Hemalekha's Teaching on the Nature of the Self
(Chapter 5)
Chapter 5: Story of Bondage in the Tale of Hemachuda
Verse 1
एवं सत्सङ्गमाहात्म्यं श्रुत्वाऽत्रिसुतभाषितम् । प्रहृष्टमानसो भूयः प्रष्टुमेवोपचक्रमे ॥ १ ॥
evaṁ satsaṅgamāhātmyaṁ śrutvā'trisutabhāṣitam । prahṛṣṭamānaso bhūyaḥ praṣṭum evopacakrame ॥ 1 ॥
Hearing about the greatness of good company from the son of Atri, Rama was delighted in mind and began to ask further questions.
Verse 2
सत्यं प्रोक्तमिदं नाथ भवता शुभकारणम् । सत्सङ्गरूपमेतच्च प्रत्यक्षेणैव भावितम् ॥ २ ॥
satyaṁ proktam idaṁ nātha bhavatā śubhakāraṇam । satsaṅgarūpam etac ca pratyakṣeṇaiva bhāvitam ॥ 2 ॥
What you say is true, O lord, as the cause of auspiciousness, this form of good company is indeed realized through direct experience.
Verse 3
यो यथा सङ्गमाप्नोति फलं तस्य तथा भवेत् । स्त्रियोऽपि हैमलेखायाः सङ्गात् सर्वे महाफलाः ॥ ३ ॥
yo yathā saṅgam āpnoti phalaṁ tasya tathā bhavet । striyo'pi haimalekhayāḥ saṅgāt sarve mahāphalāḥ ॥ 3 ॥
As one attains association, so would be the fruit of that. Women, through their association with Hemalekha, also obtained great benefits.
Verse 4
भूय इच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं हेमचूडस्तया कथम् । बोधितस्तन्ममाचक्ष्व विस्तरेण दयानिधे ॥ ४ ॥
bhūya icchāmy ahaṁ śrotuṁ hemacūḍas tayā katham । bodhitas tan mamācakṣva vistareṇa dayānidhe ॥ 4 ॥
Again, I desire to hear how Hemachuda was enlightened by her. Please tell me that in detail, O ocean of compassion.
Verse 5
एवं रामेणानुयुक्तो दत्तात्रेय उवाच तम् । शृणु भार्गव वक्ष्यामि कथां परमपावनीम् ॥ ५ ॥
evaṁ rāmeṇānuyukto dattātreya uvāca tam । śṛṇu bhārgava vakṣyāmi kathāṁ paramapāvanīm ॥ 5 ॥
Thus questioned by Rama, Dattatreya spoke to him. "Listen, O descendant of Bhrigu, I will tell you the supremely purifying story."
Verse 6
एवं तस्या वचः श्रुत्वा विषयान् विरसान् विदन् । तेषु सञ्जातनिर्वेदो विमना इव संबभौ ॥ ६ ॥
evaṁ tasyā vacaḥ śrutvā viṣayān virasān vidan । teṣu sañjātanirvedo vimanā iva saṁbabhau ॥ 6 ॥
Thus, hearing her words and realizing the objects to be devoid of real essence, he became disinterested and disheartened.
Verse 7
चिरस्थितविषयजवासनानां वशं गतः । त्यक्तुं वा संग्रहीतुं वा नाशकत् सहसा हि सः ॥ ७ ॥
cirasthitaviṣayajavāsanānāṁ vaśaṁ gataḥ । tyaktuṁ vā saṁgrahītuṁ vā nāśakat sahasā hi saḥ ॥ 7 ॥
Dominated by long-standing sensory desires, he found it difficult to suddenly abandon or control them.
Verse 8
प्रियां न किञ्चित् प्रोवाच राजपुत्रोऽतिलज्जितः । कांश्चिच्च दिवसानेवमनयच्चिन्तयाकुलः ॥ ८ ॥
priyāṁ na kiñcit provāca rājaputro'tilajjitaḥ । kāṁś cicca divasān evam anayac cintayākulaḥ ॥ 8 ॥
The prince, deeply ashamed, said nothing to his beloved. Troubled in thought, he spent several days in this state.
Verse 9
विषयेषु प्रसक्तेषु स्मृत्वा तत् त्रिययोदितम् । विगर्हन्नेव स्वात्मानं बुभुजे वासनावशः ॥ ९ ॥
viṣayeṣu prasakteṣu smṛtvā tat striyayoditam । vigarhann eva svātmānaṁ bubhuje vāsanāvaśaḥ ॥ 9 ॥
Though still attached to the objects of his desires, he could not forget the woman's words. Condemning himself, he continued to indulge, yet remained under the sway of his desires.
Verse 10
वासनावेगवशतो विषयाननुगच्छति । दृष्ट्वेव विषयान् दोषान् प्रियाप्रोक्तान् विचिन्तयन् ॥ १० ॥
vāsanāvegavaśato viṣayān anugacchati । dṛṣṭveva viṣayān doṣān priyāproktān vicintayan ॥ 10 ॥
Driven by desire, he pursued worldly objects, yet the awareness of their flaws lingered in his mind, reminding him of his beloved's wise words.
Verse 11
शोकसंविग्नहृदयो विषीदति मुहुर्मुहुः । एवं तस्याभवच्चित्तं चलद्दोलास्थितं यथा ॥ ११ ॥
śokasaṁvignahṛdayo viṣīdati muhur muhuḥ । evaṁ tasyābhavac cittaṁ caladdolāsthitaṁ yathā ॥ 11 ॥
His heart, gripped by sorrow, grieved repeatedly. Consequently, his mind became like a cradle, constantly swinging between distress and contemplation.
Verse 12
भोज्यं वस्त्रं भूषणं वा योषिद् वाहनमेव वा । मित्राणि वापि सुहृदो नेषत्तं सुखयन्ति वै ॥ १२ ॥
bhojyaṁ vastraṁ bhūṣaṇaṁ vā yoṣid vāhanam eva vā । mitrāṇi vāpi suhṛdo neṣat taṁ sukhayanti vai ॥ 12 ॥
Nothing could please him, not food, clothes, ornaments, women, vehicles, friends, or companions.
Verse 13
नष्टाखिलार्थं इव स शोचत्येव निरन्तरम् । वासनाविवशः सर्व त्यक्तुं नाशकदञ्जसा ॥ १३ ॥
naṣṭākhilārthaṁ iva sa śocaty eva nirantaram । vāsanāvivaśaḥ sarva tyaktuṁ nāśakad añjasā ॥ 13 ॥
As if he had lost all his wealth, he grieved continuously. Controlled by desires, he could not abandon everything quickly.
Verse 14
नोपभोक्तुं तथा शक्तो दोषदुष्टियुतस्ततः । एवं तं शोकवशतो विवर्णवदनेक्षणम् ॥ १४ ॥
nopabhoktuṁ tathā śakto doṣaduṣṭiyutas tataḥ । evaṁ taṁ śokavaśato vivarṇavadanekṣaṇam ॥ 14 ॥
Unable to find joy and afflicted by faults, he was overwhelmed by sorrow, appearing pale-faced.
