rule


 

Canto 4

Jaya Rādhā Mādhava 1

 

 

Chapter 9: Dhruva Returns Home from the Forest

(1) Maitreya said: 'Thus being freed from all fear, they [the demigods] offered the Lord of the wide strides [Urukrama, Vishnu] their obeisances, whereupon they returned to their three worlds. The Lord with the thousand faces [Sahasras'īrshā, the original Vishnu] then on the back of Garuda went to the Madhuvana forest with the wish to see His servant [Dhruva]. (2) Dhruva, ripened and strong by his meditation in yoga, saw Him brilliant as lightening manifested on the lotus of his heart. All of a sudden he noticed that He had disappeared, but looking around he saw Him standing straight in front of him in the same form. (3) With Him present before him he, confounded, fell to the ground prostrating like a rod to offer Him his obeisances. As he looked at Him, it was as if the boy was drinking Him with his eyes, like he was kissing Him with his mouth and embracing Him with his arms. (4) Seeing that he wanted to glorify Him but did not know how, the Lord, who is the prayer in accord with the scripture in the heart of each, understanding the boy, mercifully touched his forehead with His conch shell. (5) Thus being inspired with the ability to say just what he wanted, he, slowly offering his prayers in the love of his devotion, could understand what the supreme of the soul was all about and that he would be the Dhruva of renown and fame whose world could not be denied.

(6) Dhruva said: 'Let me offer my obeisances to You, the Supreme Lord and Original Person, who as the One within, from Your internal potency commanding the universal energy, entering my words and breath, has brought to life my passive senses as also my arms, legs, hands and skin. (7) You are the One, Supreme Lord who, after by His own potency creating this vast outer world called māyā - that unlimited completeness of reality with its modes - next as the Original Personality has entered here to appear differently in the time-bound qualities the way fire does in fire wood. (8) Like a man awakening from sleep, the one of surrender to You [Brahmā] could see this entire universe by dint of the knowledge You gave, oh my Lord. How can anyone conversant with Your actions forget Your lotus feet that are the shelter of all who desire liberation, oh friend of the distressed? (9) It suffers no doubt that You, the cause of liberation from birth and death, are like a desire tree to those who, under the influence of the outer world, miss the proper concept of life and worship You with ulterior motives in their desire for the gratification of the senses of this bag of bones, a gratification that is even available to persons in hell. (10) The bliss of Your magnificence, that for embodied souls may happen when they meditate on Your lotus feet or when they hear the stories of Your devotees, is never found with the impersonal supreme [Brahman], nor does it compare to what is experienced in occupying [personally] elevated positions from which one is doomed to fall down, being destroyed by the sword of time. (11) Let it be so that I, mad about drinking the nectar of the stories about Your qualities, may enjoy the intimate association of those who are constantly engaged in Your devotional service, oh Unlimited One, of those great devotees by whose purified hearts one can easily cross the terrible and vast ocean of dangers constituting material existence. (12) They, my dear Lord, never think of the material body held so very dear in the relationship with sons, friends, home, wealth and wife. They, oh Lord with the Lotus Navel, have achieved the association with those who in their hearts always carry the fragrance of Your lotus feet. (13) I know that the diverse animals, trees, birds, reptiles, gods, demons and men, who on the basis of Your cosmic intelligence then are visible and then again are not manifested, move around in Your gross material form, oh Unborn One, but I had no idea of this transcendental form, oh Supreme One. Now all my arguments have come to an end. (14) At the end of each epoch the Supreme Person withdraws all of this universe into His belly, lying down in self-reflection in the company of Ananta S'esha for His bed. From the ocean of His navel the golden abode sprouts, with Brahmā on the whorl of the lotus. Him, that Supreme Lordship, I offer my obeisances. (15) You are the eternally liberated, pure Supreme Soul full of knowledge, the changeless, authentic Original Person, the Supreme Lord and ruler of the three modes, the continuing intelligence throughout all actions of the intellect, the transcendental vision and witness, the maintainer, enjoyer and the one whose position differs from all the others. (16) You, in whose nature the different opposing energies of knowledge and ignorance are always found, You who are that continuing Brahman, You, the cause of the material manifestation, the original and unlimited One always blissful, I offer my respects. (17) Compared with other benedictions Your lotus feet are the true benediction, oh my Lord, and thus You as such are the personification of the goal of life of each person, oh beloved Fortunate One. You, eager to bestow Your mercy, maintain the ones poor of heart like me, the way a cow keeps a calf.'

