rule



 
Canto 6
Pañca Tattva
C

 

Chapter 3: Yamarâja Instructs His Messengers

(1) The king said: 'What was the reply of the god, the King of Dharma, Yamarâja, after he had heard what his servants had to say about the obstruction of his order when they were defeated by the servants of the Slayer of Mura [Krishna], He who rules all people of the world? (2) Oh rishi, this thwarting of the order of a god like Yamarâja was a thing unheard of. I am convinced that no one but you, oh sage, can remove the doubts of the people concerning this matter.'

(3) S'rî S'uka said: 'The servants of death, oh King, whose plans had been frustrated by the men of the Supreme Lord, informed their master Yamarâja, the ruler of the city of Samyamanî [as follows]. (4) The Yamadûtas said: 'How many controllers are there factually in this material world, oh master, who are the ones responsible for the consequences of performing the three kinds of activities [karma, akarma and vikarma or profit, non-profit and criminal, see B.G. 4: 17]? (5) Given the many authorities in this world to chastise the sinner or not, for whom would there be [the bitterness of] death [when one is brought before you] and for whom [the nectar of] immortality [of Vaikunthha]? (6) Considering the diversity of rulers over the many karmîs [profit-minded persons] in this world, should there not be one central administrative rule, like one has with the different heads of state departments? (7) In that sense you would be the one supreme master and ruler over all beings, including the other controllers; you would be the master of punishment to tell right from wrong in human society. (8) But in this world none of that can be found, now your order, the punishment you ordained, has been contested by four of the most magnificent and perfect beings. (9) They forcibly cut the ropes and released this sinner who by us according to your order was taken to the places of requital. (10) About those who so quickly arrived and said 'Do not fear', when the word 'Nârâyana' was uttered, we would like to hear from you, please.'

