts of impiety were by you described as also the period of Manu, the manvantara wherein we find the original Svāyambhuva, the son of Brahmā. (Vedabase)

 

Text 4-5

You described the character and the dynasties of Priyavrata and Uttānapāda as also the different realms [dvīpas], regions [varshas], oceans, mountains, rivers, gardens and trees of the earthly sphere and the characteristics and measurements of the luminaries and the lower worlds created by the Almighty Lord.

Of Priyavrata and of Uttānapāda you described the character and the dynasties and you also described the different realms, regions, oceans, mountains, rivers, gardens and trees of the earthly sphere and its situation in the sense of the divisions, characteristics and measurements of all the higher and lower worlds that the Almighty created. (Vedabase)

 

Text 6

Please explain to me now, oh man of great fortune, what a human being must do in this world in order not to undergo all these sorts of terrible conditions of heavily suffering in hell.'

Please explain to me right now what human beings must do out here so that they may not have to undergo all the sorts of terrible conditions of veritable suffering in hell.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 7

S'rī S'uka said: 'When someone in this life does not take the necessary countermeasures, when one is not of proper atonement after having engaged wrongly in the mind, in one's expressions and with one's body [one's 'hands' or with one's marriage], such a person after having died, undoubtedly will end up in [one of] the different types of hell of terrible suffering I formerly described.

S'rī S'uka said: 'If there within this life is not the necessary counteraction, the proper atonement, after having been wrong with the mind, in one's words and in one's sensuality, will undoubtedly that person, indeed after having died, end up in the different types of hell of terrible suffering, which I've already described to you. (Vedabase)

  

Text 8

Before one has died and before one's body is too old and decrepit, one should therefore in this world as soon as possible endeavor to atone for one's sins with a proper estimate of their gravity, just like an experienced physician determines the cause in order to treat a disease.'

Therefore, before one's death and before one's body is too old and decrepit, should one out here as soon as one can endeavor to nullify one's offenses with a proper estimate of their gravity, just like a physician good at diagnosing would do treating a disease.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 9

The king said: 'What is the value of atonement when one cannot control oneself, despite hearing and seeing about it and knowing how harmful to oneself [and others] it is to act badly?

The king said: 'What is the value of atonement when one, despite of hearing and seeing about it and of knowing how harmful to the self one acts in committing offenses, is not really able to exercise control in one's repetitiously falling down? (Vedabase)

 

Text 10

Sometimes ceasing with the sin, sometimes engaging in it again, I consider the process of atonement quite useless. It is like with an elephant covering itself with dust after coming out of the water.'

Sometimes ceasing with the sin, sometimes engaging in it again, I consider the process of atonement quite useless; it is like with an elephant covering itself with dust after coming out of the water.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 11

The son of Vyāsa said: 'By countering one [fruitful] deed with another deed [with compensations] there is indeed no end to that action when there is a lack of [self-]knowledge. Sins are only atoned for after [self-]searching, after investigation [also: discussions, confessions or psychotherapy; vimars'ana].

The son of Vyāsa said: 'By undoing karma is indeed, from being without knowledge, not its end realized; for real atonement one really has to be through with all that. (Vedabase)


Text 12

Those who eat the right food will not be plagued by all kinds of diseases, similarly the one who manages to discipline himself [in niyama], oh King, will more and more qualify for well-being and happiness.

Those who eat the right food are truly not overcome by all sorts of disease indeed, similarly is the one acting in orderly observance o King, more and more likely to be well. (Vedabase)


Text 13-14

By means of voluntary penance and chastity, by equal-mindedness and sense control, by sacrificing [charity] and truthfulness, by inner and outer cleanliness, by refraining from violence and abuse and by self-restraint [by means of mantra meditation e.g.], they who, endowed with faith and knowledge of dharma, are calm and steady in their actions, words and intelligence, put an end to all kinds of sin, however great and abominable, the way a fire consumes a bamboo forest.

This is done by vow and regulation [yama and niyama]; voluntary penance, celibacy, mindcontrol [in dhyāna and japa e.g.] and restraint of the sensual as also by donating to good causes, truthfulness and internal and external cleanliness. By the body, the voice and by the intelligence do the sober ones in full knowledge of the actual duty of dharma with faith put an end to all kinds of offenses, however great and abominable, like a fire consuming dry leaves. (Vedabase)


Text 15

Some who rely on nothing but unalloyed devotion [*] unto Vāsudeva, manage to destroy all their badness completely, just like the sun dissipates fog.