(18) Maitreya said: 'After thus truly being worshiped by means of the fine intelligence of his good intentions only, the Supreme Lord, who is always there in favor of His devotees, spoke to him, after first having congratulated him. (19) The Supreme Lord said: 'I know about the determination within your heart, oh son of the king. Since you swear by piety, I shall grant you all fortune, even though it is a wish difficult to fulfill. (20-21) Never before, My good boy, there was anyone who managed to settle for such a brightly glowing place known as the planet of Dhruva, around which all the other planets and constellations of stars are circling like a group of bulls does running stationary around a central pole [for crushing grain]. It is the planet around which, keeping it to their right, along with the stars, all great sages of the forest move circumambulating like Dharma, Agni, Kas'yapa and S'ukra, whose lives stretch beyond a millennium. (22) The moment your father leaves for the forest, you will be awarded the entire world. Under the pious protection of your rule it will for thirty-six thousand years uninterrupted be in full control of your faculties. (23) When your brother Uttama, who will be killed during a hunt, is sought in the forest by his most afflicted mother, she will run into a forest fire. (24) After performing great sacrifices for Me, the heart of all sacrifice, and having distributed great charities, you will, upon having enjoyed the blessings of this world, at the end of your life be able to remember Me. (25) Thereafter you will head for My abode that is worshiped on all planets and is situated above those of the rishis. Having attained that place, you will never return.'

(26) Maitreya said: 'After thus having assured the boy of His personal protection [and residence], He, the honored and worshiped Supreme Lord who carries Garuda in His flag, before the eyes of Dhruva returned to His heavenly abode. (27) Even though Dhruva had achieved the feet of Lord Vishnu as a result of his service, he was not very pleased with the satisfaction he derived from his determination and then returned home.'

(28) Vidura said: 'With the very focussed worship of His lotus feet he in one lifetime had obtained the rarely achieved supreme position of the Lord. How can it be that he, having reached that far and being that wise, nevertheless innerly felt dissatisfied?'

(29) Maitreya replied: 'He was by his stepmother's harsh words pierced in his heart. Remembering it all he did not desire to be liberated by the Lord of salvation and thus suffered grief. (30) Dhruva said to himself: 'That what the four Kumāras, those infallible celibates, in their absorption never could achieve in one birth, I achieved within six months, but achieving the shelter of His lotus feet I fell down because I set my mind on other things. (31) Just see how foolish and unfortunate I am in my bodily interest. I approached the lotus feet of Him who can cut all bonds, but prayed for that what is perishable. (32) My intelligence was contaminated by the inability of the demigods to endure a return to an earthly existence. For that reason I, feeling wretched, failed to accept the truth of Nārada's instructions. (33) Just like dreaming while asleep, I sought my refuge in the Lord's illusory energy and was full of self-pity. Caught in duality I, under the influence of the outer world, lamented that my brother was my enemy, even though he belonged to the temporary world. (34) This what I prayed for, is as useless as giving medicine to someone deceased. After satisfying the Soul of the Universe with penances - which is something very difficult to achieve - I, being unlucky, prayed with the Lord, with whom one cuts with the world, for material satisfaction. (35) Him who was willing to offer me His full independence, I alas out of foolishness asked for material prosperity. It is like a poor man who asks a great and charitable emperor impressed by his virtue, for a few broken grains of husked rice.'

(36) Maitreya continued: 'My dear Vidura, persons like you who delight to be of service in the dust of the lotus feet of the Lord of Liberation, do not act out of self-interest. With that what they automatically attain by it, they consider themselves very rich. (37) When he heard that his son had returned, as if he had risen from death, king Uttānapāda could not believe why a sinner like him would befall such a good fortune. (38) With his faith in the words of devarishi Nārada [confirmed], he was overwhelmed by the tidings the messenger brought. Most satisfied he offered him a highly valuable pearl necklace. (39-40) Very eager to see his son, he in great haste mounted a gold ornamented chariot drawn by the finest horses and thereupon, being accompanied by the sound of conch shells, kettledrums, flutes and the chanting of hymns, left the city together with the brahmins, the elderly and his officers, ministers and friends. (41) Both his queens Sunīci and Suruci got, decorated with gold, together with Uttama on a palanquin and joined the procession. (42-43) Meeting his son in a small forest nearby, the king hurried down from his chariot and was, as he approached him, immediately overwhelmed by love. Heavily breathing because of his great anxiety, he for a long time with both his arms embraced him whose bondage of endless material contamination was destroyed by the Lord's lotus feet. (44) Over and over thereupon smelling his head, he, who now saw his greatest desire fulfilled, bathed his son with the cool water from his eyes. (45) After having respected his father's feet and by him being blessed and honored with questions, he, the best of all noble souls, bowed his head to his two mothers. (46) Suruci, picking up the innocent boy who had fallen at her feet, embraced him and spoke, choked with tears, to him the words: 'May you live long.' (47) Unto anyone with whose qualities and friendship the Supreme Personality, Lord Hari, is pleased, all living beings offer their respect, [as naturally] as water that out of its own flows to the lowest position. (48) Uttama and Dhruva, both overwhelmed with affection, embraced one another over and over with their hairs standing on end and let their tears run freely. (49) Sunīti, his mother, embracing her son more dear to her than her life air, satisfied to touch his body, forgot all her grief. (50) There and then, oh heroic soul, he was wetted auspiciously by the incessant tears from the eyes of the mother of this hero and the milk that began to flow from her breasts. (51) The people around her offered the queen praise: 'The fortune of your son will vanquish all your pains, now that he, after being lost for such a long time, has returned in order to protect the face of the earth. (52) You must have worshiped Him, the Supreme Lord who can deliver you from the greatest danger and upon whom meditating the wise conquer death which is so very difficult to overcome.'

