Setubandha

SR No.: 001384
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Krishnakant Handiqui
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 812
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English & Literature
File Size: 14 MB

Page 179

CANTO III
1,2. Sugriva then addressed the apes, elephants as it were, who were seated, supporting themselves on their arms resting on slabs of stone, like posts. Their eyes were closed, and they were made restless by deep despondency, as elephants are by their periodic rut. His words were firmer than even his fortitude because of their depth, and proclaimed his fame? even inore clearly than his voice, and conveyed a meaning clearer than even the brilliance of his teeth.
3. "His own arms helped Vişnu to support the earth;3 and the gods and demons to churn the ocean; and the oceans during the deluge. Yourselves be his4 help now that Rāvana has to be slain.
4. “Do not turn away fame, the source of constant pride, that hath come but falters and recedes and somehow steps forward (again); like a worthy suppliant that approaches and hesitates, and turns back and comes forward (again).5
5. "This task, hard to fulfil because the demons have to be slain, and arduous because the ocean has to be traversed, was at the very outset assigned to us, like a burden, and pondered in our hearts, and accepted by us.6
6. "This responsibility is yours. The master's authority is restricted to command. The lotus beds in the pools burst into bloom by themselves. The sun only adds to their lustre.
7. Verily ye are capable not only of traversing the sea, but even of drinking it up from your hands, like the juice of fruits, scented as it is by the Bakula flowers of the woods on the shore!
8. "This is the sole opportunity for the long desired release from the bondage of rivalry with? the unworthy, as a result of
1. Lit. posts to which elephants are tied. 2. i.e., his reputation as a powerful speaker. 3. i.e., while raising it from the ocean during the Boar incarnation, 4. Rāma is identified with Vişnu.
5. The idea is, fame is approaching them slowly, but cannot be acquired without a spirit of enterprise which they are yet to show.
6. Trans. follows the readings of Krsna, Mādhaya and Kulanātha. Krsna has 'you' for 'us.'
7. Or, 'occupying the same rank with.'