Some manage, in relying on nothing but an unalloyed devotion [*] towards Vāsudeva, to destroy all their badness beyond revival, like the sun does with fog. (Vedabase)

 

Text 16

A man full of sin, oh King, is certainly not as much purified by penance and such as the devotee is, who surrendered his life to Krishna in dedicated service unto the person [the representative] of God [in particular the ācārya, see also 5.5: 10-13].

A man full of sin, o King is for certain not as much purified by penance and such as the devotee is who surrendered his life to Krishna in dedicated service unto the original person of God [or the ācārya]. (Vedabase)
 
Text 17

In this world the most appropriate path is the safe path that free from fear is followed by the well-behaved and auspicious devotees who are of full surrender to Nārāyana.

In this world is the path that is really appropriate the one that is followed by the well-behaved, fearless and auspicious, saintly people in surrender of Nārāyana. (Vedabase)

 

Text 18

All the atonement well performed by someone who is not devoted to Nārāyana will not purify, oh King, the same way the water of all rivers cannot purify a liquor jar.

Most of the atonement well performed by a nondevotee will not purify, o King, like all the rivers can't with the washing of a liquor jar. (Vedabase)

 

Text 19

Once the mind is of full surrender to the two lotus feet of Lord Krishna, one is of the right atonement; one will, attached to His qualities, then never encounter in this world - or even in one's dreams - Yamarāja and his servants carrying the noose [compare B.G. 18: 66].

Once the mind is of full surrender to the two lotus feet of Lord Krishna, will one, hankering after His qualities, out here never encounter Yamarāja and his superintendents, or even in one's dreams meet his servants carrying the ropes to bind, because one is then of the right atonement [compare B.G. 18: 66]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 20

Concerning this the example is given of a very old story of a discussion between the servants of Vishnu and Yamarāja. Please let me tell you about it.

Relating to this is the example given of the very old story of the discussion between the order-carriers of Vishnu and Yamarāja. Please hear about it from me.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 21

Once in the city of Kānyakubja there was a brahmin named Ajāmila who, as the husband of a maidservant, had lost his way in association with her and therefrom no longer endeavored for the truth.

In the city of Kānyakubja there was some brahmin with the name of Ajāmila who as the husband of a low class woman was contaminated by his association with her services and had lost all his truthful conduct. (Vedabase)

 

Text 22

He had resorted to reprehensible activities as arresting and robbing people and cheating. Thus he maintained his family in a most sinful way and caused others a lot of trouble.

By having resorted to reprehensible exploits as arresting without need, cheating in gambling and theft, gave he others a lot of trouble in maintaining his family in a most sinful way. (Vedabase)

 

Text 23

Caring for her sons this way managing his existence, oh King, the great lapse of time passed of eighty-eight years of his life.

Living on this way keeping up his family consisting of many sons, o King, passed the great amount of time of eighty-eight years of his life. (Vedabase)

 

Text 24

He, as an old man, had ten sons and the youngest of them, held very dear by the father and mother, was addressed by the name of Nārāyana.

He, as an old man, had ten sons and the youngest of them was a small child that by the father and the mother was held very dear and addressed by the name of Nārāyana. (Vedabase)

 

Text 25

The little boy was the apple of his eye and the old man enjoyed it very much to witness his prattling and playing.

The little one was very dear to him; to see its child-talk and its playing enjoyed the old man very much. (Vedabase)

 

Text 26

As he ate, drank and chewed he, controlled by his affection, also fed the child and gave it something to drink, but, foolish as he was, he failed to notice that his life drew to a close.

When he ate, drank and chewed fed he in great affection the child, and gave he it also something to drink, but being foolish failed he to understand that his end was near. (Vedabase)

 

Text 27

When the time of his death arrived he, who had lived in ignorance, thus had a mind fixed on his little son who carried the name of Nārāyana.

When the time of his death had arrived had he, living as an ignoramus, thus a mind fixed on the little son who carried the name of Nārāyana. (Vedabase)

 

Text 28-29

He saw how three characters approached him with fearful features, twisted faces and their hairs standing on end, who, with the noose in their hands, were ready to take him away. Terrified and with tears in his eyes he thus loudly called for his nearby playing child named Nārāyana.

At a short distance he saw that three characters, with ropes in their hands and fearful features, twisted faces and their hairs erect on their bodies, had arrived, ready to take him away. Terrified and with tears in his eyes he thus loudly called for his nearby playing child which carried the name of Nārāyana. (Vedabase)

 

Text 30

The moment Vishnu's servants heard the name of the Lord, their master, from the mouth of the dying man, oh King, they came immediately.