(53) Dhruva, thus praised by the people around him, was by the king together with his brother placed on the back of a she-elephant. Therewith being pleased and glorified, he returned to his capital. (54) Here and there brilliant shark-teeth shaped arched gateways were set up as also young betel nut trees and columns of banana trees carrying bunches of flowers and fruits. (55) At each gate there was a decoration of hanging mango leaves, cloth, flower garlands and strings of pearls, together with pots filled with water and burning lamps. (56) The city gates with the surrounding walls, the houses and palace domes glittered on all sides, beautifully being decorated with valuable golden ornaments. (57) The crossroads, streets and the market-place were thoroughly cleansed, sprinkled with sandalwood water and provided with auspicious presentations of fried rice, barley, flowers and fruits. (58-59) Seeing Dhruva on the road, the women of the houses uttered affectionate blessings and showered him here and there with white mustard seeds, barley, curd, water, fresh grass, flowers and fruits. With their very pleasant songs ringing in his ears he thus entered his father's palace. (60) In that fine mansion, bedecked with mosaics of precious stone, he, who under the constant care of his father was elevated to the highest status, lived like a god. (61) The palace was furnished with seats and furniture embellished with gold, very valuable ivory beds and bedding white as milk foam. (62) The walls, made of marble, had precious gems in them and also the lamps that shone with jewels were held by female figurines made of precious stones as well. (63) Also the gardens were very beautiful with various heavenly trees, pairs of singing birds and the humming of mad bumblebees. (64) Emerald staircases led to ponds full of lilies and blue lotuses, swans and ducks, flocks of geese and cranes that dwelt nearby.

(65) When the saintly king Uttānapāda heard about and witnessed the most remarkable influence of his son, he felt extremely happy about that great miracle. (66) The moment he saw that Dhruva had come of age and also carried the approval of his ministers and was loved by his subjects, he made him the lord and master of the world. (67) He, this king of Vishnu, then considered himself also old enough and went, for the sake of the salvation of his soul, detached into the forest.'

 

next                        

Third revised edition, loaded August 12, 2017.

 

 

 

 

Previous Aadhar edition and Vedabase links:

Text 1

Maitreya said: 'Thus being freed from all fear, they [the demigods] offered the Lord of the wide strides [Urukrama, Vishnu] their obeisances, whereupon they returned to their three worlds. The Lord with the thousand faces [Sahasras'īrshā, the original Vishnu] then on the back of Garuda went to the Madhuvana forest with the wish to see His servant [Dhruva].
Maitreya said: 'They [the demigods], thus being freed from all fear, offered the Lord of the extraordinary their obeisances, upon which they returned to their three worlds. The Lord with the thousand faces [Sahasras'īrshā, the original Vishnu] then went from there to the Madhuvana forest desirous to see him, His servant [Dhruva]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 2

Dhruva, ripened and strong by his meditation in yoga, saw Him brilliant as lightening manifested on the lotus of his heart. All of a sudden he noticed that He had disappeared, but looking around he  saw Him standing straight in front of him in the same form.

He who from the maturity of his meditation was seeing Him, brilliant as lightening manifested on the lotus of his heart, all of a sudden noticed that He had disappeared, but looking around he saw Him right before him in the same form. (Vedabase)

 

Text 3

With Him present before him he, confounded, fell to the ground prostrating like a rod to offer Him his obeisances. As he looked at Him, it was as if the boy was drinking Him with his eyes, like he was kissing Him with his mouth and embracing Him with his arms.

With Him present before him, he, confounded, fell to the ground; prostrating his body like a rod, offering Him his obeisances, and while looking at Him, was the boy as if he was drinking Him, like he was kissing Him with his mouth and embracing Him with his arms. (Vedabase)

  

Text 4

Seeing that he wanted to glorify Him but did not know how, the Lord, who is the prayer in accord with the scripture in the heart of each, understanding the boy, mercifully touched his forehead with His conch shell.