Verse 15
हेमलेखा समालक्ष्य कदाचित् सङ्गता रहः । किं नाथ पुर्ववत्त्वं नो लक्ष्यसेऽत्यन्तहर्षितः ॥ १५ ॥
hemalekhā samālakṣya kadācit saṅgatā rahaḥ । kiṁ nātha purvavattvaṁ no lakṣyase'tyantaharṣitaḥ ॥ 15 ॥
Hemalekha, noticing his change, met him in private and asked, "Why, my lord, do you not appear as joyful as you once were?"
Verse 16
शोचन्तमिव पश्यामि कुत एवं तव स्थितिः । कच्चिच्छारीर आप्मा ते नामयैर्बाध्यते सदा ॥ १६ ॥
śocantam iva paśyāmi kuta evaṁ tava sthitiḥ । kaccic chārīra āpmā te nāmayair bādhyate sadā ॥ 16 ॥
I see you as if you are grieving. Why is your state like this? Is your body always afflicted by diseases?
Verse 17
भोगेषु रोगभीति वै प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः । त्रिदोषसम्भवे देहे दोषवैषम्यसम्भवाः ॥ १७ ॥
bhogeṣu rogabhīti vai pravadanti manīṣiṇaḥ । tridoṣasambhave dehe doṣavaiṣamyasambhavāḥ ॥ 17 ॥
In enjoyments, the wise ones say there is indeed a fear of disease, caused by the imbalance of the three doshas in the body.
Verse 18
आमयाः प्रायशः सर्वदेहान् व्याप्यैव संस्थिताः । सर्वथा ह्यप्रतीकार्यं वैषम्यं दोषजं ननु ॥ १८ ॥
āmayāḥ prāyaśaḥ sarvadehān vyāpyaiva saṁsthitāḥ । sarvathā hy apratīkāryaṁ vaiṣamyaṁ doṣajaṁ nanu ॥ 18 ॥
Diseases commonly afflict all bodies and become established. The imbalance caused by the doshas is truly difficult to manage in every way.
Verse 19
अशनाद् वसनाद् वाचो दर्शनात् स्पर्शनादपि । कालाद् देशात् कर्मतश्च दोषा वैषम्यमाप्नुयुः ॥ १९ ॥
aśanād vasanād vāco darśanāt sparśanād api । kālād deśāt karmataś ca doṣā vaiṣamyam āpnuyuḥ ॥ 19 ॥
From food, clothes, words, sight, touch, and also from time, place, and actions, the doshas become imbalanced.
Verse 20
अतस्तस्योद्भवो लोके सर्वथाऽलक्ष्यतां गतः । इत्यतः सति वैषम्ये चिकित्सा सम्प्रकीर्तिता ॥ २० ॥
ataḥ tasya udbhavo loke sarvathā alakṣyatāṁ gataḥ । ity ataḥ sati vaiṣamye cikitsā samprakīrtitā ॥ 20 ॥
Therefore, its occurrence in the world often goes unnoticed in every way. Thus, when imbalanced, treatment is prescribed.
Verse 21
नोक्ता चिकित्साऽनुत्पत्तौ वैषम्ये केनचित् क्वचित् । तद्वद प्रिय कस्माद्धि शोकस्य तव सम्भवः ॥ २१ ॥
noktā cikitsā'nutpattau vaiṣamye kenacit kvacit । tad vad priya kasmād dhi śokasya tava sambhavaḥ ॥ 21 ॥
Treatment is not prescribed in the absence of imbalance. Therefore, dear, tell me why there is sorrow within you.
Verse 22
इति श्रुत्वा हेमलेखां प्राह राजसुतस्ततः । प्रिये शृणु प्रवक्ष्यामि यन्मे शोकस्य कारणम् ॥ २२ ॥
iti śrutvā hemalekhāṁ prāha rājasutas tataḥ । priye śṛṇu pravakṣyāmi yan me śokasya kāraṇam ॥ 22 ॥
Upon hearing Hemalekha, the prince responded, "Dear, listen, I will tell you the cause of my sorrow."
Verse 23
त्वदुक्त्या यत् पुरा मेऽभूत् सुखदं तद्धतं ननु । न पश्याम्यधुना किञ्चिदपि मे सुखवर्द्धनम् ॥ २३ ॥
tvad ukyā yat purā me'bhūt sukhadaṁ tad dhataṁ nanu । na paśyāmy adhunā kiñcid api me sukhavardhanam ॥ 23 ॥
By your words, that which once brought me happiness is now gone. Indeed, I no longer see anything that increases my joy.
Verse 24
राज्ञा वितीर्णो विषयः सुखदोऽपि समन्ततः । वध्यं न सुखयेद् यद्वत्तथा तस्मान्न मे सुखम् ॥ २४ ॥
rājñā vitīrṇo viṣayaḥ sukhado'pi samantataḥ ।
vadhyaṁ na sukhayed yadvat tathā tasmān na me sukham The objects bestowed by the king, which once brought happiness, now do not please me at all. Therefore, my happiness has vanished.
Verse 25
विपयान् सेवमानोऽहं सदा विष्टिगृहीतवत् । तत् पृच्छामि प्रिये व्रूहि किं कृत्वा सुखमेम्यहम् ॥ २५ ॥
viṣayān sevamāno'haṁ sadā viṣṭi-gṛhītavat । tat pṛcchāmi priye vṛūhi kiṁ kṛtvā sukham emy aham ॥ 25 ॥
Serving the objects always, like a condemned person, I ask you, dear, tell me, what should I do to attain happiness?
Verse 26
एवं तेन समापृष्टा हेमलेखा तदाऽब्रवीत् । नूनमेष सुनिर्वदमागतो मद्वचःश्रुतेः ॥ २६ ॥
evaṁ tena samāpṛṣṭā hemalekha tadā'bravīt । nūnam eṣa sunirvadam āgato madvacaḥ-śruteḥ ॥ 26 ॥
Questioned thus by him, Hemalekha said to herself, "Surely, he has rightly concluded by hearing my words"
Verse 27
अस्ति बीजं श्रेयसोऽस्मिन् यत एवंविधो भवान् । येषु श्रेयो ह्यसम्भाव्यं त एवं वाक्यगुम्फनैः ॥ २७ ॥
asti bījaṁ śreyaso'smin yat evaṁvidho bhavān । yeṣu śreyo hy asambhāvyaṁ ta evaṁ vākyagumphanaiḥ ॥ 27 ॥
There is a seed for prosperity in this, given your present state. For those in whom such prosperity is inconceivable, they remain unaffected even by words.
