S'rîmad Bhâgavatam - Canto 12
Sanskrit, word-for-word and original translation of Swami Prabhupâda
(for the purports one will have to consult the books under the copyright of the BBT)
*****
Canto 12: "The Age of Deterioration"
*****
Chapter Six: Mahârâja Parîkshit Passes Away
*****
TEXT 1
sûta uvâca
etan nis'amya muninâbhihitam parîkshid
vyâsâtmajena nikhilâtma-dris'â samena
tat-pâda-mûlam upasritya natena mûrdhnâ
baddhâñjalis tam idam âha sa vishnurâtah
sûtah uvâca-Sûta Gosvâmî said; etat-this; nis'amya-hearing; muninâ-by the sage (S'ukadeva); abhihitam-narrated; parîkshit-Mahârâja Parîkshit; vyâsa-âtma-jena-by the son of Vyâsadeva; nikhila-of all living beings; âtma-the Supreme Lord; dris'â-who sees; samena-who is perfectly equipoised; tat-of him (S'ukadeva); pâda-mûlam-to the lotus feet; upasritya-going up; natena-bowed down; mûrdhnâ-with his head; baddha-añjalih-his arms folded in supplication; tam-to him; idam-this; âha-said; sah-he; vishnu-râtah-Parîkshit, who while still in the womb had been protected by Lord Krishna Himself.
TRANSLATION
Sûta Gosvâmî said: After hearing all that was narrated to him by the self-realized and equipoised S'ukadeva, the son of Vyâsadeva, Mahârâja Parîkshit humbly approached his lotus feet. Bowing his head down upon the sage's feet, the King, who had lived his entire life under the protection of Lord Vishnu, folded his hands in supplication and spoke as follows.
*****
TEXT 2
râjovâca
siddho 'smy anugrihîto 'smi
bhavatâ karunâtmanâ
s'râvito yac ca me sâkshâd
anâdi-nidhano harih
râjâ uvâca-King Parîkshit said; siddhah-fully successful; asmi-I am; anugrihîtah-shown great mercy; asmi-I am; bhavatâ-by your good self; karunâ-âtmanâ-who are full of mercy; s'râvitah-has been described aurally; yat-because; ca-and; me-to me; sâkshât-directly; anâdi-who has no beginning; nidhanah-or end; harih-the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
TRANSLATION
Mahârâja Parîkshit said: I have now achieved the purpose of my life, because a great and merciful soul like you has shown such kindness to me. You have personally spoken to me this narration of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, who is without beginning or end.
*****
TEXT 3
nâty-adbhutam aham manye
mahatâm acyutâtmanâm
ajñeshu tâpa-tapteshu
bhûteshu yad anugrahah
na-not; ati-adbhutam-very surprising; aham-I; manye-think; mahatâm-for the great souls; acyuta-âtmanâm-whose minds are always absorbed in Lord Krishna; ajñeshu-upon the ignorant; tâpa-by the distresses of material life; tapteshu-tormented; bhûteshu-upon the conditioned souls; yat-which; anugrahah-mercy.
TRANSLATION
I do not consider it at all amazing that great souls such as yourself, whose minds are always absorbed in the infallible Personality of Godhead, show mercy to the foolish conditioned souls, tormented as we are by the problems of material life.
*****
TEXT 4
purâna-samhitâm etâm
as'raushma bhavato vayam
yasyâm khalûttamah-s'loko
bhagavân anavarnyate
purâna-samhitâm-essential summary of all the Purânas; etâm-this; as'raushma-have heard; bhavatah-from you; vayam-we; yasyâm-in which; khalu-indeed; uttamah-s'lokah-who is always described in choice poetry; bhagavân-the Personality of Godhead; anuvarnyate-is fittingly described.
TRANSLATION
I have heard from you this S'rîmad-Bhâgavatam, which is the perfect summary of all the Purânas and which perfectly describes the Supreme Lord, Uttamahs'loka.
*****
TEXT 5
bhagavams takshakâdibhyo
mrityubhyo na bibhemy aham
pravishtho brahma nirvânam
abhayam dars'itam tvayâ
bhagavan-my lord; takshaka-from the snake-bird Takshaka; âdibhyah-or other living entities; mrityubhyah-from repeated deaths; na bibhemi-do not fear; aham-I; pravishthah-having entered; brahma-the Absolute Truth; nirvânam-exclusive of everything material; abhayam-fearlessness; dars'itam-shown; tvayâ-by you.
TRANSLATION
My lord, I now have no fear of Takshaka or any other living being, or even of repeated deaths, because I have absorbed myself in that purely spiritual Absolute Truth, which you have revealed and which destroys all fear.
*****
TEXT 6
anujânîhi mâm brahman
vâcam yacchâmy adhokshaje
mukta-kâmâs'ayam cetah
praves'ya visrijâmy asûn
anujânîhi-please give your permission; mâm-to me; brahman-O great brâhmana; vâcam-my speech (and all other sensory functions); yacchâmi-I shall place; adhokshaje-within the Supreme Personality of Godhead; mukta-having given up; kâma-âs'ayam-all lusty desires; cetah-my mind; praves'ya-absorbing; visrijâmi-I shall give up; asûn-my life air.
TRANSLATION
O brâhmana, please give me permission to resign my speech and the functions of all my senses unto Lord Adhokshaja. Allow me to absorb my mind, purified of lusty desires, within Him and to thus give up my life.
*****
TEXT 7
ajñânam ca nirastam me
jñâna-vijñâna-nishthhayâ
bhavatâ dars'itam kshemam
param bhagavatah padam
ajñânam-ignorance; ca-also; nirastam-eradicated; me-my; jñâna-in knowledge of the Supreme Lord; vijñâna-and direct realization of His opulence and sweetness; nishthhayâ-by becoming fixed; bhavatâ-by you; dars'itam-has been shown; kshemam-all-auspicious; param-supreme; bhagavatah-of the Lord; padam-the Personality.
TRANSLATION
You have revealed to me that which is most auspicious, the supreme personal feature of the Lord. I am now fixed in knowledge and self-realization, and my ignorance has been eradicated.
*****
TEXT 8
sûta uvâca
ity uktas tam anujñâpya
bhagavân bâdarâyanih
jagâma bhikshubhih sâkam
nara-devena pûjitah
sûtah uvâca-S'rî Sûta Gosvâmî said; iti-thus; uktah-spoken to; tam-him; anujñâpya-giving permission; bhagavân-the powerful saint; bâdarâyanih-S'ukadeva, the son of Bâdarâyana Vedavyâsa; jagâma-went away; bhikshubhih-the renounced sages; sâkam-along with; nara-devena-by the King; pûjitah-worshiped.
TRANSLATION
Sûta Gosvâmî said: Thus requested, the saintly son of S'rîla Vyâsadeva gave his permission to King Parîkshit. Then, after being worshiped by the King and all the sages present, S'ukadeva departed from that place.
*****
9-10
parîkshid api râjarshir
âtmany âtmânam âtmanâ
samâdhâya param dadhyâv
aspandâsur yathâ taruh
prâk-kûle barhishy âsîno
gangâ-kûla udan-mukhah
brahma-bhûto mahâ-yogî
nihsangas' chinna-sams'ayah
parîkshit-Mahârâja Parîkshit; api-furthermore; râja-rishih-the great saintly King; âtmani-within his own spiritual identity; âtmânam-his mind; âtmanâ-by his intelligence; samâdhâya-placing; param-upon the Supreme; dadhyau-he meditated; aspanda-motionless; asuh-his living air; yathâ-just as; taruh-a tree;
prâk-kûle-with the tips of its stalks facing east; barhishi-upon darbha grass; âsînah-sitting; gangâ-kûle-on the bank of the Gangâ; udak-mukhah-facing north; brahma-bhûtah-in perfect realization of his true identity; mahâ-yogî-the exalted mystic; nihsangah-free of all material attachment; chinna-broken off; sams'ayah-all doubts.