Seeing that he wanted to glorify Him, but lacked the experience for it, did the Lord, who is the prayer in accord with the scripture in the heart of each, understanding the boy, mercifully touch his forehead with His conch shell. (Vedabase)

 

Text 5

Thus being inspired with the ability to say just what he wanted, he, slowly offering his prayers in the love of his devotion, could understand what the supreme of the soul was all about and that he would be the Dhruva of renown and fame whose world could not be denied.

By that receiving the inspiration to be able to say just what he wanted, could he, offering his prayers in the love of his devotion, understand what the supreme of the soul was all about and that he, one step at a time, would be the Dhruva of renown and fame who could not be denied his own world. (Vedabase)

 

Text 6

Dhruva said: 'Let me offer my obeisances to You, the Supreme Lord and Original Person, who as the One within, from Your internal potency commanding the universal energy, entering my words and breath, has brought to life my passive senses as also my arms, legs, hands and skin.

Dhruva said: 'Let me offer my obeisances to You, the Supreme Lord and Original Person, who as the One within, from His internal potency commanding the universal energy, entering my words and breath has brought to life my passive senses as well as my other limbs, my hands, legs and skin. (Vedabase)

 

Text 7

You are the One, Supreme Lord who, after by His own potency creating this vast outer world called māyā - that unlimited completeness of reality with its modes - next as the Original Personality has entered here to appear differently in the time-bound qualities the way fire does in fire wood.

Certainly are You the One, Supreme Lord, who, after by His own potency creating this vast outer world called māyā - that unlimited complete of the reality with its modes - has entered as the Original Personality, appearing in the temporary qualities variously the way fire does in fire wood. (Vedabase)

 

Text 8

Like a man awakening from sleep, the one of surrender to You [Brahmā] could see this entire universe by dint of the knowledge You gave, oh my Lord. How can anyone conversant with Your actions forget Your lotus feet that are the shelter of all who desire liberation, oh friend of the distressed?

Like a man awakening from his sleep, could the one [Brahmā] of surrender to You, see this whole universe through the knowledge given by You, o my Lord; in relation to You as the shelter of all who desire liberation, how can anyone who is of learning forget about Your lotus feet, o friend of the distressed? (Vedabase)


Text 9

It suffers no doubt that You, the cause of liberation from birth and death, are like a desire tree to those who, under the influence of the outer world, miss the proper concept of life and worship You with ulterior motives in their desire for the gratification of the senses of this bag of bones, a gratification that is even available to persons in hell.

It suffers no doubt that for those, who under the influence of the outer world are missing the right conception and worship You for other purposes, You are, as the cause of liberation from birth and death, like a desire tree; and You are that even for persons in hell who desire a gratification that is only appealing to their senses. (Vedabase)


Text 10

The bliss of Your magnificence, that for embodied souls may happen when they meditate on Your lotus feet or when they hear the stories of Your devotees, is never found with the impersonal supreme [Brahman], nor does it compare to what is experienced in occupying [personally] elevated positions from which one is doomed to fall down, being destroyed by the sword of time.

That which is the bliss of the embodied, derived from the impersonal spirit can't compare to the bliss derived from meditating on Your own, o You Magnificence, Your lotus feet and the hearing of the topics from the ones who love You. And what to say comparing it to the bliss of those who from their high positions have to fall down destroyed by the sword of death? (Vedabase)


Text 11

Let it be so that I, mad about drinking the nectar of the stories about Your qualities, may enjoy the intimate association of those who are constantly engaged in Your devotional service, oh Unlimited One, of those great devotees by whose purified hearts one can easily cross the terrible and vast ocean of dangers constituting material existence.

I pray to enjoy the intimate association of those who are constantly engaged in Your devotional service, o Unlimited One, of those great devotees by whose purified hearts one can easily cross the terrible and vast ocean of dangers that is the material existence; I pray that I go mad of drinking the nectar of the stories about Your qualities. (Vedabase)

 

Text 12

They, my dear Lord, never think of the material body held so very dear in the relationship with sons, friends, home, wealth and wife. They, oh Lord with the Lotus Navel, have achieved the association with those who in their hearts always carry the fragrance of Your lotus feet.

They, so high, my dear Lord, never think of the material body, their relating to their sons, friends, home, wealth and wife; they, o One of the Lotus Navel, have achieved the association with those who in their hearts are always after the fragrance of Your lotus feet. (Vedabase)

 

Text 13

I know that the diverse animals, trees, birds, reptiles, gods, demons and men, who on the basis of Your cosmic intelligence then are visible and then again are not manifested, move around in Your gross material form, oh Unborn One, but I had no idea of this transcendental form, oh Supreme One. Now all my arguments have come to an end.