Verse 28
नह्यण्वपि विशेषेण विशिप्यन्ते कदाचनं । चिरं सराधिता हृत्स्था प्रसन्ना स्वात्मदेवता ॥ २८ ॥
nahyaṇvapi viśeṣeṇa viśipyante kadācanaṁ । ciraṁ sarādhitā hṛt-sthā prasannā svātmadevata ॥ 28 ॥
Indeed, those for whom the well-worshipped deity residing in the heart is pleased are not specially affected at any time, not even a little.
Verse 29
त्रिपुरा येन तस्यैव भवेदेवंविधा स्थितिः । इत्यालोच्यातिविदुषी बुबोधयिषती प्रियम् ॥ २९ ॥
tripurā yena tasyaiva bhaved evaṁvidhā sthitiḥ । ity ālocyātividuṣī bubodhayiṣatī priyam ॥ 29 ॥
Considering Tripura to be such a state, the very wise Hemalekha, intending to enlighten her dear, spoke further.
Verse 30
गोपयन्ती स्ववैदुष्यं प्राहान्यव्यपदेशतः । शृणु राजकुमारेदं यन्मे वृत्तं पुरातनम् ॥ ३० ॥
gopayantī svavaidūṣyaṁ prāhānyavyapadeśataḥ । śṛṇu rājakumār edaṁ yan me vṛttaṁ purātanam ॥ 30 ॥
Concealing her wisdom, she indirectly said, "Listen, prince, to this ancient tale of mine."
Verse 31
पुरा मे जननी काञ्चित् क्रीडनाय सखीं ददौ । सा स्वभावसती काञ्चिदसतीमनुसङ्गता ॥ ३१ ॥
purā me jananī kāñcit krīḍanāya sakhīṁ dadau । sā svabhāvasatī kāñcid asatīmanusaṅgatā ॥ 31 ॥
Formerly, my mother gave me a friend to play with. Though naturally virtuous, she eventually associated with someone unvirtuous.
Verse 32
सा विचित्रविधाश्चर्यसृष्टिसामर्थ्यसंयुता । अलक्षिता मे जनन्या सख्या मे सङ्गताऽभवत् ॥ ३२ ॥
sā vicitravidhāścaryasṛṣṭisāmarthyasaṁyutā । alakṣitā me jananyā sakhyā me saṅgatā'bhavat ॥ 32 ॥
She, endowed with various extraordinary creations, unnoticed by my mother, began associating with my friend.
Verse 33
असच्चारित्रयाऽत्यन्तं सङ्गता मम सा सखी । प्राणेभ्योऽपि प्रियतमा सदा तद्वशगा ह्यहम् ॥ ३३ ॥
asaccāritrayā'tyantaṁ saṅgatā mama sā sakhī । prāṇebhyo'pi priyatamā sadā tadvaśagā hy aham ॥ 33 ॥
My friend, deeply involved in bad conduct, was dearer to me than life itself. I was always under her influence.
Verse 34
न तां विहाय मे संस्था क्षणार्द्धा वा क्वचिद्भवेत् । सा निर्मलस्वभावेन मां वशीकृत्य संस्थिता ॥ ३४ ॥
na tāṁ vihāya me saṁsthā kṣaṇārdhā vā kvacid bhavet । sā nirmalasvabhāvena māṁ vaśīkṛtya saṁsthitā ॥ 34 ॥
I couldn't abandon her even for a moment, nor could she ever part from me for even half a moment. Due to her pure nature, she continually exerted control over me.
Verse 35
निरन्तर तद्गतात्मस्वभावाऽभवमञ्जसा । सा तया दृष्टया युक्ता नटया चित्रस्वभावया ॥ ३५ ॥
nirantara tad-gatātma-svabhāvā'bhavam añjasā । sā tayā dṛṣṭayā yuktā naṭayā citra-svabhāvayā ॥ 35 ॥
Continuously absorbed in her, I naturally adopted her ways. She was often seen with a dancer of varied nature.
Verse 36
परोक्षवृत्तिमानीता स्वपुत्रेणाभियोजिता । तस्याः पुत्रोऽतिमूढात्मा मदिराघूर्णितेक्षणः ॥ ३६ ॥
parokṣavṛttimānītā svaputreṇābhiyojitā । tasyāḥ putro'timūḍhātmā madirāghūrṇitekṣaṇaḥ ॥ 36 ॥
She was engaged in remote activities, under the direction of her son (Son of my mother). Her son, who was very foolish and often intoxicated, had eyes rolling in inebriation.
Verse 37
बुभुजे तां समाक्रम्य सर्वदा मत्समक्षतः । सा तेनाक्रान्तसर्वाङ्गी भुज्यमानानुवासरम् ॥ ३७ ॥
bubhuje tāṁ samākramya sarvadā matsamakṣataḥ । sā tenākrāntasarvāṅgī bhujyamānānuvāsaram ॥ 37 ॥
He forcibly enjoyed her, always in my presence. She, with all her limbs seized by him, was subjected to his desires daily.
Verse 38
न मां जहौ कदाचिच्च तत्स्पृष्टा तेन चाप्यहम् । ततः पुत्रः समुत्पन्नो मूढस्य सदृशाकृतिः ॥ ३८ ॥
na māṁ jahau kadācic ca tatspṛṣṭā tena cāpy aham । tataḥ putraḥ samutpanno mūḍhasya sadṛśākṛtiḥ ॥ 38 ॥
She never left me, despite being touched by him, and I didn’t leave her either. Then, a son was born to the fool, resembling him in appearance.
Verse 39
तरुणः सोऽभवत्तूर्णमतिचञ्चलसंरिथतिः । पितुर्मौढयेन संयुक्तः पितामह्या गुणेन च ॥ ३९ ॥
taruṇaḥ so'bhavat tūrṇam aticañcalasaṁrathitiḥ । pitur mauḍhyena saṁyuktaḥ pitāmahyā guṇena ca ॥ 39 ॥
He quickly grew up, exhibiting a very fickle nature, inheriting his father's foolishness and the qualities of his grandmother.
Verse 40
अनेकचित्रनिर्माणसामर्थ्येन समावृतः । पितामह्या शून्यनाम्न्या पित्रा मूढाभिधेन च ॥ ४० ॥
anekacitra-nirmāṇa-sāmarthyena samāvṛtaḥ । pitāmahyā śūnya-nāmnyā pitrā mūḍhābhidhena ca ॥ 40 ॥
Surrounded by the ability to create many wonders, due to the grandmother named Shunya and the father named Mudha.
Verse 41
अस्थिराह्वः शिक्षितोऽभूत् स्वयं चातिविशारदः । गतिमप्रतिबद्धां वै शीघ्राच्छीघ्रां समासदत् ॥ ४१ ॥
asthirāhvaḥ śikṣito'bhūt svayaṁ cātiviśāradaḥ । gatim apratibaddhāṁ vai śīghrāc chīghrāṁ samāsadat ॥ 41 ॥
Named Asthira, he trained extensively and became highly skilled, quickly achieving unimpeded and rapid movement.