TRANSLATION
Mahârâja Parîkshit then sat down on the bank of the Ganges, upon a seat made of darbha grass with the tips of its stalks facing east, and turned himself toward the north. Having attained the perfection of yoga, he experienced full self-realization and was free of material attachment and doubt. The saintly King settled his mind within his spiritual self by pure intelligence and proceeded to meditate upon the Supreme Absolute Truth. His life air ceased to move, and he became as stationary as a tree.
*****
TEXT 11
takshakah prahito viprâh
kruddhena dvija-sûnunâ
hantu-kâmo nripam gacchan
dadars'a pathi kas'yapam
takshakah-the snake-bird Takshaka; prahitah-sent; viprâh-O learned brâhmanas; kruddhena-who had been angered; dvija-of the sage Samîka; sûnunâ-by the son; hantu-kâmah-desirous of killing; nripam-the King; gacchan-while going; dadars'a-he saw; pathi-upon the road; kas'yapam-Kas'yapa Muni.
TRANSLATION
O learned brâhmanas, the snake-bird Takshaka, who had been sent by the angry son of a brâhmana, was going toward the King to kill him when he saw Kas'yapa Muni on the path.
*****
TEXT 12
tam tarpayitvâ dravinair
nivartya visha-hârinam
dvija-rûpa-praticchannah
kâma-rûpo 'das'an nripam
tam-him (Kas'yapa); tarpayitvâ-gratifying; dravinaih-with valuable offerings; nivartya-stopping; visha-hârinam-an expert in counteracting poison; dvija-rûpa-in the form of a brâhmana; praticchannah-disguising himself; kâma-rûpah-Takshaka, who could assume any form he wished; adas'at-bit; nripam-King Parîkshit.
TRANSLATION
Takshaka flattered Kas'yapa by presenting him with valuable offerings and thereby stopped the sage, who was expert in counteracting poison, from protecting Mahârâja Parîkshit. Then the snakebird, who could assume any form he wished, disguised himself as a brâhmana, approached the King and bit him.
*****
TEXT 13
brahma-bhûtasya râjarsher
deho 'hi-garalâgninâ
babhûva bhasmasât sadyah
pas'yatâm sarva-dehinâm
brahma-bhûtasya-of the fully self-realized; râja-risheh-the saint among kings; dehah-the body; ahi-of the snake; garala-from the poison; agninâ-by the fire; babhûva-turned; bhasma-sât-to ashes; sadyah-immediately; pas'yatâm-while they were watching; sarva-dehinâm-all embodied living beings.
TRANSLATION
While living beings all over the universe looked on, the body of the great self-realized saint among kings was immediately burned to ashes by the fire of the snake's poison.
*****
TEXT 14
hâhâ-kâro mahân âsîd
bhuvi khe dikshu sarvatah
vismitâ hy abhavan sarve
devâsura-narâdayah
hâhâ-kârah-a cry of lamentation; mahân-great; âsît-there was; bhuvi-on the earth; khe-in the sky; dikshu-in the directions; sarvatah-all about; vismitâh-amazed; hi-indeed; abhavan-they became; sarve-all; deva-the demigods; asura-demons; nara-human beings; âdayah-and other creatures.
TRANSLATION
There arose a terrible cry of lamentation in all directions on the earth and in the heavens, and all the demigods, demons, human beings and other creatures were astonished.
*****
TEXT 15
deva-dundubhayo nedur
gandharvâpsaraso jaguh
vavrishuh pushpa-varshâni
vibudhâh sâdhu-vâdinah
deva-of the demigods; dundubhayah-the kettledrums; neduh-resounded; gandharva-apsarasah-the Gandharvas and Apsarâs; jaguh-sang; vavrishuh-they showered down; pushpa-varshâni-rains of flowers; vibudhâh-the demigods; sâdhu-vâdinah-speaking praise.
TRANSLATION
Kettledrums sounded in the regions of the demigods, and the celestial Gandharvas and Apsarâs sang. The demigods showered flowers and spoke words of praise.
*****
TEXT 16
janmejayah sva-pitaram
s'rutvâ takshaka-bhakshitam
yathâjuhâva sankruddho
nâgân satre saha dvijaih
janmejayah-King Janamejaya, the son of Parîkshit; sva-pitaram-his own father; s'rutvâ-hearing; takshaka-by Takshaka, the snake-bird; bhakshitam-bitten; yathâ-properly; âjuhâva-offered as oblations; sankruddhah-extremely angry; nâgân-the snakes; satre-in a great sacrifice; saha-along with; dvijaih-brâhmanas.
TRANSLATION
Hearing that his father had been fatally bitten by the snakebird, Mahârâja Janamejaya became extremely angry and had brâhmanas perform a mighty sacrifice in which he offered all the snakes in the world into the sacrificial fire.
*****
TEXT 17
sarpa-satre samiddhâgnau
dahyamânân mahoragân
drishthvendram bhaya-samvignas
takshakah s'aranam yayau
sarpa-satre-in the snake sacrifice; samiddha-blazing; agnau-in the fire; dahyamânân-being burned; mahâ-uragân-the great serpents; drishthvâ-seeing; indram-to Indra; bhaya-with fear; samvignah-very disturbed; takshakah-Takshaka; s'aranam-for shelter; yayau-went.
TRANSLATION
When Takshaka saw even the most powerful serpents being burned in the blazing fire of that snake sacrifice, he was overwhelmed with fear and approached Lord Indra for shelter.
*****
TEXT 18
apas'yams takshakam tatra
râjâ pârîkshito dvijân
uvâca takshakah kasmân
na dahyetoragâdhamah
apas'yan-not seeing; takshakam-Takshaka; tatra-there; râjâ-the King; pârîkshitah-Janamejaya; dvijân-to the brâhmanas; uvâca-said; takshakah-Takshaka; kasmât-why; na dahyeta-has not been burned; uraga-of all the serpents; adhamah-the lowest.
TRANSLATION
When King Janamejaya did not see Takshaka entering his sacrificial fire, he said to the brâhmanas: Why is not Takshaka, the lowest of all serpents, burning in this fire?
*****
TEXT 19
tam gopâyati râjendra
s'akrah s'aranam âgatam
tena samstambhitah sarpas
tasmân nâgnau pataty asau
tam-him (Takshaka); gopâyati-is hiding; râja-indra-O best of kings; s'akrah-Lord Indra; s'aranam-for shelter; âgatam-who has approached; tena-by that Indra; samstambhitah-kept; sarpah-the snake; tasmât-thus; na-not; agnau-into the fire; patati-does fall; asau-he.
TRANSLATION
The brâhmanas replied: O best of kings, the snake Takshaka has not fallen into the fire because he is being protected by Indra, whom he has approached for shelter. Indra is holding him back from the fire.
*****
TEXT 20
pârîkshita iti s'rutvâ
prâhartvija udâra-dhîh
sahendras takshako viprâ
nâgnau kim iti pâtyate
pârîkshitah-King Janamejaya; iti-these words; s'rutvâ-hearing; prâha-replied; ritvijah-to the priests; udâra-broad; dhîh-whose intelligence; saha-along with; indrah-Indra; takshakah-Takshaka; viprâh-O brâhmanas; na-not; agnau-into the fire; kim-why; iti-indeed; pâtyate-is made to fall.
TRANSLATION
The intelligent King Janamejaya, hearing these words, replied to the priests: Then, my dear brâhmanas, why not make Takshaka fall into the fire, along with his protector, Indra?
*****
TEXT 21
tac chrutvâjuhuvur viprâh
sahendram takshakam makhe
takshakâs'u patasveha
sahendrena marutvatâ
tat-that; s'rutvâ-hearing; âjuhuvuh-they performed the ritual of offering oblation; viprâh-the brâhmana priests; saha-along with; indram-King Indra; takshakam-the snake-bird Takshaka; makhe-into the sacrificial fire; takshaka-O Takshaka; âs'u-quickly; patasva-you should fall; iha-here; saha indrena-together with Indra; marut-vatâ-who is accompanied by all the demigods.
TRANSLATION
Hearing this, the priests then chanted this mantra for offering Takshaka together with Indra as an oblation into the sacrificial fire: O Takshaka, fall immediately into this fire, together with Indra and his entire host of demigods!