The animals, trees, birds, reptiles, gods, demons and men, driven by the material energy are found throughout the gross of the universe in varieties of existence and are for several reasons seen and not seen, o Unborn One, that I know, but this I do not; from this transcendental form, o Supreme One, I do not know but the end of my argument. (Vedabase)

 

Text 14

At the end of each epoch the Supreme Person withdraws all of this universe into His belly, lying down in self-reflection in the company of Ananta S'esha for His bed. From the ocean of His navel the golden abode sprouts, with Brahmā on the whorl of the lotus. Him, that Supreme Lordship, I offer my obeisances.

At the end of each epoch is all of this universe withdrawn in the belly of the Supreme Person lying down in retrospect in the company of Ananta S'esha as His bed; from the ocean of His navel sprouted the golden sphere, with Brahmā on the whorl of the lotus. Him, that Supreme Lordship I do offer my obeisances. (Vedabase)

 

Text 15

You are the eternally liberated, pure Supreme Soul full of knowledge, the changeless, authentic Original Person, the Supreme Lord and ruler of the three modes, the continuing intelligence throughout all actions of the intellect, the transcendental vision and witness, the maintainer, enjoyer and the one whose position differs from all the others. 

You are the eternal of liberation, the uncontaminated, the Supreme Soul full of knowledge, the changeless, the authentic Original Person, the Supreme Lord and ruler of the three modes, the continuing intelligence through all actions of the intellect, the transcendental vision and witness, the maintainer, enjoyer and the one that is different from all. (Vedabase)

 

Text 16

You, in whose nature the different opposing energies of knowledge and ignorance are always found, You who are that continuing Brahman, You, the cause of the material manifestation, the original and unlimited One always blissful, I offer my respects.

You, in whose opposite nature the various energies of knowledge and ignorance are always found and who is that continuing Brahman, the cause of the material manifestation, the original one and unlimited that is simply blissful, I offer my respects. (Vedabase)
 
Text 17

Compared with other benedictions Your lotus feet are the true benediction, oh my Lord, and thus You as such are the personification of the goal of life of each person, oh beloved Fortunate One. You, eager to bestow Your mercy, maintain the ones poor of heart like me, the way a cow keeps a calf.'

Compared to other benedictions are Your lotus feet for sure the true one, o my Lord, and although as such You are thus the personification of the goal of life of each person, o beloved Fortunate One, do You, eager to bestow Your mercy, maintain the poor of heart like I am, the way a cow does a calf.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 18

Maitreya said: 'After thus truly being worshiped by means of the fine intelligence of his good intentions only, the Supreme Lord, who is always there in favor of His devotees, spoke to him, after first having congratulated him.

Maitreya said: 'Then, thus truly being worshiped by the fine intelligence of his good intentions only, spoke the Supreme Lord, who is always in favor of His devotees, after first having congratulated him. (Vedabase)

 

Text 19

The Supreme Lord said: 'I know about the determination within your heart, oh son of the king. Since you swear by piety, I shall grant you all fortune, even though it is a wish difficult to fulfill.

The Supreme Lord said: 'I know of the determination within your heart, o son of the king. Since you are sworn to piety, I shall give to you, even though it is difficult to fulfill, all that good fortune. (Vedabase)

 

Text 20-21

Never before, My good boy, there was anyone who managed to settle for such a brightly glowing place known as the planet of Dhruva, around which all the other planets and constellations of stars are circling like a group of bulls does running stationary around a central pole [for crushing grain]. It is the planet around which, keeping it to their right, along with the stars, all great sages of the forest move circumambulating like Dharma, Agni, Kas'yapa and S'ukra, whose lives stretch beyond a millennium.

Never, My good boy was there such a brightly glowing place known as the planet of Dhruva, around which all the other planets and constellations of stars are circling like a group of bulls does stationary around a central pole [for crushing grain]. It is the planet around which, keeping it to their right, along with the stars, all great sages of the forest, whose lives stretch beyond a millennium, like Dharma, Agni, Kas'yapa and S'ukra, move circumambulating. (Vedabase)

  

Text 22

The moment your father leaves for the forest, you will be awarded the entire world. Under the pious protection of your rule it will for thirty-six thousand years uninterrupted be in full control of your faculties.

As soon as your father has left for the forest, will you be awarded the whole world. It will be under the pious protection of your rule for thirty-six thousand years without decay in the full sense of power. (Vedabase)

 

Text 23

When your brother Uttama, who will be killed during a hunt, is sought in the forest by his most afflicted mother, she will run into a forest fire.

When your brother Uttama, being killed in hunting, is sought in the forest by the all too afflicted mother, will she run into a forest fire. (Vedabase)

 

Text 24

After performing great sacrifices for Me, the heart of all sacrifice, and having distributed great charities, you will, upon having enjoyed the blessings of this world, at the end of your life be able to remember Me.