Verse 42
एवं मम सखी स्वच्छस्वभावा जन्मतः सती । असतीसङ्गतोऽत्यन्तं मालिन्यं समुपागता ॥ ४२ ॥
evaṁ mama sakhī svaccha-svabhāvā janmataḥ satī । asatī-saṅgato'tyantaṁ mālinyaṁ samupāgatā ॥ 42 ॥
Thus, my friend, who was pure-natured and virtuous by birth, became excessively impure through association with the unvirtuous.
Verse 43
सख्या प्रियेण पुत्रेणासत्स्वभावयुतेन सा । चिरसङ्गात्तेषु दृढानुरागेण समायुता ॥ ४३ ॥
sakhyā priyeṇa putreṇāsat-svabhāva-yutena sā । cira-saṅgāt teṣu dṛḍhānurāgeṇa samāyutā ॥ 43 ॥
Through prolonged association with her dear friend's unvirtuous-natured son, she became strongly attached to them.
Verse 44
जहौ मय्यनुरागं तु सर्वथा क्रमतः सखी । अहं स्वभावसरला हातुं तत्सङ्गमञ्जसा ॥ ४४ ॥
jahau mayy anurāgaṁ tu sarvathā kramataḥ sakhī । ahaṁ svabhāva-saralā hātuṁ tat-saṅgam añjasā ॥ 44 ॥
My friend gradually withdrew all affection for me, but being naturally simple, I found it difficult to easily break away from that association.
Verse 45
अनीशा तत्परैवासं सर्वथा तामनुव्रता । अथ तस्याः प्रियो मूढो भुञ्जानस्तां तु सर्वदा ॥ ४५ ॥
anīśā tat-parāyāsam sarvathā tām anuvratā । atha tasyāḥ priyo mūḍho bhuñjānas tāṁ tu sarvadā ॥ 45 ॥
Due to my deep devotion, I was unable to completely abandon her and continued to follow. Her foolish companion, constantly enjoying her, was always present.
Verse 46
प्रसह्य मां समाक्रान्तुमुद्युक्तः सर्वथाऽभवत् । नाहं स्वभावसंशुद्धा वस्तुतस्तद्वशं गता ॥ ४६ ॥
prasahya māṁ samākrāntum udyuktaḥ sarvathā'bhavat । nāhaṁ svabhāva-saṁśuddhā vastutas tad-vaśaṁ gatā ॥ 46 ॥
Forcibly eager to completely assault me, I, being naturally pure, never truly fell under his control.
Verse 47
तथापि लोके मेऽत्यन्तं परीवादो महानभूत् । मूढेन सर्वथेयं च भुज्यते इति सर्वत: ॥ ४७ ॥
tathāpi loke me'tyantaṁ parīvādo mahān abhūt । mūḍhena sarvathā'yaṁ ca bhujyate iti sarvataḥ ॥ 47 ॥
Even so, great slander about me became widespread in the world. "She is completely enjoyed by the fool," thus it was said everywhere.
Verse 48
अस्थिराख्यं स्वपुत्रं सा मयि न्यस्य सखी मम । प्रियेण संपरिष्वक्ता सर्वथा तत्पराऽभवत् ॥ ४८ ॥
asthirākhyaṁ svaputraṁ sā mayi nyasya sakhī mama । priyeṇa saṁpariṣvaktā sarvathā tat-parā'bhavat ॥ 48 ॥
Placing her son named Asthira in my care, my friend, fully embraced by her beloved, devoted herself completely to him.
Verse 49
अथास्थिरो मया सम्यग् लालितः पोषितस्ततः । प्रौढस्त्रियं पितामह्या अनुमत्योपसङ्गतः ॥ ४९ ॥
atha asthiraḥ mayā samyag lālitaḥ poṣitaḥ tataḥ । prauḍha-striyaṁ pitāmahyā anumatyā upasaṅgataḥ ॥ 49 ॥
Then Asthira, well cherished and nurtured by me, grew up and began associating with a woman with his grandmother's permission.
Verse 50
सा प्रिया तस्य चपलाभिधाना हि प्रतिक्षणम् । प्रियस्य सम्मतं रूपं भिन्नं भिन्नं मनोहरम् ॥ ५० ॥
sā priyā tasya capalābhidhānā hi pratikṣaṇam ।
priyasya sammataṁ rūpaṁ bhinnaṁ bhinnaṁ manoharam She, his dear one named Capalā, changed her form every moment, each appearance delightful and pleasing to him.
Verse 51
गृह्णात्याश्चर्यजननं प्रियमेवं स्वके वशे । चक्रो साऽत्यन्तनिपुणा स्वनैपुण्यशात् खलु ॥ ५१ ॥
gṛhṇāty āścaryajananaṁ priyam evaṁ svake vaśe । cakro sā'tyanta-nipuṇā sva-naipuṇya-śāt khalu ॥ 51 ॥
While holding her dear one, she created wonders and kept him under her control. Using her skills and expertise, she skillfully guided him.
Verse 52
अस्थिरोऽपि क्षणेनैव त्वसंख्यशतयोजनम् । प्रयात्यायाति च सदा न श्रान्तिमुपगच्छति ॥ ५२ ॥
asthiro'pi kṣaṇenaiva tva-saṅkhya-śata-yojanam । prayāty āyāti ca sadā na śrāntim upagacchati ॥ 52 ॥
Asthira, even in a moment, travels hundreds of yojanas continuously without fatigue.
Verse 53
समीहते यत्र॒ गन्तुमस्थिरश्च यदा यदा । तस्येष्टं च स्वरूपं तु कृत्वा सा चपलापि हि ॥ ५३ ॥
samīhate yatra gantuṁ asthiraś ca yadā yadā । tasyeṣṭaṁ ca svarūpaṁ tu kṛtvā sā capalā'pi hi ॥ 53 ॥
Whenever Asthira desires to go anywhere, Capalā, by her expertise, takes on the desired form and accompanies him.
Verse 54
तत्र तत्र स्थिता भूत्वा रमयत्येव स्वं प्रियम् । एवं सा चपला सम्यगस्थिरेण युता सती ॥ ५४ ॥
tatra tatra sthitā bhūtvā ramayatyeva svaṁ priyam । evaṁ sā capalā samyag asthireṇa yutā satī ॥ 54 ॥
Wherever they go, she remains close, pleasing her beloved. Thus, Capalā, well joined with Asthira, stayed loyal and devoted.
Verse 55
सुषुवे पञ्चतनयान् मातापितृपरायणान् । ते समर्थाः पञ्चविधा मयि सख्या निवेशिताः ॥ ५५ ॥
suṣuve pañca-tanoyān mātāpitṛ-parāyaṇān । te samarthāḥ pañca-vidhā mayi sakhyā niveśitāḥ ॥ 55 ॥
She gave birth to five sons, devoted to their mother and father. These capable sons, of five different types, were placed in me by my friend.