*****
TEXT 22
iti brahmoditâkshepaih
sthânâd indrah pracâlitah
babhûva sambhrânta-matih
sa-vimânah sa-takshakah
iti-thus; brahma-by the brâhmanas; udita-spoken; âkshepaih-by the insulting words; sthânât-from his place; indrah-Lord Indra; pracâlitah-thrown; babhûva-became; sambhrânta-disturbed; matih-in his mind; sa-vimânah-along with his heavenly airplane; sa-takshakah-along with Takshaka.
TRANSLATION
When Lord Indra, along with his airplane and Takshaka, was suddenly thrown from his position by these insulting words of the brâhmanas, he became very disturbed.
*****
TEXT 23
tam patantam vimânena
saha-takshakam ambarât
vilokyângirasah prâha
râjânam tam brihaspatih
tam-him; patantam-falling; vimânena-in his airplane; saha-takshakam-with Takshaka; ambarât-from the sky; vilokya-observing; ângirasah-the son of Angirâ; prâha-spoke; râjânam-to the King (Janamejaya); tam-to him; brihaspatih-Brihaspati.
TRANSLATION
Brihaspati, the son of Angirâ Muni, seeing Indra falling from the sky in his airplane along with Takshaka, approached King Janamejaya and spoke to him as follows.
*****
TEXT 24
naisha tvayâ manushyendra
vadham arhati sarpa-râth
anena pîtam amritam
atha vâ ajarâmarah
na-not; eshah-this snake-bird; tvayâ-by you; manushya-indra-O great ruler of men; vadham-murder; arhati-deserves; sarpa-râth-the king of snakes; anena-by him; pîtam-has been drunk; amritam-the nectar of the demigods; atha-therefore; vai-certainly; ajara-free from the effects of old age; amarah-virtually immortal.
TRANSLATION
O King among men, it is not fitting that this king of snakes meet death at your hands, for he has drunk the nectar of the immortal demigods. Consequently he is not subject to the ordinary symptoms of old age and death.
*****
TEXT 25
jîvitam maranam jantor
gatih svenaiva karmanâ
râjams tato 'nyo nâsty asya
pradâtâ sukha-duhkhayoh
jîvitam-the living; maranam-the dying; jantoh-of a living being; gatih-the destination in his next life; svena-by his own; eva-only; karmanâ-work; râjan-O King; tatah-than that; anyah-another; na asti-there is not; asya-for him; pradâtâ-bestower; sukha-duhkhayoh-of happiness and distress.
TRANSLATION
The life and death of an embodied soul and his destination in the next life are all caused by himself through his own activity. Therefore, O King, no other agent is actually responsible for creating one's happiness and distress.
*****
TEXT 26
sarpa-caurâgni-vidyudbhyah
kshut-trid-vyâdhy-âdibhir nripa
pañcatvam ricchate jantur
bhunkta ârabdha-karma tat
sarpa-from snakes; caura-thieves; agni-fire; vidyudbhyah-and lightning; kshut-from hunger; trith-thirst; vyâdhi-disease; âdibhih-and other agents; nripa-O King; pañcatvam-death; ricchate-obtains; jantuh-the conditioned living entity; bhunkte-he enjoys; ârabdha-already created by his past work; karma-the fruitive reaction; tat-that.
TRANSLATION
When a conditioned soul is killed by snakes, thieves, fire, lightning, hunger, disease or anything else, he is experiencing the reaction to his own past work.
*****
TEXT 27
tasmât satram idam râjan
samsthîyetâbhicârikam
sarpâ anâgaso dagdhâ
janair dishtham hi bhujyate
tasmât-therefore; satram-sacrifice; idam-this; râjan-O King; samsthîyeta-should be stopped; âbhicârikam-done with intent to harm; sarpâh-the serpents; anâgasah-innocent; dagdhâh-burned; janaih-by persons; dishtham-fate; hi-indeed; bhujyate-is suffered.
TRANSLATION
Therefore, my dear King, please stop this sacrificial performance, which was initiated with the intent of doing harm to others. Many innocent snakes have already been burned to death. Indeed, all persons must suffer the unforeseen consequences of their past activities.
*****
TEXT 28
sûta uvâca
ity uktah sa tathety âha
maharsher mânayan vacah
sarpa-satrâd uparatah
pûjayâm âsa vâk-patim
sûtah uvâca-Sûta Gosvâmî said; iti-thus; uktah-addressed; sah-he (Janamejaya); tathâ iti-so be it; âha-he said; mahâ-risheh-of the great sage; mânayan-honoring; vacah-the words; sarpa-satrât-from the snake sacrifice; uparatah-ceasing; pûjayâm âsa-he worshiped; vâk-patim-Brihaspati, the master of eloquence.
TRANSLATION
Sûta Gosvâmî continued: Advised in this manner, Mahârâja Janamejaya replied, "So be it." Honoring the words of the great sage, he desisted from performing the snake sacrifice and worshiped Brihaspati, the most eloquent of sages.
*****
TEXT 29
saishâ vishnor mahâ-mâyâ-
bâdhyayâlakshanâ yayâ
muhyanty asyaivâtma-bhûtâ
bhûteshu guna-vrittibhih
sâ eshâ-this very; vishnoh-of the Supreme Lord, Vishnu; mahâ-mâyâ-the illusory material energy; abâdhyayâ-by her who cannot be checked; alakshanâ-indiscernible; yayâ-by whom; muhyanti-become bewildered; asya-of the Lord; eva-indeed; âtma-bhûtâh-the part-and-parcel spirit souls; bhûteshu-within their material bodies; guna-of the modes of nature; vrittibhih-by the functions.
TRANSLATION
This is indeed the Supreme Lord Vishnu's illusory energy, which is unstoppable and difficult to perceive. Although the individual spirit souls are part and parcel of the Lord, through the influence of this illusory energy they are bewildered by their identification with various material bodies.
*****
TEXTS 30 & 31
na yatra dambhîty abhayâ virâjitâ
mâyâtma-vâde 'sakrid âtma-vâdibhih
na yad vivâdo vividhas tad-âs'rayo
manas' ca sankalpa-vikalpa-vritti yat
na yatra srijyam srijatobhayoh param
s'reyas' ca jîvas tribhir anvitas tv aham
tad etad utsâdita-bâdhya-bâdhakam
nishidhya cormîn virameta tan munih
na-not; yatra-in which; dambhî-he is a hypocrite; iti-thinking thus; abhayâ-fearless; virâjitâ-visible; mâyâ-the illusory energy; âtma-vâde-when spiritual inquiry is being conducted; asakrit-constantly; âtma-vâdibhih-by those who describe spiritual science; na-not; yat-in which; vivâdah-materialistic argument; vividhah-taking many different forms; tat-âs'rayah-founded upon that illusory energy; manah-the mind; ca-and; sankalpa-decision; vikalpa-and doubt; vritti-whose functions; yat-in which;
na-not; yatra-in which; srijyam-the created products of the material world; srijatâ-along with their causes; ubhayoh-by both; param-achieved; s'reyah-the benefits; ca-and; jîvah-the living entity; tribhih-with the three (modes of nature); anvitah-joined; tu-indeed; aham-(conditioned by) false ego; tat etat-that indeed; utsâdita-excluding; bâdhya-the obstructed (conditioned living beings); bâdhakam-and the obstructing (modes of material nature); nishidhya-warding off; ca-and; ûrmîn-the waves (of false ego and so on); virameta-should take special pleasure; tat-in that; munih-a sage.
TRANSLATION
But there exists a supreme reality, in which the illusory energy cannot fearlessly dominate, thinking, "I can control this person because he is deceitful." In that highest reality there are no illusory argumentative philosophies. Rather, there the true students of spiritual science constantly engage in authorized spiritual investigation. In that supreme reality there is no manifestation of the material mind, which functions in terms of alternating decision and doubt. Created material products, their subtle causes and the goals of enjoyment attained by their utilization do not exist there. Furthermore, in that supreme reality there is no conditioned spirit, covered by false ego and the three modes of nature. That reality excludes everything limited or limiting. One who is wise should therefore stop the waves of material life and enjoy within that Supreme Truth.