After performing great sacrifices for Me, the heart of all sacrifice, and having distributed great charities, you will also, after having enjoyed the blessings within this world, at the end of your life be able to remember Me. (Vedabase)

 

Text 25

Thereafter you will head for My abode that is worshiped on all planets and is situated above those of the rishis. Having attained that place, you will never return.'

Thereafter you will head for My abode that is worshiped on all planets and is situated above those of the rishis and having gone there, you will never come back.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 26

Maitreya said: 'After thus having assured the boy of His personal protection [and residence], He, the honored and worshiped Supreme Lord who carries Garuda in His flag, before the eyes of Dhruva returned to His heavenly abode.

Maitreya said: 'After thus assuring the boy His personal protection, returned He, the honored and worshiped Supreme Lord who has Garuda in His flag, to His own place with him looking on. (Vedabase)

 

Text 27

Even though Dhruva had achieved the feet of Lord Vishnu as a result of his service, he was not very pleased with the satisfaction he derived from his determination and then returned home.'

Although with the result of service Dhruva had of his determination achieved the feet of Vishnu, was he not very pleased with the satisfaction obtained and returned he home.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 28

Vidura said: 'With the very focussed worship of His lotus feet he in one lifetime had obtained the rarely achieved supreme position of the Lord. How can it be that he, having reached that far and being that wise, nevertheless innerly felt dissatisfied?'

Vidura said: 'Why is it that he, with the very affectionate worship of His lotus feet obtaining the in one lifetime rarely achieved supreme position of the Lord, having reached that far, being so wise, felt not fulfilled within his heart? (Vedabase)

 

Text 29

Maitreya replied: 'He was by his stepmother's harsh words pierced in his heart. Remembering it all he did not desire to be liberated by the Lord of salvation and thus suffered grief.

Maitreya replied: 'By his stepmother's harsh words was he pierced in his heart and remembering them all and not desiring liberation from the Lord of salvation, he so suffered grief. (Vedabase)

 

Text 30

Dhruva said to himself: 'That what the four Kumāras, those infallible celibates, in their absorption never could achieve in one birth, I achieved within six months, but achieving the shelter of His lotus feet I fell down because I set my mind on other things.

Dhruva said to himself: 'What by their trance the four Kumāras, those infallible celibates, never could achieve in one birth, I've understood within six months, but achieving the shelter of His lotus feet I fell down because I had my mind on other things than Him. (Vedabase)

 

Text 31

Just see how foolish and unfortunate I am in my bodily interest. I approached the lotus feet of Him who can cut all bonds, but prayed for that what is perishable.

Oh alas, just see the unfortunate of my bodily consciousness; having approached the lotus feet of Him who can cut all bonds, I have prayed for that which is perishable. (Vedabase)

 

Text 32

My intelligence was contaminated by the inability of the demigods to endure a return to an earthly existence. For that reason I, feeling wretched, failed to accept the truth of Nārada's instructions.

My intelligence was contaminated by those intolerant ones of God who are doomed to fall down and so I most ignorantly could not accept the truth of the instructions of Nārada. (Vedabase)


Text 33

Just like dreaming while asleep, I sought my refuge in the Lord's illusory energy and was full of self-pity. Caught in duality I, under the influence of the outer world, lamented that my brother was my enemy, even though he belonged to the temporary world.

Like dreaming in my sleep I sought my refuge with the illusory energy of the divine, complaining from within my heart; seeing it in opposition I, under the influence of the outer world, lamented that my brother was my enemy, although he is only of the temporary. (Vedabase)

 

Text 34

This what I prayed for, is as useless as giving medicine to someone deceased. After satisfying the Soul of the Universe with penances - which is something very difficult to achieve - I, being unlucky, prayed with the Lord, with whom one cuts with the world, for material satisfaction.

This, what was prayed for by me, is as useless as a treatment given to someone whose life has already ended; after satisfying the Soul of the Universe by austerities, which is very difficult to do, I prayed with the One of Cutting with the World, for a repetition of birth and death, and am thus without fortune. (Vedabase)

 

Text 35

Him who was willing to offer me His full independence, I alas out of foolishness asked for material prosperity. It is like a poor man who asks a great and charitable emperor impressed by his virtue, for a few broken grains of husked rice.'

From Him, willing to offer me His full independence I, alas, of material foolishness, asked for material prosperity; it is like a poor man who asks a great emperor that is impressed by his virtue, for a few broken grains of husked rice.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 36

Maitreya continued: 'My dear Vidura, persons like you who delight to be of service in the dust of the lotus feet of the Lord of Liberation, do not act out of self-interest. With that what they automatically attain by it, they consider themselves very rich.