(11) The son of Vyâsadeva said: 'He, Lord Yamarâja, the controller of all living entities, thus being questioned replied his servants, pleased as he was to be reminded of the lotus feet of the Lord. (12) Yamarâja said: 'Superior to me there is another one, another Lord, who is as the warp and woof of cloth to all the mobile and immobile living beings. In Him the entire cosmos is found and of Him there are the partial aspects of the maintenance [Vishnu], creation [Brahmâ] and destruction [S'iva] of this universe. The entire creation is controlled by Him like a bull is by a rope through its nose. (13) The way one ties oxen to a rope, He ties the people with different basic denominations and duties [of varna and âs'rama] to His word [the Vedic knowledge], according to which they scrupulously carry their offerings to Him. A good death - William Blake before Yamaraja (14-15) I myself, the Lord of death, Indra the king of heaven, Nirriti of chaos, Varuna of water, Candra of the moon, Agni of fire, S'iva of destruction, Pavana of the air, Brahmâ of creation, Sûrya of the sun, Vis'vâsu of beauty [see 4.18: 17], the eight Vasus of goodness, the Sâdhyas of cultivation, the Maruts of the wind, the Rudras of anger, the Siddhas of perfection and the other souls creating order in the universe, as also immortal rulers like Brihaspati and sages like Bhrigu, have, despite being ruled by goodness and being free from [the lower qualities of] passion and ignorance, under the influence of His mâyâ no knowledge of His motives. And how much more would that not apply to others besides them? (16) He, the Supersoul present in the heart of all living beings, can factually not be seen or known through the senses, the mind, the breath or by means of ideation and words, just like the different parts of the body cannot see the eyes watching over them [compare B.G. 7: 26]. (17) The attractive servants of  the independent, transcendental Lord ruling everything, the Master of Mâyâ, the Great Soul, generally move around in this world with His physical qualities and nature. (18)
Vishnu's servants, the Vishnudûtas, who are worshiped by the enlightened souls, have forms rarely seen that are most wonderful to behold. They protect the mortals devoted to the Lord from enemies and from my men, so that they are protected from practically every side. (19) The great rishis, the gods, the best of perfection and the demons, the humans, as also the souls founded in knowledge [the Vidhyâdharas] and the celestial singers [the Câranas] and such, have no knowledge of the [full of] dharma that is enacted by the Supreme Lord in person. (20-21) Lord Brahmâ, Nârada, Lord S'iva, the four Kumâras, Kapila, Manu, Prahlâda, Janaka, Bhîshma, Bali, the son of Vyâsa [S'uka] and I myself [Yamarâja]; we, these twelve [mahâjanas], have knowledge of the bhâgavata-dharma [the emancipation in surrender to the Supreme Lord] my dear servants, that is most confidential, transcendental and hard to grasp. He who understands it achieves eternal life [compare 3.32: 2 and B.G. 18: 66]. (22) We all recognize that for the people living in this material world the yoga of devotion unto the Supreme Lord beginning with the singing of the holy name, constitutes the supreme dharma. (23) Just consider, my sons, how by pronouncing the holy name of the Lord, even Ajâmila was delivered from the noose of death. (24) Even this sinner Ajâmila attained liberation when he, at the moment of his death, innocently with 'Nârâyana' called for his son. This much of the congregational singing of the qualities of His names and deeds is enough [as proof of goodwill] to remove the sins of man. (25) Great personalities practically always do not know this [truth, this lead], for their minds got bewildered by mâyâ, the illusory energy of the goddess, and because their intelligence to a great extend was dulled by the burden of the fruitful activities and the sweetness of the flowery language of sacrificing as prescribed [in the three Vedas, see also B.G. 2: 42-43]. (26) Knowing this, sharp-minded souls with all their heart take to the yoga of loving the Supreme and Unlimited Lord. Such persons therefore do not deserve my punishment. And if there would be any fall down of them, that also will be destroyed by the high praise they voice. (27) They, the devotees, who with an equal vision are of surrender to the Supreme Lord and whose sacred histories are proclaimed by the demigods and perfected souls, you should never approach, for they are fully protected by the mace of the Lord. It is not to us to punish them, just as it is not given to time itself [to tell right from wrong]. (28) Communities of transcendental swanlike souls, who free from material attachment are of self-realization, continuously relish the honey of the lotus feet. [But] they who enjoy a household life in desires of attachment, are on the path that leads to hell. Bring those before me who in their falsehood turned against Mukunda, the Lord of Liberation [compare 2.1: 4]. (29) They who run from the truth and fail in their duties unto Lord Vishnu, they whose tongues never express the names and qualities of the Supreme Lord, who do not carry Him in their heart or remember His lotus feet and not even once bowed their heads to Krishna [in a temple e.g., see B.G. 4: 4-6], bring them all before me. (30) I pray that He, the Supreme Lord, the original and oldest person Lord Nârâyana, will excuse me for the impudence of my servants. We, me and my men, acted in ignorance and therefore we with folded hands beg the most venerable, all-pervading Personality of Godhead for forgiveness.'

(31)  [S'rî S'uka said:] 'Therefore, oh descendant of Kuru, understand that the glorification of Lord Vishnu [in particular singing His name in congregation; sankîrtana] is the ultimate form of atonement, the best that one can do in the world to deal with one's sins, however great they are. (32) The hearts of those who always listen to and sing about the heroism of the Lord that wipes away all sin, are by their devotional service, their bhakti, very easily purified, while such a thing is not as easily brought about when one is [merely] of vows and rituals. (33) He who holds on to the honey of Krishna's lotus feet,
will not again desire to enjoy the illusory quality of nature [mâyâ] that brings distress. Anyone else however, who enchanted by lust tries to do something to cleanse the passion out of his soul, will surely find the passion reappear.

(34) The servants of Yamarâja by the words of their master being reminded of the greatness of the Lord, thus all stood perplexed. From then on, oh King, they feared to see the person, the devotee, who is fearless because of taking shelter of the Infallible One. (35) When the most powerful sage, the son of Kumbha [Agastya Muni] resided in the Malaya mountains and worshiped the Lord, he told me this most confidential history.'

 

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Third revised edition, loaded August 23, 2018.