*****
TEXT 32
param padam vaishnavam âmananti tad
yan neti netîty atad-utsisrikshavah
visrijya daurâtmyam ananya-sauhridâ
hridopaguhyâvasitam samâhitaih
param-the supreme; padam-situation; vaishnavam-of Lord Vishnu; âmananti-they designate; tat-that; yat-which; na iti na iti-"not this, not this"; iti-thus analyzing; atat-everything extraneous; utsisrikshavah-those who are desirous of giving up; visrijya-rejecting; daurâtmyam-petty materialism; ananya-placing nowhere else; sauhridâh-their affection; hridâ-within their hearts; upaguhya-embracing Him; avasitam-who is captured; samâhitaih-by those who meditate upon Him in trance.
TRANSLATION
Those who desire to give up all that is not essentially real move systematically, by negative discrimination of the extraneous, to the supreme position of Lord Vishnu. Giving up petty materialism, they offer their love exclusively to the Absolute Truth within their hearts and embrace that highest truth in fixed meditation.
*****
TEXT 33
ta etad adhigacchanti
vishnor yat paramam padam
aham mameti daurjanyam
na yeshâm deha-geha-jam
te-they; etat-this; adhigacchanti-come to know; vishnoh-of Lord Vishnu; yat-which; paramam-the supreme; padam-personal situation; aham-I; mama-my; iti-thus; daurjanyam-the depravity; na-is not; yeshâm-for whom; deha-the body; geha-and home; jam-based upon.
TRANSLATION
Such devotees come to understand the supreme transcendental situation of the Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, because they are no longer polluted by the concepts of "I" and "my," which are based on body and home.
*****
TEXT 34
ativâdâms titiksheta
nâvamanyeta kañcana
na cemam deham âs'ritya
vairam kurvîta kenacit
ati-vâdân-insulting words; titiksheta-one should tolerate; na-never; avamanyeta-one should disrespect; kañcana-anyone; na ca-nor; imam-this; deham-material body; âs'ritya-identifying with; vairam-enmity; kurvîta-one should have; kenacit-with anyone.
TRANSLATION
One should tolerate all insults and never fail to show proper respect to any person. Avoiding identification with the material body, one should not create enmity with anyone.
*****
TEXT 35
namo bhagavate tasmai
krishnâyâkunthha-medhase
yat-pâdâmburuha-dhyânât
samhitâm adhyagâm imâm
namah-obeisances; bhagavate-to the Supreme Personality of Godhead; tasmai-to Him; krishnâya-Lord S'rî Krishna; akunthha-medhase-whose power is never impeded; yat-whose; pâda-ambu-ruha-upon the lotus feet; dhyânât-by meditation; samhitâm-the scripture; adhyagâm-I have assimilated; imâm-this.
TRANSLATION
I offer my obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the invincible Lord S'rî Krishna. Simply by meditating upon His lotus feet I have been able to study and appreciate this great literature.
*****
TEXT 36
s'rî-s'aunaka uvâca
pailâdibhir vyâsa-s'ishyair
vedâcâryair mahâtmabhih
vedâs' ca kathitâ vyastâ
etat saumyâbhidhehi nah
s'rî-s'aunakah uvâca-S'rî S'aunaka Rishi said; paila-âdibhih-by Paila and others; vyâsa-s'ishyaih-the disciples of S'rîla Vyâsadeva; veda-âcâryaih-the standard authorities of the Vedas; mahâ-âtmabhih-whose intelligence was very great; vedâh-the Vedas; ca-and; kathitâh-spoken; vyastâh-divided; etat-this; saumya-O gentle Sûta; abhidhehi-please narrate; nah-to us.
TRANSLATION
S'aunaka Rishi said: O gentle Sûta, please narrate to us how Paila and the other greatly intelligent disciples of S'rîla Vyâsadeva, who are known as the standard authorities of Vedic wisdom, spoke and edited the Vedas.
*****
TEXT 37
sûta uvâca
samâhitâtmano brahman
brahmanah parameshthhinah
hridy âkâs'âd abhûn nâdo
vritti-rodhâd vibhâvyate
sûtah uvâca-Sûta Gosvâmî said; samâhita-âtmanah-whose mind was perfectly fixed; brahman-O brâhmana (S'aunaka); brahmanah-of Lord Brahmâ; parame-sthinah-the most elevated of living beings; hridi-within the heart; âkâs'ât-from out of the sky; abhût-arose; nâdah-the transcendental subtle sound; vritti-rodhât-by stopping the functioning (of the ears); vibhâvyate-is perceived.
TRANSLATION
Sûta Gosvâmî said: O brâhmana, first the subtle vibration of transcendental sound appeared from the sky of the heart of the most elevated Lord Brahmâ, whose mind was perfectly fixed in spiritual realization. One can perceive this subtle vibration when one stops all external hearing.
*****
TEXT 38
yad-upâsanayâ brahman
yogino malam âtmanah
dravya-kriyâ-kârakâkhyam
dhûtvâ yânty apunar-bhavam
yat-of which (subtle form of the Vedas); upâsanayâ-by the worship; brahman-O brâhmana; yoginah-mystic sages; malam-the contamination; âtmanah-of the heart; dravya-substance; kriyâ-activity; kâraka-and performer; âkhyam-designated as such; dhûtvâ-cleansing away; yânti-they achieve; apunah-bhavam-freedom from rebirth.
TRANSLATION
By worship of this subtle form of the Vedas, O brâhmana, mystic sages cleanse their hearts of all contamination caused by impurity of substance, activity and doer, and thus they attain freedom from repeated birth and death.
*****
TEXT 39
tato 'bhût tri-vrid omkâro
yo 'vyakta-prabhavah sva-râth
yat tal lingam bhagavato
brahmanah paramâtmanah
tatah-from that; abhût-came into being; tri-vrit-threefold; omkârah-the syllable om; yah-which; avyakta-not apparent; prabhavah-its influence; sva-râth-self-manifesting; yat-which; tat-that; lingam-the representation; bhagavatah-of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; brahmanah-of the Absolute Truth in His impersonal aspect; parama-âtmanah-and of the Supersoul.
TRANSLATION
From that transcendental subtle vibration arose the omkâra composed of three sounds. The omkâra has unseen potencies and manifests automatically within a purified heart. It is the representation of the Absolute Truth in all three of His phases-the Supreme Personality, the Supreme Soul and the supreme impersonal truth.
*****
TEXTS 40 & 41
s'rinoti ya imam sphotham
supta-s'rotre ca s'ûnya-drik
yena vâg vyajyate yasya
vyaktir âkâs'a âtmanah
sva-dhâmno brâhmanah sâkshâd
vâcakah paramâtmanah
sa sarva-mantropanishad
veda-bîjam sanâtanam
s'rinoti-hears; yah-who; imam-this; sphotham-unmanifest and eternal subtle sound; supta-s'rotre-when the sense of hearing is asleep; ca-and; s'ûnya-drik-devoid of material sight and other sensory functions; yena-by which; vâk-the expanse of Vedic sound; vyajyate-is elaborated; yasya-of which; vyaktih-the manifestation; âkâs'e-in the sky (of the heart); âtmanah-from the soul;
sva-dhâmnah-who is His own origin; brahmanah-of the Absolute Truth; sâkshât-directly; vâcakah-the designating term; parama-âtmanah-of the Supersoul; sah-that; sarva-of all; mantra-Vedic hymns; upanishat-the secret; veda-of the Vedas; bîjam-the seed; sanâtanam-eternal.
TRANSLATION
This omkâra, ultimately nonmaterial and imperceptible, is heard by the Supersoul without His possessing material ears or any other material senses. The entire expanse of Vedic sound is elaborated from omkâra, which appears from the soul, within the sky of the heart. It is the direct designation of the self-originating Absolute Truth, the Supersoul, and is the secret essence and eternal seed of all Vedic hymns.