Verse 56
अहं सख्यनुरक्ता तानकुर्व बलवत्तरान् । अथ ते पञ्चतनयाश्चपलायाः पृथक् पृथक् ॥ ५६ ॥
ahaṁ sakhyanuraktā tān kurva balavattarān । atha te pañca-tanayāś capalāyāḥ pṛthak pṛthak ॥ 56 ॥
I, being attached to my friend, nurtured and strengthened them. Then, those five sons of Capalā, each grew independently.
Verse 57
चक्रुरायतनं श्रेष्ठं विचित्रमतिविस्तृतम् । पितरं स्ववशे चक्रुर्मात्रा सम्यग् विभावितः ॥ ५७ ॥
cakruḥ āyatanaṁ śreṣṭhaṁ vicitra-mativistṛtam । pitaraṁ sva-vaśe cakrur mātrā samyag vibhāvitaḥ ॥ 57 ॥
They constructed a magnificent and spacious dwelling. Their father, under their influence, was well-inspired by the mother.
Verse 58
आनयन्ति स्वायतनं पितरं तं क्षणे क्षणे । तत्रास्थिरो ज्येष्ठसुतायतनं विनिविश्य तु ॥ ५८ ॥
ānayanti svāyatanaṁ pitaraṁ taṁ kṣaṇe kṣaṇe । tatra asthiraḥ jyeṣṭha-sutāyatanaṁ viniviśya tu ॥ 58 ॥
They bring their father to their dwelling moment by moment. Asthira resides in the eldest son's dwelling.
Verse 59
अशृणोद्विविधान् शब्दान् सुस्वरानितरानपि । क्वचिन्मधुरसङ्गीतं क्वचिद्वाद्यं सुमञ्जुलम् ॥ ५९ ॥
aśṛṇod vividhān śabdān su-svarān itarān api । kvacin madhura-saṅgītaṁ kvacid vādyam sumañjulam ॥ 59 ॥
He heard a variety of sounds, both melodious and otherwise. In some places, there was sweet music; in others, very pleasant instrumental tunes.
Verse 60
ऋचो यजूंषि सामानि मन्त्रानाथर्वणानपि । शास्त्रागमेतिहासांश्च भूषणानां च सिञ्जितम् ॥ ६० ॥
ṛco yajūṁṣi sāmāni mantrān atharvaṇān api । śāstrāgama-itihāsāṁś ca bhūṣaṇānāṁ ca siñjitam ॥ 60 ॥
He heard Rigveda hymns, Yajurveda hymns, Samaveda hymns, Atharvaveda hymns, mantras, scriptures, doctrines, histories, and the jingling of ornaments.
Verse 61
भृङ्गसङ्घस्य गीतं च पिकपञ्चमसुस्वरम् । एवं मनोहरान् शब्दान् शृण्वन् पुत्रनिदेशतः ॥ ६१ ॥
bhṛṅga-saṅghasya gītaṁ ca pika-pañcama-susvaram । evaṁ manoharān śabdān śṛṇvan putra-nideśataḥ ॥ 61 ॥
He heard the song of the swarm of bees and the melodious fifth note of the cuckoo, thus he heard delightful sounds at the direction of the son.
Verse 62
प्रीतः पुत्रवशं प्रागादथ पुत्रोऽन्यथाऽदिशत् । विरुद्धान् कर्णकटुकानशृणोद् भैरवान् रवान् ॥ ६२ ॥
prītaḥ putra-vaśaṁ prāgād atha putro'nyathādhiśat । viruddhān karṇa-kaṭukān aśṛṇod bhairavān ravān ॥ 62 ॥
Delighted, he submitted to the control of the son. Then the son directed otherwise, exposing him to harsh, ear-piercing, and terrifying sounds.
Verse 63
सिहादिगर्जितं मेघनिर्घोषमशनेस्तथा । ब्रह्माण्डभेदनं गर्भस्त्रावण सुभयङ्करम् ॥ ६३ ॥
sihādi-garjitaṁ megha-nirghoṣam aśanestathā । brahmāṇḍa-bhedanaṁ garbha-strāvaṇa subhayaṅkaram ॥ 63 ॥
He heard the terrifying roar of lions, the rumble of thunderclouds, the cracking of the universe, and the cries of miscarriage, all extremely frightening.
Verse 64
एवं श्रुत्वा सुचकितश्चान्यत्राप्यशृणोत्तथा । रुदितं विप्रलपितं शोचितादिविचित्रितम् ॥ ६४ ॥
evaṁ śrutvā sucakitaś ca anyatrāpy aśṛṇot tathā । ruditaṁ vipralapitaṁ śocitādi-vicitritam ॥ 64 ॥
Hearing these sounds, he became very frightened. Elsewhere, he heard weeping, lamenting, and various expressions of grief.
Verse 65
द्वितीयसुतनीतोऽथास्थिरस्तद्भवनं ययौ । तत्रापश्यद् मृदुस्पर्शान्यासनानि शुभानि च ॥ ६५ ॥
dvitīya-suta-nīto'thāsthirastad-bhavānaṁ yayau । tatrāpaśyad mṛdu-sparśāny āsanāni śubhāni ca ॥ 65 ॥
Led by the second son, Asthira then went to that dwelling, where he saw seats that were soft to the touch and auspicious.
Verse 66
शयनानि च वासांसि कठिनस्पर्शकान्यपि । शीतस्पर्शानि वस्तूनि तथोष्णस्पर्शकानि च ॥ ६६ ॥
śayanāni ca vāsāṁsi kaṭhina-sparśakāny api । śīta-sparśāni vastūni tathā uṣṇa-sparśakāni ca ॥ 66 ॥
He saw beds and clothes that felt rough, objects that were cool to the touch, and also items that were warm to the touch.
Verse 67
अनुष्णाशीतस्पर्शानि विचित्राण्यभिवीक्ष्य तु । हितान् दृष्ट्वा प्रमुदितो विषण्णस्त्वहितानपि ॥ ६७ ॥
anuṣṇa-śīta-sparśāni vicitrāṇy abhivīkṣya tu । hitān dṛṣṭvā pramudito viṣaṇṇas tvahitān api ॥ 67 ॥
Observing various objects that felt neither warm nor cool, beneficial ones brought him joy, while harmful ones caused him distress.
Verse 68
अथ तृतीयतनयभवनं प्राप्य सोऽस्थिरः । अपश्यद्रुचिराकारान् भावान् विविधवर्णकान् ॥ ६८ ॥
atha tṛtīya-tanaya-bhavānaṁ prāpya so'sthiraḥ । apaśyat rucira-ākārān bhāvān vividha-varṇakān ॥ 68 ॥
Then, upon reaching the third son's dwelling, Asthira saw beautiful forms and objects in various colors.