 

 

 

Previous Aadhar edition and Vedabase links:

Text 1

The king said: 'What was the reply of the god, the King of Dharma, Yamarâja, after he had heard what his servants had to say about the obstruction of his order when they were defeated by the servants of the Slayer of Mura [Krishna], He who rules all people of the world?
The king said: 'What did the divinity, the King of Dharma whose order had been foiled, reply after he had heard what his servants, defeated by the order carriers of the Slayer of Mura [Krishna], who rules all people of the world, had to say? (Vedabase)

 

Text 2

Oh rishi, this thwarting of the order of a god like Yamarâja was a thing unheard of. I am convinced that no one but you, oh sage, can remove the doubts of the people concerning this matter.'

Oh wise, this breaking of the order of a godhead like Yamarâja was a thing no one heard of before; o sage, to this I am convinced that there is verily no one better than you to remove the doubts of the people.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 3

S'rî S'uka said: 'The servants of death, oh King, whose plans had been frustrated by the men of the Supreme Lord, informed their master Yamarâja, the ruler of the city of Samyamanî [as follows].

S'rî S'uka said: 'The servants of Death, o King, whose plans had been frustrated by the men of the Supreme Lord, informed their master Yamarâja, the ruler of the city of Samyamanî. (Vedabase)

 

Text 4

The Yamadûtas said: 'How many controllers are there factually in this material world, oh master, who are the ones responsible for the consequences of performing the three kinds of activities [karma, akarma and vikarma or profit, non-profit and criminal, see B.G. 4: 17]? 

The Yamadûtas said: 'How many controllers are there factually in this material world, to the cause of fruitive activity performed under the influence of the manifestation that is known in three, o master? (Vedabase)


Text 5

Given the many authorities in this world to chastise the sinner or not, for whom would there be [the bitterness of] death [when one is brought before you] and for whom [the nectar of] immortality [of Vaikunthha]?

If there are so many authorities in this world to chastise the sinner or not, how can there of them be any certainty of either misery or happiness? (Vedabase)

 

Text 6

Considering the diversity of rulers over the many karmîs [profit-minded persons] in this world, should there not be one central administrative rule, like one has with the different heads of state departments?

Should there not, with the diversity of governors to the many karmîs in this world, be one head of administration like one has with the different heads of state departments? (Vedabase)

  

Text 7

In that sense you would be the one supreme master and ruler over all beings, including the other controllers; you would be the master of punishment to tell right from wrong in human society.

As such would you be the one supreme master and ruler over all beings including the other controllers; you would be the master of punishment to tell right from wrong in human society. (Vedabase)

 

Text 8

But in this world none of that can be found, now your order, the punishment you ordained, has been contested by four of the most magnificent and perfect beings.

None of it can one, with the punishment you ordained, find in existence in this world, now that your order has been surpassed by four of the most magnificent and perfect beings. (Vedabase)

 

Text 9

They forcibly cut the ropes and released this sinner who by us according to your order was taken to the places of requital.

By force they cut the ropes releasing this sinner who by us on your order was taken to the places of requital. (Vedabase)

 

Text 10

About those who so quickly arrived and said 'Do not fear', when the word 'Nârâyana' was uttered, we would like to hear from you, please.'

About them who quickly arrived saying 'Do not fear' when 'Nârâyana' was uttered, we would like to hear from you, if you think us worthy.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 11

The son of Vyâsadeva said: 'He, Lord Yamarâja, the controller of all living entities, thus being questioned replied his servants, pleased as he was to be reminded of the lotus feet of the Lord.

The son of Vyâsadeva said: 'He, Lord Yamarâja the controller of all alive, thus being questioned, replied his servants, pleased to be reminded of the lotus feet of the Lord. (Vedabase)

 

Text 12

Yamarâja said: 'Superior to me there is another one, another Lord, who is as the warp and woof of cloth to all the mobile and immobile living beings. In Him the entire cosmos is found and of Him there are the partial aspects of the maintenance [Vishnu], creation [Brahmâ] and destruction [S'iva] of this universe. The entire creation is controlled by Him like a bull is by a rope through its  nose.