*****
TEXT 42
tasya hy âsams trayo varnâ
a-kârâdyâ bhrigûdvaha
dhâryante yais trayo bhâvâ
guna-nâmârtha-vrittayah
tasya-of that omkâra; hi-indeed; âsan-came into being; trayah-three; varnâh-sounds of the alphabet; a-kâra-âdyâh-beginning with the letter a; bhrigu-udvaha-O most eminent of the descendants of Bhrigu; dhâryante-are sustained; yaih-by which three sounds; trayah-the threefold; bhâvâh-states of existence; guna-the qualities of nature; nâma-names; artha-goals; vrittayah-and states of consciousness.
TRANSLATION
Omkâra exhibited the three original sounds of the alphabet-A, U and M. These three, O most eminent descendant of Bhrigu, sustain all the different threefold aspects of material existence, including the three modes of nature, the names of the Rig, Yajur and Sâma Vedas, the goals known as the Bhûr, Bhuvar and Svar planetary systems, and the three functional platforms called waking consciousness, sleep and deep sleep.
*****
TEXT 43
tato 'kshara-samâmnâyam
asrijad bhagavân ajah
antasthoshma-svara-spars'a-
hrasva-dîrghâdi-lakshanam
tatah-from that omkâra; akshara-of the different sounds; samâmnâyam-the total collection; asrijat-created; bhagavân-the powerful demigod; ajah-unborn Brahmâ; anta-stha-as the semivowels; ushma-sibilants; svara-vowels; spars'a-and consonant stops; hrasva-dîrgha-in short and long forms; âdi-and so on; lakshanam-characterized.
TRANSLATION
From that omkâra Lord Brahmâ created all the sounds of the alphabet-the vowels, consonants, semivowels, sibilants and others-distinguished by such features as long and short measure.
*****
TEXT 44
tenâsau caturo vedâms'
caturbhir vadanair vibhuh
sa-vyâhritikân somkârâms'
câtur-hotra-vivakshayâ
tena-with that body of sounds; asau-he; caturah-the four; vedân-Vedas; caturbhih-from his four; vadanaih-faces; vibhuh-the all-powerful; sa-vyâhritikân-along with the vyâhritis (the invocations of the names of the seven planetary systems: bhûh, bhuvah, svah, mahah, janah, tapah and satya); sa-omkârân-along with the seed, om; câtuh-hotra-the four aspects of ritual sacrifice performed by the priests of each of the four Vedas; vivakshayâ-with the desire of describing.
TRANSLATION
All-powerful Brahmâ made use of this collection of sounds to produce from his four faces the four Vedas, which appeared together with the sacred omkâra and the seven vyâhriti invocations. His intention was to propagate the process of Vedic sacrifice according to the different functions performed by the priests of each of the four Vedas.
*****
TEXT 45
putrân adhyâpayat tâms tu
brahmarshîn brahma-kovidân
te tu dharmopadeshthârah
sva-putrebhyah samâdis'an
putrân-to his sons; adhyâpayat-he taught; tân-those Vedas; tu-and; brahma-rishîn-to the great sages among the brâhmanas; brahma-in the art of Vedic recitation; kovidân-who were very expert; te-they; tu-moreover; dharma-in religious rituals; upadeshthârah-instructors; sva-putrebhyah-to their own sons; samâdis'an-imparted.
TRANSLATION
Brahmâ taught these Vedas to his sons, who were great sages among the brâhmanas and experts in the art of Vedic recitation. They in turn took the role of âcâryas and imparted the Vedas to their own sons.
*****
TEXT 46
te paramparayâ prâptâs
tat-tac-chishyair dhrita-vrataih
catur-yugeshv atha vyastâ
dvâparâdau maharshibhih
te-these Vedas; paramparayâ-by continuous disciplic succession; prâptâh-received; tat-tat-of each succeeding generation; s'ishyaih-by the disciples; dhrita-vrataih-who were firm in their vows; catuh-yugeshu-throughout the four ages; atha-then; vyastâh-were divided; dvâpara-âdau-at the end of the Dvâpara millennium; mahâ-rishibhih-by great authorities.
TRANSLATION
In this way, throughout the cycles of four ages, generation aher generation of disciples-all firmly fixed in their spiritual vows-have received these Vedas by disciplic succession. At the end of each Dvâpara-yuga the Vedas are edited into separate divisions by eminent sages.
*****
TEXT 47
kshînâyushah kshîna-sattvân
durmedhân vîkshya kâlatah
vedân brahmarshayo vyasyan
hridi-sthâcyuta-coditâh
kshîna-âyushah-their life span diminished; kshîna-sattvân-their strength diminished; durmedhân-of less intelligence; vîkshya-observing; kâlatah-by the effect of time; vedân-the Vedas; brahma-rishayah-the chief sages; vyasyan-divided up; hridi-stha-sitting within their hearts; acyuta-by the infallible Personality of Godhead; coditâh-inspired.
TRANSLATION
Observing that people in general were diminished in their life span, strength and intelligence by the influence of time, great sages took inspiration from the Personality of Godhead sitting within their hearts and systematically divided the Vedas.
*****
TEXTS 48 & 49
asminn apy antare brahman
bhagavân loka-bhâvanah
brahmes'âdyair loka-pâlair
yâcito dharma-guptaye
parâs'arât satyavatyâm
ams'âms'a-kalayâ vibhuh
avatîrno mahâ-bhâga
vedam cakre catur-vidham
asmin-in this; api-also; antare-rule of Manu; brahman-O brâhmana (S'aunaka); bhagavân-the Supreme Personality of Godhead; loka-of the universe; bhâvanah-the protector; brahma-by Brahmâ; îs'a-S'iva; âdyaih-and the others; loka-pâlaih-the rulers of the various planets; yâcitah-requested; dharma-guptaye-for the protection of the principles of religion;
parâs'arât-by Parâs'ara Muni; satyavatyâm-in the womb of Satyavatî; ams'a-of His plenary expansion (Sankarshana); ams'a-of the expansion (Vishnu); kalayâ-as the partial expansion; vibhuh-the Lord; avatîrnah-descended; mahâ-bhâga-O most fortunate one; vedam-the Veda; cakre-he made; catuh-vidham-in four parts.
TRANSLATION
O brâhmana, in the present age of Vaivasvata Manu, the leaders of the universe, led by Brahmâ and S'iva, requested the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the protector of all the worlds, to save the principles of religion. O most fortunate S'aunaka, the almighty Lord, exhibiting a divine spark of a portion of His plenary portion, then appeared in the womb of Satyavatî as the son of Parâs'ara. In this form, named Krishna Dvaipâyana Vyâsa, he divided the one Veda into four.
*****
TEXT 50
rig-atharva-yajuh-sâmnâm
râs'îr uddhritya vargas'ah
catasrah samhitâs' cakre
mantrair mani-ganâ iva
rik-atharva-yajuh-sâmnâm-of the Rig, Atharva, Yajur and Sâma Vedas; râs'îh-the accumulation (of mantras); uddhritya-separating out; vargas'ah-in specific categories; catasrah-four; samhitâh-collections; cakre-he made; mantraih-with the mantras; mani-ganâh-gems; iva-just as.
TRANSLATION
S'rîla Vyâsadeva separated the mantras of the Rig, Atharva, Yajur and Sâma Vedas into four divisions, just as one sorts out a mixed collection of jewels into piles. Thus he composed four distinct Vedic literatures.
*****
TEXT 51
tâsâm sa caturah s'ishyân
upâhûya mahâ-matih
ekaikâm samhitâm brahmann
ekaikasmai dadau vibhuh
tâsâm-of those four collections; sah-he; caturah-four; s'ishyân-disciples; upâhûya-calling near; mahâ-matih-the powerfully intelligent sage; eka-ekâm-one by one; samhitâm-a collection; brahman-O brâhmana; eka-ekasmai-to each of them; dadau-he gave; vibhuh-the powerful Vyâsadeva.
TRANSLATION
The most powerful and intelligent Vyâsadeva called four of his disciples, O brâhmana, and entrusted to each of them one of these four samhitâs.