Hearing the chant of the name of the Lord their master from the mouth of the dying man, o King, arrived His attendants immediately. (Vedabase)

 

Text 31

As the messengers of death were pulling Ajāmila away from the heart of the maidservant's husband, the Vishnudūtas forbade it with resounding voices.

As the messengers of Yāma from within were pulling away the heart of the maid's husband, did the Vishnudūtas with resounding voices forbade it. (Vedabase)

 

Text 32

The messengers of Yamarāja thus being thwarted replied: 'Who do you all think you are to oppose the authority of the King of Dharma?

They being forbidden replied to them: 'Who are you all, to oppose the authority of the King of Dharma? (Vedabase)

 

Text 33

Whose servants are you, where are you from and why have you come here? Why do you stop us in this? Do you belong to the demigods, the  lesser gods or to the perfected souls?

To whom or where do you belong, why have you come here and why are you forbidding us to proceed? Who would you be, the best of the perfect, gods or some godlike? (Vedabase)


Text 34-36

You all, with your lotuslike eyes, yellow garments, helmets, glittering earrings and lotus flower garlands; you all, looking so young and beautiful with your four arms, bow, quiver of arrows and the decoration of a sword, club, conch, disc and lotus flower, you dissipate in all directions the darkness with the effulgence of the light emanating from you. For what reason do you deny us, the servants of the Maintainer of Dharma?'

You all, with your lotuslike eyes, yellow garments, helmets, glittering earrings and lotusflower garlands; you all, looking so young and all beautiful with four arms, bow, quiver of arrows and the decoration of a sword, club, conch, disc and lotusflower, in all directions dissipate the darkness by the effulgence of the light emanating from you; what is the purpose of your denying us, the servants of the Maintainer of Dharma?' (Vedabase)

 

Text 37

S'uka said: 'Thus being addressed by the Yamadūtas they, who followed the word of Vāsudeva, replied with a smile, saying the following with voices resounding like rumbling clouds.

S'uka said: 'Thus being addressed by the Yamadūtas did they, always ready to serve Vāsudeva, reply them smilingly the following, with voices resounding like rumbling clouds. (Vedabase)

 

Text 38

The Vishnudūtas said: 'If you really are all the servants of the King of Dharma, then just tell us what the principles of dharma and the characteristics of adharma are.

The honorable Vishnudūtas said: 'If the lot of you are indeed the order-carriers of the King of Dharma, then you tell us the truth of dharma as also how adharma should be recognized.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 39

How and where should punishment be administered, and are all or only some human beings who take advantage of others punishable?'

In what way should punishment be administered or what would be the suitable place to do so, and are all or only some of the humans out for their advantage punishable?' (Vedabase)

 

Text 40

The Yamadūtas said: 'Dharma or religious principles is what is prescribed in the Vedas, adharma is the opposite. The Vedas are Nārāyana Himself and originated from Him alone, so we have heard.

The Yamadūtas said: 'In the Veda's indeed is the dharma prescribed, adharma is the opposite of that; the Veda's are to be seen as born from Himself, from Nārāyana, so we've heard. (Vedabase)

 

Text 41

All that manifested with its specific qualities, names, activities and forms has by Him been created from His position in heaven, by means of [the interaction of] the basic material qualities of passion, goodness and slowness.

By Him, from His own position, are under the rule of the modes of passion, goodness and slowness all these manifestations created and have they their appropriate differences in qualities, names, activities and forms. (Vedabase)

 

Text 42

The sun, the fire, the sky, the air, the gods, the moon, the evening, the day and the night, the directions, the water and the land are all evidence of the personal dharma [the very nature] of the embodied living entity [see also B.G. 8: 4].

The divinity of the sun, the fire, the sky, the air, the gods, the moon, the evening, the day and the night, the directions, the water and the land; all these are dharma personified verily thus bearing witness to the embodied living entity. (Vedabase)

 

Text 43

Adharma [in the sense of going against nature] with all these [witnessing natural divinities], is recognized as the form of behavior qualifying for retribution, for the reaction deemed appropriate for all the actions of offenders that deserve punishment.

By all these is the deviation in adharma known and are the proper places of punishment all acknowledged with regard to the karma in question of the offenders deserving the chastisement. (Vedabase)


Text 44

They who under the influence of the natural modes are engaged in actions motivated for results, can be of good, pious deeds as also of deeds directly opposite to that, oh pure souls, but no embodied soul can exist without engaging in action.

With the karmīs who contaminated by the modes took up a material form, are there indeed auspicious, pious acts as well as actions opposite to that, o sinless ones, because practically no one does his work completely free from material motives. (Vedabase)


Text 45

The extent to which someone in this life is of certain righteous or bad deeds, assures him in his next life of the enjoyment or suffering that is their result [compare B.G. 14: 18].