Verse 69
रक्तान् श्वेतान् पीतनीलान् हरितान् पाटलानपि । धूम्रान् कडारान् कपिशान् मेचकान् कर्बुरांस्तथा ॥ ६९ ॥
raktān śvetān pīta-nīlān haritān pāṭalān api । dhūmrān kaḍārān kapiśān mecakān karburān tathā ॥ 69 ॥
Red, white, yellow, and blue, green, pink, as well as smoky, dark, brown, metallic, and mottled.
Verse 70
स्थूलान् कृशानणून् दीर्घानायतान् वर्तुलांस्तथा । अर्द्धवृत्तान् दीर्घवृत्तान् सुन्दरांश्च विभीषणान् ॥ ७० ॥
sthūlān kṛśān aṇūn dīrghān āyatān vartulān tathā । arddha-vṛttān dīrgha-vṛttān sundarāṁś ca vibhīṣaṇān ॥ 70 ॥
Thick, thin, small, long, extended, round, as well as semi-circular, elongated circular, beautiful, and frightening.
Verse 71
बीभत्सान् भास्वरान् रौद्राननालोकांश्च दृड्मुषः । क्वचिद्धितं ततोऽन्यच्च पश्यन्तं पितरं पुनः ॥ ७१ ॥
bībhatṣān bhāsvarān raudrān anālokāṁś ca dṛḍ-muṣaḥ । kvacit hitaṁ tato'nyac ca paśyantaṁ pitaraṁ punaḥ ॥ 71 ॥
Repulsive, shining, fierce, obscure, and dazzling. Some were beneficial, and seeing others from there, the father again.
Verse 72
अनयत्तुर्यतनयो भवनं स्वं विचित्रितम् । तत्राससाद पुष्पाणि फलान्यन्नानि च क्रमात् ॥ ७२ ॥
anayatturya-tanayo bhavanaṁ svaṁ vicitritam । tatrāsasāda puṣpāṇi phalāny annāni ca kramāt ॥ 72 ॥
The fourth son led him to his wonderful dwelling. There, he obtained flowers, fruits, and food step by step.
Verse 73
पेयानि लेह्यचोष्याणि भक्ष्याणि रसवन्ति वै । सुधास्वादूनि मधुराण्यन्यान्यम्लरसानि च ॥ ७३ ॥
peyāni lehya-coṣyāṇi bhakṣyāṇi rasavanti vai । sudhā-svādūni madhurāṇy anyāny amla-rasāni ca ॥ 73 ॥
Drinks, licked and sucked food, juicy indeed, nectar-like, sweet, and other sour tastes.
Verse 74
कटुकानि च तिक्तानि कषायाण्यपि कानिचित् । क्षाराणि मधुराम्लानि कट्वम्ललवणानि च ॥ ७४ ॥
kaṭukāni ca tiktāni kaṣāyāṇy api kānicit । kṣārāṇi madhurāmlāni kaṭu-amla-lavaṇāni ca ॥ 74 ॥
Pungent and bitter, astringent as well, some alkaline, sweet and sour, pungent, sour, and salty.
Verse 75
कटुतिक्तानि चित्रात्मरसानि विविधान्यपि । आस्वादयन्नात्मजेन समेतोऽथान्तिमः सुतः ॥ ७५ ॥
kaṭu-tiktāni citrātma-rasāni vividhāny api । āsvādayan ātmajena sameto'tha antimaḥ sutaḥ ॥ 75 ॥
Pungent and bitter, variously flavored, different as well, tasting them together with the son, and then the last son.
Verse 76
निनाय पितरं स्थाने स्वीयेऽत्यन्तविचित्रिते । तत्रोपालभतानेकपुष्पाणि च फलानि च ॥ ७६ ॥
nināya pitaraṁ sthāne svīye'tyanta-vicitrite । tatro'palabhata aneka-puṣpāṇi ca phalāni ca ॥ 76 ॥
The last son brought the father to his own place, extremely wonderful. There, he obtained many flowers and fruits.
Verse 77
तुणान्यन्नान्योषधीश्च भावानन्यांश्च सर्वतः । सुगन्धान् पूतिगन्धांश्च मृदुगन्धोग्रगन्धकान् ॥ ७७ ॥
tuṇāny annāny auṣadhīś ca bhāvān anyāṁś ca sarvataḥ ।
sugandhān pūtigandhāṁś ca mṛdu-gandha-ugra-gandhakān Herbs, food, medicinal plants, and other objects from all sides: fragrant, foul-smelling, mild-smelling, and strong-smelling.
Verse 78
मोहगन्धान् ज्ञानगन्धान् मूर्छागन्धान् विचित्रितान् । पुत्राणां भवने चैवं प्रविशन् निविशन्नपि ॥ ७८ ॥
moha-gandhān jñāna-gandhān mūrchā-gandhān vicitritān । putrāṇāṁ bhavane caivaṁ praviśan niviśann api ॥ 78 ॥
Deluding scents, knowledge-enhancing scents, fainting-inducing scents, various other scents. Thus, he entered and resided in the dwellings of the sons.
Verse 79
हितेषु रमते क्वापि विषीदत्यहिते क्वचित् । सदा गमागमपरः पुत्राणां भवने बभौ ॥ ७९ ॥
hiteṣu ramate kvāpi viṣīdati ahite kvacit । sadā gama-āgama-paraḥ putrāṇāṁ bhavane babhau ॥ 79 ॥
He delights in beneficial things in some places and grieves over harmful things in others. Always engaged in coming and going, he appeared in the dwellings of his sons.
Verse 80
ते पुत्राः पितृवात्सल्यात् पितृहीना न च क्वचित् । स्पृशन्ति विषयांश्चित्रान् स्वत्पं वापि कदाचन ॥ ८० ॥
te putrāḥ pitṛ-vātsalyāt pitṛ-hīnā na ca kvacit । spṛśanti viṣayāṁś citrān svatvaṁ vā api kadācana ॥ 80 ॥
The sons, out of affection for their father, are never without him. They never touch various objects or act on their own at any time.
Verse 81
अस्थिरस्तु पुत्रगृहे भुक्त्वा तान् विषयान् बहून् । मुषित्वान्यांश्च विषयान् गुप्त्या नयति स्वं पदम् ॥ ८१ ॥
asthirastu putra-gṛhe bhuktvā tān viṣayān bahūn । muṣitvānyāṁś ca viṣayān guptyā nayati svaṁ padam ॥ 81 ॥
Asthira, having enjoyed many objects in his son's house, secretly takes some objects back to his own place.
Verse 82
पत्न्या चपलया साकं रहः पुत्रैर्विना स्वयम् । भुनवत्यतितरां नित्यमथान्या चपला स्वसा ॥ ८२ ॥
patnyā capalayā sākaṁ rahaḥ putrair vinā svayam । bhuṇavaty atitarāṁ nityam athānyā capalā svasā ॥ 82 ॥
Asthira, together with his wife Chapala, secretly indulge there without the sons, always excessively.