*****
TEXTS 52 & 53
pailâya samhitâm âdyâm
bahvricâkhyâm uvâca ha
vais'ampâyana-samjñâya
nigadâkhyam yajur-ganam
sâmnâm jaiminaye prâha
tathâ chandoga-samhitâm
atharvângirasîm nâma
sva-s'ishyâya sumantave
pailâya-to Paila; samhitâm-the collection; âdyâm-first (of the Rig Veda); bahu-rica-âkhyam-called Bahvrica; uvâca-he spoke; ha-indeed; vais'ampâyana-samjñâya-to the sage named Vais'ampâyana; nigada-âkhyam-known as Nigada; yajuh-ganam-the collection of Yajur mantras;
sâmnâm-the mantras of the Sâma Veda; jaiminaye-to Jaimini; prâha-he spoke; tathâ-and; chandoga-samhitâm-the samhitâ named Chandoga; atharva-angirasîm-the Veda ascribed to the sages Atharva and Angirâ; nâma-indeed; sva-s'ishyâya-to his disciple; sumantave-Sumantu.
TRANSLATION
S'rîla Vyâsadeva taught the first samhitâ, the Rig Veda, to Paila and gave this collection the name Bahvrica. To the sage Vais'ampâyana he spoke the collection of Yajur mantras named Nigada. He taught the Sâma Veda mantras, designated as the Chandoga-samhitâ, to Jaimini, and he spoke the Atharva Veda to his dear disciple Sumantu.
*****
TEXTS 54 & 56
pailah sva-samhitâm ûce
indrapramitaye munih
bâshkalâya ca so 'py âha
s'ishyebhyah samhitâm svakâm
caturdhâ vyasya bodhyâya
yâjñavalkyâya bhârgava
parâs'arâyâgnimitra
indrapramitir âtmavân
adhyâpayat samhitâm svâm
mândûkeyam rishim kavim
tasya s'ishyo devamitrah
saubhary-âdibhya ûcivân
pailah-Paila; sva-samhitâm-his own collection; ûce-spoke; indrapramitaye-to Indrapramiti; munih-the sage; bâshkalâya-to Bâshkala; ca-and; sah-he (Bâshkala); api-moreover; âha-spoke; s'ishyebhyah-to his disciples; samhitâm-the collection; svakâm-his own;
caturdhâ-in four parts; vyasya-dividing; bodhyâya-to Bodhya; yâjñavalkyâya-to Yâjñavalkya; bhârgava-O descendant of Bhrigu (S'aunaka); parâs'arâya-to Parâs'ara; agnimitre-to Agnimitra; indrapramitih-Indrapramiti; âtma-vân-the self-controlled;
adhyâpayat-taught; samhitâm-the collection; svâm-his; mândûkeyam-to Mândûkeya; rishim-the sage; kavim-scholarly; tasya-of him (Mandûkeya); s'ishyah-the disciple; devamitrah-Devamitra; saubhari-âdibhyah-to Saubhari and others; ûcivân-spoke.
TRANSLATION
After dividing his samhitâ into two parts, the wise Paila spoke it to Indrapramiti and Bâshkala. Bâshkala further divided his collection into four parts, O Bhârgava, and instructed them to his disciples Bodhya, Yâjñavalkya, Parâs'ara and Agnimitra. Indrapramiti, the self-controlled sage, taught his samhitâ to the learned mystic Mândûkeya, whose disciple Devamitra later passed down the divisions of the Rig Veda to Saubhari and others.
*****
TEXT 57
s'âkalyas tat-sutah svâm tu
pañcadhâ vyasya samhitâm
vâtsya-mudgala-s'âlîya-
gokhalya-s'is'ireshv adhât
s'âkalyah-S'âkalya; tat-sutah-the son of Mândûkeya; svâm-his own; tu-and; pañcadhâ-in five parts; vyasya-dividing; samhitâm-the collection; vâtsya-mudgala-s'âlîya-to Vâtsya, Mudgala and S'âlîya; gokhalya-s'is'ireshu-and to Gokhalya and S'is'ira; adhât-gave.
TRANSLATION
The son of Mândûkeya, named S'âkalya, divided his own collection into five, entrusting one subdivision each to Vâtsya, Mudgala, S'âlîya, Gokhalya and S'is'ira.
*****
TEXT 58
jâtûkarnyas' ca tac-chishyah
sa-niruktâm sva-samhitâm
balâka-paila-jâbâla-
virajebhyo dadau munih
jâtûkarnyah-Jâtûkarnya; ca-and; tat-s'ishyah-the disciple of S'âkalya; sa-niruktâm-along with a glossary explaining obscure terms; sva-samhitâm-the collection he received; balâka-paila-jâbâla-virajebhyah-to Balâka, Paila, Jâbâla and Viraja; dadau-passed down; munih-the sage.
TRANSLATION
The sage Jâtûkarnya was also a disciple of S'âkalya, and after dividing the samhitâ he received from S'âkalya into three parts, he added a fourth section, a Vedic glossary. He taught one of these parts to each of four disciples-Balâka, the second Paila, Jâbâla and Viraja.
*****
TEXT 59
bâshkalih prati-s'âkhâbhyo
vâlakhilyâkhya-samhitâm
cakre vâlâyanir bhajyah
kâs'âras' caiva tâm dadhuh
bâshkalih-Bâshkali, the son of Bâshkala; prati-s'âkhâbhyah-from all the different branches; vâlakhilya-âkhya-entitled Vâlakhilya; samhitâm-the collection; cakre-he made; vâlâyanih-Vâlâyani; bhajyah-Bhajya; kâs'ârah-Kâs'âra; ca-and; eva-indeed; tâm-that; dadhuh-they accepted.
TRANSLATION
Bâshkali assembled the Vâlakhilya-samhitâ, a collection from all the branches of the Rig Veda. This collection was received by Vâlâyani, Bhajya and Kâs'âra.
*****
TEXT 60
bahvricâh samhitâ hy etâ
ebhir brahmarshibhir dhritâh
s'rutvaitac-chandasâm vyâsam
sarva-pâpaih pramucyate
bahu-ricâh-of the Rig Veda; samhitâh-the collections; hi-indeed; etâh-these; ebhih-by these; brahma-rishibhih-saintly brâhmanas; dhritâh-maintained through disciplic succession; s'rutvâ-hearing; etat-their; chandasâm-of the sacred verses; vyâsam-the process of division; sarva-pâpaih-from all sins; pramucyate-one becomes delivered.
TRANSLATION
Thus these various samhitâs of the Rig Veda were maintained through disciplic succession by these saintly brâhmanas. Simply by hearing of this distribution of the Vedic hymns, one will be freed from all sins.
*****
TEXT 61
vais'ampâyana-s'ishyâ vai
carakâdhvaryavo 'bhavan
yac cerur brahma-hatyâmhah
kshapanam sva-guror vratam
vais'ampâyana-s'ishyâh-the disciples of Vais'ampâyana; vai-indeed; caraka-named the Carakas; adhvaryavah-authorities of the Atharva Veda; abhavan-became; yat-because; ceruh-they executed; brahma-hatyâ-due to the killing of a brâhmana; amhah-of the sin; kshapanam-the expiration; sva-guroh-for their own guru; vratam-the vow.
TRANSLATION
The disciples of Vais'ampâyana became authorities in the Atharva Veda. They were known as the Carakas because they executed strict vows to free their guru from his sin of killing a brâhmana.
*****
TEXT 62
yâjñavalkyas' ca tac-chishya
âhâho bhagavan kiyat
caritenâlpa-sârânâm
carishye 'ham su-dus'caram
yâjñavalkyah-Yâjñavalkya; ca-and; tat-s'ishyah-the disciple of Vais'ampâyana; âha-said; aho-just see; bhagavan-O master; kiyat-how much value; caritena-with the endeavor; alpa-sârânâm-of these weak fellows; carishye-shall execute; aham-I; su-dus'caram-that which is very difficult to perform.
TRANSLATION
Once Yâjñavalkya, one of the disciples of Vais'ampâyana, said: O master, how much benefit will be derived from the feeble endeavors of these weak disciples of yours? I will personally perform some outstanding penance.