Maitreya continued: 'My dear Vidura, for sure take persons, like yourself, who are eager to taste the dust of the lotus feet of the Lord of Liberation, in serving Him, no interest for themselves in that which is automatically achieved by it; they consider themselves very rich. (Vedabase)

 

Text 37

When he heard that his son had returned, as if he had risen from death, king Uttānapāda could not believe why a sinner like him would befall such a good fortune.

Having heard that his son had returned as if he had risen from death, could king Uttānapāda, not believe why a sinner like him would befall such a good fortune. (Vedabase)

 

Text 38

With his faith in the words of devarishi Nārada [confirmed], he was overwhelmed by the tidings the messenger brought. Most satisfied he offered him a highly valuable pearl necklace.

Keeping faith in the words of devarishi Nārada, was he overwhelmed by the tidings the messenger brought and being very satisfied, he offered him a highly valuable pearl necklace. (Vedabase)

 

Text 39-40

Very eager to see his son, he in great haste mounted a gold ornamented chariot drawn by the finest horses and thereupon, being accompanied by the sound of conch shells, kettledrums, flutes and the chanting of hymns, left the city together with the brahmins, the elderly and his officers, ministers and friends.

Very eager to see his son, he in great haste got on a gold ornamented chariot drawn by the finest horses and left he, accompanied by the sound of conchshells, kettledrums, flutes and the chanting of hymns, the city together with the brahmins, the elderly and his officers, ministers and friends. (Vedabase)
 

Text 41

Both his queens Sunīci and Suruci got, decorated with gold, together with Uttama on a palanquin and joined the procession.

Both his queens Sunīci and Suruci got, decorated with gold, together with Uttama on a palanquin and joined the procession. (Vedabase)

 

Text 42-43

Meeting his son in a small forest nearby, the king hurried down from his chariot and was, as he approached him, immediately overwhelmed by love. Heavily breathing because of his great anxiety, he for a long time with both his arms embraced him whose bondage of endless material contamination was destroyed by the Lord's lotus feet.

Seeing him approaching a small forest nearby, the king hurried down from his chariot and was immediately overwhelmed with love as he came near him. Emotional of his great anxiety he with both his arms for a long time embraced his son, whose bondage of endless material contamination was destroyed by the Lord His lotus feet. (Vedabase)

 

Text 44

Over and over thereupon smelling his head, he, who now saw his greatest desire fulfilled, bathed his son with the cool water from his eyes.

Thereupon smelling his head over and over, bathed he, who saw his greatest desire fulfilled, his son with the water cool from his eyes. (Vedabase)

  

Text 45

After having respected his father's feet and by him being blessed and honored with questions, he, the best of all noble souls, bowed his head to his two mothers.

After respecting his father's feet receiving his blessings, he bowed his head to his two mothers and was honored by the foremost of the nobles. (Vedabase)

 

Text 46

Suruci, picking up the innocent boy who had fallen at her feet, embraced him and spoke, choked with tears, to him the words: 'May you live long.'

Suruci, picking up the innocent boy that had fallen at her feet, embraced him and spoke, choked with tears, to him the words: 'May you live long'. (Vedabase)

 

Text 47

Unto anyone with whose qualities and friendship the Supreme Personality, Lord Hari, is pleased, all living beings offer their respect, [as naturally] as water that out of its own flows to the lowest position.

Anyone with whose qualities and friendship the Supreme Personality, Lord Hari, is pleased; unto him do all living beings, like water of itself flowing to the lowest position, offer respect.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 48

Uttama and Dhruva, both overwhelmed with affection, embraced one another over and over with their hairs standing on end and let their tears run freely.

Uttama and Dhruva both overwhelmed with affection embraced one another over and over, with their hairs standing on end, while they let their tears run freely. (Vedabase)

 

Text 49

Sunīti, his mother, embracing her son more dear to her than her life air, satisfied to touch his body, forgot all her grief.

Sunīti, his mother, embracing her son more dear to her then her life air, gave, being satisfied touching his body, up all grief. (Vedabase)

 

Text 50

There and then, oh heroic soul, he was wetted auspiciously by the incessant tears from the eyes of the mother of this hero and the milk that began to flow from her breasts.

There and then, o heroic one, he was wetted auspiciously by the incessant tears from the eyes and the milk that started flowing from the breasts of the mother of this hero. (Vedabase)

 

Text 51

The people around her offered the queen praise: 'The fortune of your son will vanquish all your pains, now that he, after being lost for such a long time, has returned in order to protect the face of the earth.

The people around offered her, the queen, praise: 'The fortune of your son will vanquish all your pains now he has returned in order to protect the face of this earth, after being lost for such a long time. (Vedabase)

 

Text 52

You must have worshiped Him, the Supreme Lord who can deliver you from the greatest danger and upon whom meditating the wise conquer death which is so very difficult to overcome.'