Verse 83
महासना पतिं वव्रे मनःकान्तं तमस्थिरम् । तस्यामतितरां सक्तो यदाऽभूदस्थिरोऽपि वै ॥ ८३ ॥
mahā-sanā patiṁ vavre manaḥ-kāntaṁ tam-asthiram । tasyām atitarāṁ sakto yadā'bhūd asthiraḥ api vai ॥ 83 ॥
Soon, Mahasana (his new wife) became attached to her beloved husband, Asthira. Asthira also became excessively attached to her.
Verse 84
तदा तस्याः प्रीतये स भोगाहरणतत्परः । तेनानीतं बह्वपि च भक्षित्वा क्षणमात्रतः ॥ ८४ ॥
tadā tasyāḥ prītaye sa bhoga-āharaṇa-tatparaḥ । tena ānītaṁ bahu api ca bhakṣitvā kṣaṇa-mātrataḥ ॥ 84 ॥
Then, for her pleasure, he was determined to provide enjoyment. She consumed everything he brought her in an instant.
Verse 85
पुनर्बुभुक्षयाक्रान्ता भोगाहरणहेतवे । सदा प्रियं सन्दिशति सोऽप्याहर्तु सदेक्षते ॥ ८५ ॥
punar-bubhukṣayā-ākrāntā bhoga-āharaṇa-hetave । sadā priyaṁ sandiśati so'py āhartu sada-īkṣate ॥ 85 ॥
Overwhelmed by hunger for more enjoyment, she constantly urges her dear one to get more, prompting him to continually seek additional pleasures.
Verse 86
पुत्रैः पञ्चभिरानीतं प्रियेणापि सुसंभृतम् । भुक्त्वा क्षणेन भूयोऽपि सा बुभुक्षाप्रपीडिता ॥ ८६ ॥
putraiḥ pañcabhira ānītaṁ priyeṇa api su-sambhṛtam । bhuktvā kṣaṇena bhūyo'pi sā bubhukṣā-prapīḍitā ॥ 86 ॥
Brought by the five sons and well-provided by her dear one, she consumed it all in a moment, only to be tormented by hunger once more.
Verse 87
भोगाहृतौ सन्दिशति प्रियं पत्रांश्च सर्वदा । ततः सा स्वल्पकालेन सुषुवे पुत्रयोर्युगम् ॥ ८७ ॥
bhoga-āhṛtau sandiśati priyaṁ patraṁś ca sarvadā । tataḥ sā svalpa-kālena suṣuve putrayor yugam ॥ 87 ॥
To obtain enjoyment, she constantly directs her dear one and his sons. Soon after, she gave birth to a pair of sons.
Verse 88
ज्वालामुखस्तयोर्ज्येष्ठो निन्द्यवृत्तस्तथापरः । सदा मातुः प्रियतमौ तौ पुत्रौ संबभूवतुः ॥ ८८ ॥
jvālāmukhas tayor jyeṣṭho nindya-vṛttas tathāparaḥ । sadā mātuḥ priyatamau tau putrau saṁbabhūvatuḥ ॥ 88 ॥
Jwalamukha, the elder of the two, and Nindya Vrtta, the younger, were always the most dear to their mother.
Verse 89
महाशनायामासक्तः संश्लिष्यति यदाऽस्थिरः । तदा ज्वालामुखज्वालालीढसर्वकलेवरः ॥ ८९ ॥
mahāśanāyām āsaktaḥ saṁśliṣyati yadā'sthiraḥ । tadā jvālāmukha-jvālā-līḍha-sarva-kalevaraḥ ॥ 89 ॥
When Asthira embraces her with great attachment, Jwalamukha's flames consume his entire body.
Verse 90
अस्थिरः पीडितोऽत्यन्त गाढमूर्च्छामुपैति हि । कदाचिन्निन्द्यवृत्तेन सङ्गतः प्रियसूनुना ॥ ९० ॥
asthiraḥ pīḍito'tyanta gāḍha-mūrcchām upaiti hi । kadācin nindya-vṛttena saṅgataḥ priya-sūnunā ॥ 90 ॥
Asthira, extremely tormented, often falls into deep unconsciousness. Sometimes, he associates with his dear son, Nindya Vrtta.
Verse 91
सर्वैर्विनिन्द्यतामेति मृततुल्यो हि जायते । एवं पुत्रस्य दुःखेन सखी मेऽत्यन्तदुखिता ॥ ९१ ॥
sarvair vinindyatām eti mṛta-tulyaḥ hi jāyate । evaṁ putrasya duḥkhena sakhī me'tyanta-duḥkhitā ॥ 91 ॥
Blamed by everyone, he becomes like the dead. Thus, due to the sorrow caused by his sons, my friend is extremely distressed.
Verse 92
नदा सखी मे स्वभावसती पुत्रेऽस्थिराह्वये । अतिवात्सल्यतस्तेन सङ्गता तस्य दुःखतः ॥ ९२ ॥
nadā sakhī me svabhāva-satī putre'sthirāhvaye । ati-vātsalyatas tena saṅgatā tasya duḥkhataḥ ॥ 92 ॥
My dear friend, naturally pure and out of great affection for her son Asthira, was associated with him and distressed by sorrow.
Verse 93
दुःखभारसमाक्रान्ता निन्द्यवृत्तेन सङ्गता । ज्वालामुखेन च तथा पौत्रेणाश्लेपिता सती ॥ ९३ ॥
duḥkha-bhāra-samākrāntā nindya-vṛttena saṅgatā । jvālāmukhena ca tathā pautreṇāślepitā satī ॥ 93 ॥
Overwhelmed by the burden of sorrow, associated with Nindya Vrtta, Jwalamukha, and others, being embraced by his sons.
Verse 94
सुदग्धा निन्दिता लोकैर्मृतप्राया वभूव ह । तां सदानुगता चाहं लुप्तप्रायाभवं प्रिय ॥ ९४ ॥
sudagdhā ninditā lokair mṛta-prāyā babhūva ha । tāṁ sadānugatā cāhaṁ lupta-prāyābhavaṁ priya ॥ 94 ॥
Badly burnt and blamed by people, she indeed became almost dead. Always following her, I too became almost lost, dear.
Verse 95
एवं वहूनि वर्षाणि सख्या दुःखेन दुःखिता । अस्थिरोऽभूदस्वतन्त्रो महाशनापरिग्रहात् ॥ ९५ ॥
evaṁ bahūni varṣāṇi sakhyā duḥkhena duḥkhitā । asthiro'bhūd asvatantraḥ mahāśanā-parigrahāt ॥ 95 ॥
Thus, distressed by the sorrow of my friend for many years, Asthira also became dependent, being dedicated to Mahasana.