The extent to which someone in this life performs a certain adharma or dharma, assures him of enjoying or suffering a particular result accordingly in his next life [compare B.G. 14: 18].  (Vedabase)

 

Text 46

The way one here in this life among the living beings, oh best of the demigods, experiences the different effects of the basic qualities of matter -  in the form of their three attributes [viz. knowledge, movement and inertia] - one may expect to have a similar experience elsewhere [in another world].

The way in this life among the living, o best of the divine, from the different effects of the natural modes, the three kinds of attributes are achieved [of being peaceful, restless and foolish; of being happy, unhappy or in-between; or of being religious, irreligious and semi-religious], may one expect it to be similar when one reaches elsewhere [in an afterlife]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 47

Just as the present time carries the characteristics of what was and what will become, someone's present birth likewise is indicative of the dharma and adharma of what one did and will be doing.

Just as the present time is evidence of the past and an indication for the future, is even so this birth indicative of the dharma and adharma of one's past and future births. (Vedabase)


Text 48

The godhead [of Yamarāja] is a great Lord as good as Brahmā; he in his abode sees before his mind's eye the form one previously had and then understands what one's future will be.

In his abode does the godhead [of Yamarāja] in his mind's eye observe the previous form taken and considers he its possible future; to the mind is he a great Lord as good as Brahmā. (Vedabase)

 

Text 49

Just like someone who, with what he projects in his sleep, has lost the awareness of what precedes or follows that dream, one is equally unaware of a life before or after this [present] birth.

The way someone in his sleep is engaged in acting to a particular form, is one similarly unaware of the past and of what's next when one because of one's birth has lost the remembrance. (Vedabase)

 

Text 50

With the five working senses, the five senses of perception and their five objects engaged in pursuing his goals, he with his mind as the sixteenth element is of awareness. But as the one [soul, as a person] he himself constitutes the seventeenth element in enjoying the threefold nature of reality [see also B.G. 3: 42-43].

By the seventeen of the five working senses, the five senses of perception and their five objects, he performs, knows and has its interests, but with these fifteen elements and the mind to it, is he himself the one [soul] that is the seventeenth element enjoying the threefold. (Vedabase)


Text 51

With that sixteen part subtle body [the linga] as a result of the three forces of our greater nature, the living entity is subjected to a [difficult to overcome] repeated series of births [transmigration or samsriti] in which it experiences jubilation, lamentation, fear and misery.

Since that sixteen part subtle body is the effect of the three forces of the greater of nature, is the living entity subjected to a [difficult to overcome] perpetual transmigration [samsriti] that gives it jubilation, lamentation, fear and misery. (Vedabase)


Text 52

The embodied soul, lacking in awareness for not being in control of his senses and mind, is against his will led to actions for the sake of his own material interests; thus being bewildered he, like a silkworm, weaves himself in[to the cocoon of] his own karma.

The embodied one who, not being in control with the senses and the mind, misses the awareness, is against his will caused to perform actions for his own material benefit; like a silkworm he thus weaves himself into his own karma, getting bewildered. (Vedabase)


Text 53

No one can exist but for a moment without doing something. One is by the three modes automatically forced to perform the fruitful actions belonging to one's nature.

There is verily no one who but for a moment can remain without doing something; indeed is one by the three modes automatically forced to perform fruitive activities that are the result of one's own natural tendencies. (Vedabase)

 

Text 54

On the basis of the imperceptible, unknown cause of that so very powerful personal nature, from the womb of the mother and the seed of the father, the gross and subtle body finds its existence to their likeness  [see also B.G. 8: 6].

By the so very powerful inborn nature comes into being, no doubt as a copy to the mother's flesh and the father's seed, the gross and the subtle of the body to the drive of the, for the person invisible, cause [see also: B.G. 8: 6]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 55

Because of this association with material nature the position of the living entity has turned into an awkward one [of forgetfulness], but if one but for a short while manages to enjoy the association of the Lord, that problem is overcome.

The position of a living entity has because of this association with the material of nature turned into an awkward one of forgetfulness, but if one but for a short while manages to enjoy the association of the Controller, is that problem overcome. (Vedabase)

 

Text 56-57

This man [Ajāmila] well versed in the Vedas, of a good character and good conduct, was [initially] a reservoir of good qualities. He conscientiously, mild, controlled and truthful kept to his vows and knew his mantras. He was neat and clean, of the greatest esteem in service of the guru, the fire god, his guests and members of the household and was free from false pride, friendly to all, faultless, non-envious and of the finest choice of words.