Yamarâja said: 'Superior to me there is another one who is as the warp and woof of cloth to all the moving and unmoving; in Him the entire cosmos is found and of Him there are the partial manifestations of the maintenance [Vishnu], creation [Brahmâ] and destruction [S'iva] of this universe - of Him is the whole creation under control like a bull is by a rope through his nose. (Vedabase)

 

Text 13

The way one ties oxen to a rope, He ties the people with different basic denominations and duties [of varna and âs'rama] to His word [the Vedic knowledge], according to which they scrupulously carry their offerings to Him.

By Him who, with different names in vedic language, binds the people who emanated from Him the way bulls are bound by a rope, are they all taxed, tied as they are by the obligations to their titles and karma that carry them fear. (Vedabase)

  

Text 14-15

I myself, the Lord of death, Indra the king of heaven, Nirriti of chaos, Varuna of water, Candra of the moon, Agni of fire, S'iva of destruction, Pavana of the air, Brahmâ of creation, Sûrya of the sun, Vis'vâsu of beauty [see 4.18: 17], the eight Vasus of goodness, the Sâdhyas of cultivation, the Maruts of the wind, the Rudras of anger, the Siddhas of perfection and the other souls creating order in the universe, as also immortal rulers like Brihaspati and sages like Bhrigu, have, despite being ruled by goodness and being free from [the lower qualities of] passion and ignorance, under the influence of His mâyâ no knowledge of His motives. And how much more would that not apply to others besides them?

That is true for even myself, the one of death, as well as for Indra of heaven, Nirriti of chaos, Varuna of water, Candra of the moon, Agni of fire, Lord S'iva of destruction, Pavana of the air, Brahmâ of creation, Sûrya of the sun, Vis'vâsu of beauty [see 4.18: 17], the eight Vasus of goodness, the Sâdhyas of the godly, the Maruts of the wind, the Rudras of anger; the Siddhas of perfection, Marîci and the other ones settling order: immortal rulers like Brihaspati and sages like Brighu, if it is so with those who are not contaminated by passion and ignorance and who do not know themselves as being affected by mâyâ and who are predominantly of goodness, then what to say of others besides them? (Vedabase)

 

Text 16

He, the Supersoul present in the heart of all living beings, can factually not be seen or known through the senses, the mind, the breath or by means of ideation and words,  just like the different parts of the body cannot see the eyes watching over them [compare B.G. 7: 26].

He, the Supersoul present in the heart of all entities, can in fact by all breathing creatures, through the senses, the mind, the breath or by means of ideation and words not be seen or known, just like the different parts of the body cannot see the eyes supervising them [compare B.G. 7: 26]. (Vedabase)
 
Text 17

The attractive servants of  the independent, transcendental Lord ruling everything, the Master of Mâyâ, the Great Soul, generally move around in this world with His physical qualities and nature.

Of Him, who is the fully self-reliant Lord ruling everything, the Transcendence, the Master over the illusory energy of mâyâ, the Great of the Soul, are His order-carriers out here likewise in truth creating happiness with their appearance, to His nature with His qualities moving around in a body alike His. (Vedabase)

 

Text 18

Vishnu's servants, the Vishnudûtas, who are worshiped by the enlightened souls, have forms rarely seen that are most wonderful to behold. They protect the mortals devoted to the Lord from enemies and from my men, so that they are protected from practically every side.

The ones of Vishnu who are worshiped by the enlightened, have forms rarely seen that are most wonderful to behold; they protect the Lord His devotees against inimical ones like the normal mortals and those belonging to me, and thus are they protected against practically anything.  (Vedabase)

 

Text 19

The great rishis, the gods, the best of perfection and the demons, the humans, as also the souls founded in knowledge [the Vidhyâdharas] and the celestial singers [the Câranas] and such, have no knowledge of the [full of] dharma that is enacted by the Supreme Lord in person.