*****
TEXT 63
ity ukto gurur apy âha
kupito yâhy alam tvayâ
viprâvamantrâ s'ishyena
mad-adhîtam tyajâs'v iti
iti-thus; uktah-addressed; guruh-his spiritual master; api-indeed; âha-said; kupitah-angry; yâhi-go away; alam-enough; tvayâ-with you; vipra-avamantrâ-the insulter of brâhmanas; s'ishyena-such a disciple; mat-adhîtam-what has been taught by me; tyaja-give up; âs'u-immediately; iti-thus.
TRANSLATION
Addressed thus, the spiritual master Vais'ampâyana became angry and said: Go away from here! Enough of you, O disciple who insults brâhmanas! Furthermore, you must immediately give back everything I have taught you.
*****
TEXTS 64 & 65
devarâta-sutah so 'pi
charditvâ yajushâm ganam
tato gato 'tha munayo
dadris'us tân yajur-ganân
yajûmshi tittirâ bhûtvâ
tal-lolupatayâdaduh
taittirîyâ iti yajuh-
s'âkhâ âsan su-pes'alâh
devarâta-sutah-the son of Devarâta (Yâjñavalkya); sah-he; api-indeed; charditvâ-vomiting; yajushâm-of the Yajur Veda; ganam-the collected mantras; tatah-from there; gatah-having gone; atha-then; munayah-the sages; dadris'uh-saw; tân-those;
yajuh-ganân-yajur-mantras; yajûmsi-these yajurs; tittirâh-partridges; bhûtvâ-becoming; tat-for those mantras; lolupatayâ-with greedy desire; âdaduh-picked them up; taittirîyâh-known as Taittirîya; iti-thus; yajuh-s'âkhâh-branches of the Yajur Veda; âsan-came into being; su-pes'alâh-most beautiful.
TRANSLATION
Yâjñavalkya, the son of Devarâta, then vomited the mantras of the Yajur Veda and went away from there. The assembled disciples, looking greedily upon these yajur hymns, assumed the form of partridges and picked them all up. These divisions of the Yajur Veda therefore became known as the most beautiful Taittirîya-samhitâ, the hymns collected by partridges [tittirâh].
*****
TEXT 66
yâjñavalkyas tato brahmams'
chandâmsy adhi gaveshayan
guror avidyamânâni
sûpatasthe 'rkam îs'varam
yâjñavalkyah-Yâjñavalkya; tatah-thereafter; brahman-O brâhmana; chandâmsi-mantras; adhi-additional; gaveshayan-seeking out; guroh-to his spiritual master; avidyamânâni-not known; su-upatasthe-he carefully worshiped; arkam-the sun; îs'varam-the powerful controller.
TRANSLATION
My dear brâhmana S'aunaka, Yâjñavalkya then desired to find out new yajur-mantras unknown to even his spiritual master. With this in mind he offered attentive worship to the powerful lord of the sun.
*****
TEXT 67
s'rî-yâjñavalkya uvâca
om namo bhagavate âdityâyâkhila-jagatâm âtma-svarûpena kâla-
svarûpena catur-vidha-bhûta-nikâyânâm brahmâdi-stamba-paryantânâm
antar-hridayeshu bahir api câkâs'a ivopâdhinâvyavadhîyamâno bhavân eka
eva kshana-lava-nimeshâvayavopacita-samvatsara-ganenâpâm âdâna-
visargâbhyâm imâm loka-yâtrâm anuvahati.
s'rî-yâjñavalkyah uvâca-S'rî Yâjñavalkya said; om namah-I offer my respectful obeisances; bhagavate-to the Personality of Godhead; âdityâya-appearing as the sun-god; akhila-jagatâm-of all the planetary systems; âtma-svarûpena-in the form of the Supersoul; kâla-svarûpena-in the form of time; catuh-vidha-of four kinds; bhûta-nikâyânâm-of all the living beings; brahma-âdi-beginning from Lord Brahmâ; stamba-paryantânâm-and extending down to the blades of grass; antah-hridayeshu-within the recesses of their hearts; bahih-externally; api-also; ca-and; âkâs'ah iva-in the same way as the sky; upâdhinâ-by material designations; avyavadhîyamânah-not being covered; bhavân-yourself; ekah-alone; eva-indeed; kshana-lava-nimesha-the kshana, lava and nimesha (the smallest fractions of time); avayava-by these fragments; upacita-collected together; samvatsara-ganena-by the years; apâm-of the water; âdâna-by taking away; visargâbhyâm-and giving; imâm-this; loka-of the universe; yâtrâm-the maintenance; anuvahati-carries out.
TRANSLATION
S'rî Yâjñavalkya said: I offer my respectful obeisances to the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing as the sun. You are present as the controller of the four kinds of living entities, beginning from Brahmâ and extending down to the blades of grass. Just as the sky is present both inside and outside every living being, you exist both within the hearts of all as the Supersoul and externally in the form of time. Just as the sky cannot be covered by the clouds present within it, you are never covered by any false material designation. By the flow of years, which are made up of the tiny fragments of time called kshanas, lavas and nimeshas, you alone maintain this world, drying up the waters and giving them back as rain.
*****
TEXT 68
yad u ha vâva vibudharshabha savitar adas tapaty anusavanam ahar
ahar âmnâya-vidhinopatishthhamânânâm akhila-durita-vrijina-
bîjâvabharjana bhagavatah samabhidhîmahi tapana mandalam.
yat-which; u ha vâva-indeed; vibudha-rishabha-O chief of the demigods; savitah-O lord of the sun; adah-that; tapati-is glowing; anusavanam-at each of the junctures of the day (sunrise, noon and sunset); ahah ahah-each day; âmnâya-vidhinâ-by the Vedic path, as passed down through disciplic succession; upatishthhamânânâm-of those who are engaged in offering prayer; akhila-durita-all sinful activities; vrijina-the consequent suffering; bîja-and the original seed of such; avabharjana-O you who burn; bhagavatah-of the mighty controller; samabhidhîmahi-I meditate with full attention; tapana-O glowing one; mandalam-upon the sphere.
TRANSLATION
O glowing one, O powerful lord of the sun, you are the chief of all the demigods. I meditate with careful attention on your fiery globe, because for those who offer prayers to you three times daily according to the Vedic method passed down through authorized disciplic succession, you burn away all sinful activities, all consequent suffering and even the original seed of desire.
*****
TEXT 69
ya iha vâva sthira-cara-nikarânâm nija-niketanânâm mana-indriyâsu-
ganân anâtmanah svayam âtmântar-yâmî pracodayati.
yah-who; iha-in this world; vâva-indeed; sthira-cara-nikarânâm-of all the nonmoving and moving living beings; nija-niketanânâm-who depend on your shelter; manah-indriya-asu-ganân-the mind, senses and vital air; anâtmanah-which are nonliving matter; svayam-yourself; âtma-in their hearts; antah-yâmî-the indwelling lord; pracodayati-inspires to activity.
TRANSLATION
You are personally present as the indwelling lord in the hearts of all moving and nonmoving beings, who depend completely on your shelter. Indeed, you animate their material minds, senses and vital airs to act.
*****
TEXT 70
ya evemam lokam ati-karâla-vadanândhakâra-samjñâjagara-graha-
gilitam mritakam iva vicetanam avalokyânukampayâ
parama-kârunika îkshayaivotthâpyâhar ahar anusavanam
s'reyasi sva-dharmâkhyâtmâva-sthane pravartayati.
yah-who; eva-alone; imam-this; lokam-world; ati-karâla-very fearful; vadana-the mouth of which; andhakâra-samjña-known as darkness; ajagara-by the python; graha-seized; gilitam-and swallowed; mritakam-dead; iva-as if; vicetanam-unconscious; avalokya-by glancing; anukampayâ-mercifully; parama-kârunikah-supremely magnanimous; îkshayâ-by casting his glance; eva-indeed; utthâpya-raising them up; ahah ahah-day after day; anu-savanam-at the three sacred junctures of the day; s'reyasi-in the ultimate benefit; sva-dharma-âkhya-known as the soul's proper duty; âtma-avasthâne-in the inclination toward spiritual life; pravartayati-engages.