The Supreme Lord, who can deliver one from the greatest danger, must have been honored by you, conquering death so difficult to overcome, as do great saints meditating constantly on Him.'  (Vedabase)


Text 53

Dhruva, thus praised by the people around him, was by the king together with his brother placed on the back of a she-elephant. Therewith being pleased and glorified, he returned to his capital.

Dhruva, thus praised by the people around, was by the king together with his brother placed on the back of a she-elephant and that way pleased and glorified, he returned to his capital. (Vedabase)

 

Text 54

Here and there brilliant shark-teeth shaped arched gateways were set up as also young betel nut trees and columns of banana trees carrying bunches of flowers and fruits.

Here and there, from rows of banana trees and young betel nut trees, were brilliant, arched gateways erected that looked shark-toothed with their bunches of flowers and fruits. (Vedabase)

 

Text 55

At each gate there was a decoration of hanging mango leaves, cloth, flower garlands and strings of pearls, together with pots filled with water and burning lamps.

At each gate there was the decoration of hanging mango leaves, cloth, flower garlands and strings of pearls, together with pots filled with water and burning lamps. (Vedabase)

 

Text 56

The city gates with the surrounding walls, the houses and palace domes glittered on all sides, beautifully being decorated with valuable golden ornaments.

With its surrounding walls, city gates and houses, were the domes of the palace glittering on all sides, beautifully decorated as they were with golden ornaments. (Vedabase)


Text 57

The crossroads, streets and the market-place were thoroughly cleansed, sprinkled with sandalwood water and provided with auspicious presentations of fried rice, barley, flowers and fruits.

The squares, lanes and rooftops were thoroughly cleansed and sprinkled with sandalwood water and provided with auspicious presentations of fried rice, barley, flowers and fruits. (Vedabase)

 

Text 58-59

Seeing Dhruva on the road, the women of the houses uttered affectionate blessings and showered him here and there with white mustard seeds, barley, curd, water, fresh grass, flowers and fruits. With their very pleasant songs ringing in his ears he thus entered his father's palace.

Seeing Dhruva on the road, showered here and there the women of the houses, uttering affectionate blessings, showered him with white mustard seeds, barley, curd, water, fresh grass, flowers and fruits, and thus hearing their very pleasant songs he entered his father's palace. (Vedabase)

 

Text 60

In that fine mansion, bedecked with mosaics of precious stone, he, who under the constant care of his father was elevated to the highest status, lived like a god.

In that fine mansion bedecked with inlays of precious stones he, under the constant care of his father being elevated to the divine, lived there like a god. (Vedabase)

  

Text 61

The palace was furnished with seats and furniture embellished with gold, very valuable ivory beds and bedding white as milk foam.

It had seats and furniture of gold and very valuable ivory beds with golden embellishments and bedding white like the foam of milk. (Vedabase)

 

Text 62

The walls, made of marble, had precious gems in them and also the lamps that shone with jewels were held by female figurines made of precious stones as well.

The walls, made of marble, had precious gems in them and also the lamps that shone with jewels were held by female figurines made of precious stones as well. (Vedabase)

 

Text 63

Also the gardens were very beautiful with various heavenly trees, pairs of singing birds and the humming of mad bumblebees.

Also the gardens were very beautiful with various heavenly trees, pairs of singing birds and the humming of mad bumblebees. (Vedabase)

 

Text 64

Emerald staircases led to ponds full of lilies and blue lotuses, swans and ducks, flocks of geese and cranes that dwelt nearby.

Emerald staircases lead to ponds full of lilies and blue lotuses, swans and ducks and flocks of geese, and cranes that dwelt nearby. (Vedabase)

 

Text 65

When the saintly king Uttānapāda heard about and witnessed the most remarkable influence of his son, he felt extremely happy about that great miracle.

The saintly king Uttānapāda under the influence of hearing and seeing his totally wonderful son, felt extremely happy about the supreme of his wonder. (Vedabase)

 

Text 66

The moment he saw that Dhruva had come of age and also carried the approval of his ministers and was loved by his subjects, he made him the lord and master of the world.

When he saw that Dhruva was mature enough of age, made the king him, with the approval of his loving subjects and ministers, the master of the world. (Vedabase)

 

Text 67

He, this king of Vishnu, then considered himself also old enough and went, for the sake of the salvation of his soul, detached into the forest.' 

He, this king of Vishnu, pondering over the salvation of his own soul, considered himself also old enough and went detached into the forest. (Vedabase)

 

 

 

 

 

Creative Commons
            License
The text and audio are offered under the conditions of the
Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
The picture of Dhruva before Vishnu is a painting © of D0minique Amendola.
Used with permission. For more of her spiritual art see
dominiqueamendola.com.
Production:
Filognostic Association of The Order of Time.


  

 

Feed-back | Links | Downloads | MusicPictures | What's New | Search | Donations