The full of dharma that is established by directly the Supreme Lord only, is truly not known by the great rishis, nor by the godly, nor by the best of perfection, nor by the ones of darkness, nor by the humans among whom one counts the ones founded in knowledge [the Vidhyâdharas] and the ones of music and song [the Câranas] and such. (Vedabase)

 

Text 20-21

Lord Brahmâ, Nârada, Lord S'iva, the four Kumâras, Kapila, Manu, Prahlâda, Janaka, Bhîshma, Bali, the son of Vyâsa [S'uka] and I myself [Yamarâja]; we, these twelve [mahâjanas], have knowledge of the bhâgavata-dharma [the emancipation in surrender to the Supreme Lord] my dear servants, that is most confidential, transcendental and hard to grasp. He who understands it achieves eternal life [compare 3.32: 2 and B.G. 18: 66]. 

Lord Brahmâ, Nârada, Lord S'iva, the four Kumâras, Kapila, Manu, Prahlâda, Janaka, Bhîshma, Bali, the one of Vyâsa [like S'uka] and I myself; we, these twelve [mahâjanas], know of the dharma of surrender to the Lord, my dear servants, which is very confidential, of the purest and hard to grasp; he who understands it achieves eternal life [compare 3.32: 2 and B.G.: 18: 66]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 22

We all recognize that for the people living in this material world the yoga of devotion unto the Supreme Lord beginning with the singing of the holy name, constitutes the supreme dharma.

So far is certain that for the people living in this material world the yoga of devotion unto the Supreme Lord starting with the singing of the holy name, is the recognised dharma of transcending. (Vedabase)


Text 23

Just consider, my sons, how by pronouncing the holy name of the Lord, even Ajâmila was delivered from the noose of death.

Just see the exalted of pronouncing the holy name of the Lord my dear sons, see how it by itself assured the deliverance from the bondage to death. (Vedabase)

 

Text 24

Even this sinner Ajâmila attained liberation when he, at the moment of his death, innocently with 'Nârâyana' called for his son. This much of the congregational singing of the qualities of His names and deeds is enough [as  proof of goodwill] to remove the sins of man.

This much suffices for removing the sins of man: the together chanting of the qualities and names to His actions, since this sinner at his death only innocently for his son crying out 'Nârâyana' thus achieved liberation. (Vedabase)


Text 25

Great personalities practically always do not know this [truth, this lead], for their minds got bewildered by mâyâ, the illusory energy of the goddess, and because their intelligence to a great extend was dulled by the burden of the fruitful activities and the sweetness of the flowery language of sacrificing as prescribed [in the three Vedas, see also B.G. 2: 42-43].

Know that this of the mahâjanas, this of the divine, is practically always missed by indeed those whose minds got bewildered by mâyâ, whose intelligence was dulled to a great extend by the sweetness of the flowery language to the performances mentioned in the three Vedas and the weight of being preoccupied with fruitive activities [see also B.G. 2: 42-43]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 26

Knowing this, sharp-minded souls with all their heart take to the yoga of loving the Supreme and Unlimited Lord. Such persons therefore do not deserve my punishment. And if there would be any fall down of them, that also will be destroyed by the high praise they voice.

Of this consideration take the sharp-witted indeed to the yoga of love unto the Supreme and Unlimited Lord; such persons do therefore not deserve my punishment: and if there would be any falldown with them, will that be destroyed by the high praise they voice as well. (Vedabase)

 

Text 27

They, the devotees, who with an equal vision are of surrender to the Supreme Lord and whose sacred histories are proclaimed by the demigods and perfected souls, you should never approach, for they are fully protected by the mace of the Lord. It is not to us to punish them, just as it is not given to time itself [to tell right from wrong].

Never approach them, the godly and perfected to the pure narrations of which the devotees are singing who with an equal vision are of surrender to the Supreme Lord; because they are fully protected by the club of the Lord is it us, just as the time itself, not given to punish them. (Vedabase)

 

Text 28

Communities of transcendental swanlike souls, who free from material attachment are of self-realization, continuously relish the honey of the lotus feet. [But] they who enjoy a household life in desires of attachment, are on the path that leads to hell. Bring those before me who in their falsehood turned against Mukunda, the Lord of Liberation [compare 2.1: 4].