TRANSLATION
The world has been seized and swallowed by the python of darkness in its horrible mouth and has become unconscious, as if dead. But mercifully glancing upon the sleeping people of the world, you raise them up with the gift of sight. Thus you are most magnanimous. At the three sacred junctures of each day, you engage the pious in the path of ultimate good, inducing them to perform religious duties that situate them in their spiritual position.
*****
TEXT 71
avani-patir ivâsâdhûnâm bhayam udîrayann athati parita âs'â-pâlais
tatra tatra kamala-kos'âñjalibhir upahritârhanah.
avani-patih-a king; iva-as; asâdhûnâm-of the unholy; bhayam-fear; udîrayan-creating; athati-travels about; paritah-all around; âs'â-pâlaih-by the controlling deities of the directions; tatra tatra-here and there; kamala-kos'a-holding lotus flowers; añjalibhih-with folded palms; upahrita-offered; arhanah-honorable presentations.
TRANSLATION
Just like an earthly king, you travel about everywhere spreading fear among the unholy as the powerful deities of the directions offer you in their folded palms lotus flowers and other respectful presentations.
*****
TEXT 72
atha ha bhagavams tava carana-nalina-yugalam tri-bhuvana-gurubhir abhivanditam aham
ayâta-yâma-yajush-kâma upasarâmîti.
atha-thus; ha-indeed; bhagavan-O lord; tava-your; carana-nalina-yugalam-two lotus feet; tri-bhuvana-of the three worlds; gurubhih-by the spiritual masters; abhivanditam-honored; aham-I; ayâta-yâma-unknown to anyone else; yajuh-kâmah-desiring to have the yajur-mantras; upasarâmi-am approaching with worship; iti-thus.
TRANSLATION
Therefore, my lord, I am prayerfully approaching your lotus feet, which are honored by the spiritual masters of the three worlds, because I hope to receive from you mantras of the Yajur Veda unknown to anyone else.
*****
sûta uvâca
evam stutah sa bhagavân
vâji-rûpa-dharo ravih
yajûmshy ayâta-yâmâni
munaye 'dât prasâditah
sûtah uvâca-Sûta Gosvâmî said; evam-in this way; stutah-offered glorification; sah-he; bhagavân-the powerful demigod; vâji-rûpa-the form of a horse; dharah-assuming; ravih-the sun-god; yajûmshi-yayur-mantras; ayâta-yâmâni-never learned by any other mortal; munaye-to the sage; adât-presented; prasâditah-being satisfied.
TRANSLATION
Sûta Gosvâmî said: Satisfied by such glorification, the powerful sun-god assumed the form of a horse and presented to the sage Yâjñavalkya yajur-mantras previously unknown in human society.
*****
TEXT 74
yajurbhir akaroc châkhâ
das'a pañca s'atair vibhuh
jagrihur vâjasanyas tâh
kânva-mâdhyandinâdayah
yajurbhih-with the yajur-mantras; akarot-he made; s'âkhâh-branches; das'a-ten; pañca-plus five; s'ataih-with the hundreds; vibhuh-the powerful; jagrihuh-they accepted; vâja-sanyah-produced from the hairs of the horse's mane and thus known as Vâjasaneyî; tâh-them; kânva-mâdhyandina-âdayah-the disciples of Kânva and Mâdhyandina, and other rishis.
TRANSLATION
From these countless hundreds of mantras of the Yajur Veda, the powerful sage compiled fifteen new branches of Vedic literature. These became known as the Vâjasaneyi-samhitâ because they were produced from the hairs of the horse's mane, and they were accepted in disciplic succession by the followers of Kânva, Mâdhyandina and other rishis.
*****
TEXT 75
jaimineh sama-gasyâsît
sumantus tanayo munih
sutvâms tu tat-sutas tâbhyâm
ekaikâm prâha samhitâm
jaimineh-of Jaimini; sama-gasya-the singer of the Sâma Veda; âsît-there was; sumantuh-Sumantu; tanayah-the son; munih-the sage (Jaimini); sutvân-Sutvân; tu-and; tat-sutah-the son of Sumantu; tâbhyâm-to each of them; eka-ekâm-one of each of the two parts; prâha-he spoke; samhitâm-collection.
TRANSLATION
Jaimini Rishi, the authority of the Sâma Veda, had a son named Sumantu, and the son of Sumantu was Sutvân. The sage Jaimini spoke to each of them a different part of the Sâma-veda-samhitâ.
*****
TEXTS 76 & 77
sukarmâ câpi tac-chishyah
sâma-veda-taror mahân
sahasra-samhitâ-bhedam
cakre sâmnâm tato dvija
hiranyanâbhah kaus'alyah
paushyañjis' ca sukarmanah
s'ishyau jagrihatus' cânya
âvantyo brahma-vittamah
sukarmâ-Sukarmâ; ca-and; api-indeed; tat-s'ishyah-the disciple of Jaimini; sâma-veda-taroh-of the tree of the Sâma Veda; mahân-the great thinker; sahasra-samhitâ-of one thousand collections; bhedam-a division; cakre-he made; sâmnâm-of the sâma-mantras; tatah-and then; dvija-O brâhmana (S'aunaka);
hiranyanâbhah kaus'alyah-Hiranyanâbha, the son of Kus'ala; paushyañjih-Paushyañji; ca-and; sukarmanah-of Sukarmâ; s'ishyau-the two disciples; jagrihatuh-took; ca-and; anyah-another; âvantyah-Âvantya; brahma-vit-tamah-most perfectly realized in knowledge of the Absolute Truth.
TRANSLATION
Sukarmâ, another disciple of Jaimini, was a great scholar. He divided the mighty tree of the Sâma Veda into one thousand samhitâs. Then, O brâhmana, three disciples of Sukarmâ-Hiranyanâbha, the son of Kus'ala; Pausyañji; and Âvantya, who was very advanced in spiritual realization-took charge of the sâma-mantras.
*****
TEXT 78
udîcyâh sâma-gâh s'ishyâ
âsan pañca-s'atâni vai
paushyañjy-âvantyayos' câpi
tâms' ca prâcyân pracakshate
udîcyâh-belonging to the north; sâma-gâh-the singer of the Sâma Veda; s'ishyâh-the disciples; âsan-there were; pañca-s'atâni-five hundred; vai-indeed; paushyañji-âvantyayoh-of Paushyañji and Âvantya; ca-and; api-indeed; tân-they; ca-also; prâcyân-easterners; pracakshate-are called.
TRANSLATION
The five hundred disciples of Paushyañji and Âvantya became known as the northern singers of the Sâma Veda, and in later times some of them also became known as eastern singers.
*****
TEXT 79
laugâkshir mângalih kulyah
kus'îdah kukshir eva ca
paushyañji-sishyâ jagrihuh
samhitâs te s'atam s'atam
laugâkshih mângalih kulyah-Laugâkshi, Mângali and Kulya; kus'îdah kukshih-Kus'îda and Kukshi; eva-indeed; ca-also; paushyañji-s'ishyâh-disciples of Paushyañji; jagrihuh-they took; samhitâh-collections; te-they; s'atam s'atam-each one hundred.
TRANSLATION
Five other disciples of Paushyañji, namely Laugâkshi, Mângali, Kulya, Kus'îda and Kukshi, each received one hundred samhitâs.
*****
TEXT 80
krito hiranyanâbhasya
catur-vims'ati samhitâh
s'ishya ûce sva-s'ishyebhyah
s'eshâ âvantya âtmavân
kritah-Krita; hiranyanâbhasya-of Hiranyanâbha; catuh-vims'ati-twenty-four; samhitâh-collections; s'ishyah-the disciple; ûce-spoke; sva-s'ishyebhyah-to his own disciples; s'eshâh-the remaining (collections); âvantyah-Âvantya; âtma-vân-the self-controlled.
TRANSLATION
Krita, the disciple of Hiranyanâbha, spoke twenty four samhitâs to his own disciples, and the remaining collections were passed down by the self-realized sage Âvantya.
Thus end the purports of the humble servants of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupâda to the Twelfth Canto, Sixth Chapter, of the S'rîmad-Bhâgavatam, entitled "Mahârâja Parîkshit Passes Away."