This one [Ajāmila] was always good with the Veda, of a good character, good conduct and a reservoir of good qualities; conscientiously he followed the injunctions, was mild, controlled, truthful, knew his mantras, was neat and clean, of the greatest esteem in service of the guru, the fire-god, his guests and members of the household and free from false pride, friendly to all, faultless, non-envious and of the best words.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 58-60

Some day this brahmin, following the orders of his father, went into the forest to collect fruits there, flowers, samit and kus'a [types of grass]. On his way back he saw some s'ūdra very lusty engaged with a promiscuous maidservant who, drunken because of maireya nectar [a drink made from the soma flower], intoxicated rolled her eyes to and fro. Under the influence her dress had slackened and he, unashamed having fallen from proper conduct, stood close to her singing and laughing having a good time with her.

Once did this brahmin, following the orders of his father, go to the forest to collect from there fruits and flowers and samit and kus'a [types of grass]. Returning, he saw some s'ūdra very lusty together with a public woman that drunken of maireya nectar [a drink made from the somaflower] rolled her eyes to and fro of the intoxication. Under the influence had her dress slackened and, unashamed having fallen from proper conduct, stood he close to her singing and laughing, having a good time. (Vedabase)

 

Text 61

When Ajāmila saw her with the with turmeric decorated arm of the lusty s'ūdra around her, he all of a sudden with a heart full of lust fell victim to bewilderment.

Seeing her with his lusty, with turmeric decorated, arm around her, fell Ajāmila thus, with his heart after what he saw, victim of perplexity. (Vedabase)

 

Text 62

From within trying to regain control, he reminded himself of what was taught, but agitated as he was by Cupid he failed to restrain his mind.

From within trying to get himself under control, reminding himself what was taught, failed he to manage to restrain his mind, agitated as it was by Cupid. (Vedabase)

 

Text 63

Provoked by the sight he, who in his bewilderment stood senseless, resembled a planet in eclipse. With his attention focussed on her he [that very moment] gave up his dharma completely.

Provoked by the sight was he, in the bewilderment of his mind, a planet in eclipse forgetting his real position and gave he, with his mind fixed on her, up on his dharma. (Vedabase)


Text 64

He decided that he would please her as far as the money allowed he had from his father. To keep her satisfied he thus catered to every material desire that came to her mind.

Her he ventured to please, as far as the money he had from his father would permit it, offering her material certainty in catering to her desires, so that she thus would be satisfied. (Vedabase)

 

Text 65

His youthful wife, the brahmin daughter of a respectable family he had married, he in his sin abandoned directly after his mind was caught by the looks of the unchaste woman.

His youthful wife, the brahmin's daughter from a respectable family he married, he in his sin abandoned the moment his mind got caught by the looks of the public woman. (Vedabase)

 

Text 66

Doing whatever possible he in his weakness properly or else improperly procured the money needed to maintain the family consisting of her and her many children.

By all means and at all times did he, this person, bereft of all intelligence, by either properly or improperly acquiring the money for it, take care of her and the many children that were part of the family she constituted. (Vedabase)

 

Text 67

Because this man acted so irresponsibly and broke with all the rules of the s'āstra, for a long time sinfully passing his time impiously with filthy practices, he is most condemned.

Because this man, acting irresponsibly, broke with all the rules of the s'āstra, was his life of passing such a long time in wrongful activities, because of its impurity most condemned as being unclean. (Vedabase)


Text 68

Not having atoned for his perpetual sinning, we will take him to the presence of the Lord of Punishment, where being chastised he will find purification.'

Since he did not atone for his perpetual sinning, shall we therefore take him to the presence of the Lord of Punishment where being chastised he will find purification.' (Vedabase)

 

*: In this regard  S'rīla Jīva Gosvāmī comments that bhakti may be divided into two divisions: (1) santatā, devotional service that continues incessantly with faith and love, and (2) kādācitkī, devotional service that does not continue incessantly but is sometimes awakened. Incessantly flowing devotional service (santatā) may also be divided into two categories: (1) service performed with slight attachment and (2) spontaneous devotional service. Intermittent devotional service (kādācitkī) may be divided into three categories: (1) rāgābhāsamayī, devotional service in which one is almost attached (2) rāgābhāsa-s'ūnya-svarūpa-bhūtā, devotional service in which there is no spontaneous love but one likes the constitutional position of serving, and (3) ābhāsa-rūpā, a slight glimpse of devotional service.  

 

 

 

 


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The painting is titled "Cheater" and is © of  Vlad Holst. Used with permission.
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