Those who are unattached, those unbound swanlike of selfrealization [the paramahamsas], continuously relish the honey of the lotus feet; those who enjoy a household life in desires of bondage are on the path leading to hell. Bring those before me who are of the untrue and who turned against Mukunda, the Lord of Liberation [compare 2.1: 4]. (Vedabase)

 

Text 29

They who run from the truth and fail in their duties unto Lord Vishnu, they whose tongues never express the names and qualities of the Supreme Lord, who do not carry Him in their heart or remember His lotus feet and not even once bowed their heads to Krishna [in a temple e.g., see B.G. 4: 4-6], bring them all before me.

All those who run from the truth, whose tongues never speak of the Supreme Lord His qualities and names, who do not know Him by heart, nor remember His lotus feet, who do not even once bow their heads before what is of Krishna [see B.G. 4: 4-6]; all those lacking in their duties towards Lord Vishnu, bring them before me. (Vedabase)

 

Text 30

I pray that He, the Supreme Lord, the original and oldest person Lord Nârâyana, will excuse me for the impudence of my servants. We, me and my men, acted in ignorance and therefore we with folded hands beg the most venerable, all-pervading Personality of Godhead for forgiveness.'

I pray that He, the Supreme Lord, the original person, the oldest, Lord Nârâyana, will excuse me for my servants their offense of impudence; we, me and my men, were ignorant and thus do we, with folded hands, in the glorious of being respectful unto the all-pervading Authentic Personality, beg forgiveness.' (Vedabase)

 

Text 31

[S'rî S'uka said:] 'Therefore, oh descendant of Kuru, understand that the glorification of Lord Vishnu [in particular singing His name in congregation; sankîrtana] is the ultimate form of atonement, the best that one can do in the world to deal with one's sins, however great they are.

[S'uka:] 'Therefore understand o descendant of Kuru, that the ultimate of atonement, the most auspicious in the world to cope with sin however great, is the together singing for Lord Vishnu. (Vedabase)

 

Text 32

The hearts of those who always listen to and sing about the heroism of the Lord that wipes away all sin, are by their devotional service, their bhakti, very easily purified, while such a thing is not as easily brought about when one is [merely] of vows and rituals.

Those who always hear and chant the heroic of the Lord that can wipe away all sin, may by devotional service very easily be purified, while that is not so easily brought about with the heart and soul set to the ceremonies and such. (Vedabase)

 

Text 33

He who holds on to the honey of Krishna's lotus feet, will not again desire to enjoy the illusory quality of nature [mâyâ] that brings distress. Anyone else however, who enchanted by lust tries to do something to cleanse the passion out of his soul, will surely find the passion reappear.

The one holding on to the honey of Krishna's lotus feet does not fall in sin again because he already renounced the desire to enjoy the illusory to the modes of nature which brings distress; another one however, enchanted by the lust trying to do something to cleanse the passion out of his soul, is sure to find the passion reappear. (Vedabase)

 

Text 34

The servants of Yamarâja by the words of their master being reminded of the greatness of the Lord, thus all stood perplexed. From then on, oh King, they feared to see the person, the devotee, who is fearless because of taking shelter of the Infallible One.

Being reminded of the power, the greatness of the Lord, as explained to them by their master, were all the servants of Yamarâja struck with wonder; from then on, o King, they remembered to fear on sight the person who is never of any fear in his taking shelter of the Infallible One. (Vedabase)

 

Text 35

When the most powerful sage, the son of Kumbha [Agastya Muni] resided in the Malaya mountains and worshiped the Lord, he told me this most confidential history.'

This very confidential history was explained to me by the most powerful sage, the son of Kumbha [Âgastya Muni] who residing in the Malaya hills worships the Lord.' (Vedabase)

 

 

 

 

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The painting  titled: 'The Court of Yamârâja' is © of D0minique Amendola.
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