Whether the body springs from the creature or the creature springs from the body, one’s union however, with wives and other friends is like that of travellers in an inn.[84] one cannot obtain a lasting companionship with anyone.  One cannot obtain such companionship with one’s own body.  How then it can be had with anyone else?  Where, O king, is thy sire today and where thy grandsire?  Thou beholdst them not today and they do not behold thee.  O sinless one!  No person can see either heaven or hell.  The scriptures, however, are the eyes of the virtuous.  O king, frame thy conduct according to the scriptures.  What pure heart, one should practise first the vow of Brahmacharya and then beget children and then perform sacrifices, for paying off the debt one owes to the Pitris, the gods, and men.  Performing sacrifices and engaged in procreating (children), after having first observed the vow of Brahmacharya, one who bath wisdom for his eyes, casting off all anxiety of heart, should pay court to heaven, this world, and his own soul.[85] That king bent upon the practice of virtue who strives judiciously for acquiring Heaven and Earth and who takes of earthly goods just what is ordained (as the king’s share) in the scriptures, wins a reputation that spread over all the worlds and among all creatures, mobile and immobile.  The ruler of the Videhas, of clear understanding, having heard these words full of reason, become freed from grief, and taking Asma’s leave proceeded towards his abode, O thou of unfading glory, cast off thy grief and rise up.  Thou art equal to Sakra himself.  Suffer thy soul to be gladdened.  The earth has been won by thee in the exercise of Kshatriya duties.  Enjoy her, O son of Kunti, and do not disregard my words.’”

SECTION XXIX

Vaisampayana said, “The foremost of kings, viz., Yudhishthira the son of Dharma, still remaining speechless, Pandu’s son Arjuna addressed Krishna and spoke as follows: 

“Arjuna said, ’This scorcher of foes, viz., Dharma’s son, is burning with grief on account of his (slaughtered) kinsfolk.  Comfort him, O Madhava I Once more, O Janardana, all of us have fallen into great danger.  It behoveth thee!  O mighty-armed one, to dispel his grief.’”

Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by the high-souled Arjuna, the lotus-eyed Govinda of unfading glory turned his face towards the king.  Kesava could not by any means be disregarded by Yudhishthira.  From the earliest years Govinda was dearer to Yudhishthira than Arjuna himself.  Taking up the king’s hand adorned with sandal-paste and looking like a column of marble, the mighty-armed Saurin began to speak, gladdening (the hearts of all who listened to him).  His face, adorned with teeth and eyes that were very beautiful, shone brightly like a full-blown lotus at sunrise.