Verse 96
पुरं प्राप दशद्वारं केनचित् कर्मणा क्वचित् । तस्मिन्महाशनायुक्तो पुत्रैर्मात्रादिभिर्यतः ॥ ९६ ॥
puraṁ prāpa daśa-dvāraṁ kenacit karmaṇā kvacit । tasmin mahāśanā-yukto putraiḥ mātrādi-bhir yataḥ ॥ 96 ॥
He reached the city with ten gates through some action somewhere. There, he was associated with Mahasana due to his sons, mother, and others.
Verse 97
न्यवसत् स सुखप्रेप्सुर्दुःखं भुञ्जन् दिवानिशम् । पुत्राभ्यां दग्धसर्वाङ्गो निन्दितश्चानुवासरम् ॥ ९७ ॥
nyavasat sa sukha-prepsur duḥkhaṁ bhuñjan divā-niśam । putrābhyāṁ dagdha-sarvāṅgo ninditaś ca anuvāsaram ॥ 97 ॥
He dwelled there, desiring happiness but experiencing sorrow day and night. His body was burnt all over by his sons, and he was blamed daily.
Verse 98
इतस्ततः समाकृष्टः प्रियाभ्यां सर्वदा हि सः । पत्राणां पञ्चभवनं प्रविशन् निविशन्नपि ॥ ९८ ॥
itastataḥ samākṛṣṭaḥ priyābhyāṁ sarvadā hi saḥ । patrāṇāṁ pañca-bhavanaṁ praviśan niviśan api ॥ 98 ॥
Dragged here and there by his dear ones, always indeed. He entered and resided in the five dwellings of his sons.
Verse 99
अत्यन्तं श्रान्तिमायाति न सुखं लभते क्वचित् । एवं पुत्रस्य दुःखेन सखी मेत्यन्तदुःखिता ॥ ९९ ॥
atyantaṁ śrāntim āyāti na sukhaṁ labhate kvacit । evaṁ putrasya duḥkhena sakhī me atyanta-duḥkhitā ॥ 99 ॥
Extremely fatigued, he finds no happiness anywhere. Thus, due to the sorrow of her son, my friend is deeply distressed.
Verse 100
अभून्मूर्च्छितकल्पा सा एवं तत्पुर आवसत् । ज्वालामुखनिन्द्यवृत्तयुता या सा महाशना ॥ १०० ॥
abhūn mūrcchita-kalpā sā evaṁ tat-pura āvasat । jvālāmukha-nindya-vṛtta-yutā yā sā mahāśanā ॥ 100 ॥
She became almost unconscious and dwelled in that city, deeply attached to Jwalamukha and Nindya Vrtta.
Verse 101
शून्याख्यया पोषिता च मूढेन श्वशुरेण च । तथा सपत्न्या चपलाख्ययाऽत्यन्तं समेधिता ॥ १०१ ॥
śūnyākhyayā poṣitā ca mūḍhena śvaśureṇa ca । tathā sapatnyā capalākhyayā'tyantaṁ samedhitā ॥ 101 ॥
They were nourished by Shunyakya (the grandmother) and the foolish father-in-law, was also greatly supported by his wife, Chapala.
Verse 102
अस्थिरं स्ववशे चक्रे पतिं तत्पुरसंस्थिता । सखीप्रीत्या तत्र चाहमवसं तत्परा सती ॥ १०२ ॥
asthiraṁ svavaśe cakre patiṁ tat-pura-saṁsthitā । sakhī-prītyā tatra cāham avasaṁ tat-parā satī ॥ 102 ॥
Residing in that city, she was under the control of her husband and Asthira. Out of affection for my friend, I lived there, devoted to her.
Verse 103
सखीदुःखाद्धतप्राया सर्वेषां रक्षणोद्यता । यद्यहं तत्र न स्यां वै क्षणमात्रमपि प्रिय ॥ १०३ ॥
sakhī-duḥkhād dhata-prāyā sarveṣāṁ rakṣaṇodyatā । yad yahaṁ tatra na syāṁ vai kṣaṇa-mātram api priya ॥ 103 ॥
Almost destroyed by the sorrow of my friend, yet intent on protecting everyone. If I were not there even for a moment, dear,
Verse 104
न भवेत्तत्र चैकोऽपि मया सर्वं हि रक्षितम् । शून्यया शून्यतां प्राप्ता मूढेन मूढतामपि ॥ १०४ ॥
na bhavet tatra ca ekaḥ api mayā sarvaṁ hi rakṣitam । śūnyayā śūnyatāṁ prāptā mūḍhena mūḍhatām api ॥ 104 ॥
There would be no one, and indeed, I protect everyone. Shunyakya provided emptiness, just as foolishness is imparted by the foolish.
Verse 105
अस्थिरेणास्थिरत्वं च चापल्यं चपलायुता । ज्वालामुखाज्ज्वलत्तां च निन्द्यवृत्तात्तदात्मताम् ॥ १०५ ॥
asthireṇā'sthiratvaṁ ca cāpalyaṁ capalāyutā । jvālāmukhāj jvalattāṁ ca nindya-vṛttāt tadātmatām ॥ 105 ॥
Asthira brought instability and fickleness, being associated with Chapala. Jwalamukha caused burning, and Nindya Vrtta defined his identity.
Verse 106
सखीसयोगतश्चैवमभवं तत्तदाकृतिः । सखीं यदि विमुञ्चामि सा नश्येत् क्षणमात्रतः ॥ १०६ ॥
sakhī-sayogataś caivam abhavaṁ tat-tad-ākṛtiḥ । sakhīṁ yadi vimuñcāmi sā naśyet kṣaṇa-mātrataḥ ॥ 106 ॥
By associating with my friend, I took on this particular form. If I were to leave my friend, that form would perish in a moment.
Verse 107
मां सङ्गतेन तेषां वै समाहुर्व्यभिचारिणीम् । जना मूढाः सर्व एव कुशला निर्मलां विदुः ॥ १०७ ॥
māṁ saṅgatena teṣāṁ vai samāhur vyabhicāriṇīm । janā mūḍhāḥ sarva eva kuśalā nirmalāṁ viduḥ ॥ 107 ॥
By associating with them, I am indeed called unfaithful. All the foolish people think so, but the wise know me as pure.
Verse 108
महासती मे जननी विशुद्धा निर्मलाकृतिः । आकाशादपि विस्तीर्णा सूक्ष्मा च परमाणुतः ॥ १०८ ॥
mahāsatī me jananī viśuddhā nirmalākṛtiḥ । ākāśād api vistīrṇā sūkṣmā ca paramāṇutaḥ ॥ 108 ॥
My mother, the great chaste one, pure and spotless in form, is even vaster than the sky and subtler than an atom.
Verse 109
सर्वज्ञानाप्यकिञ्चिज्ज्ञा सर्वकर्त्र्यपि निष्क्रिया । सर्वाश्रयाप्यनाधारा सर्वाधाराप्यनाश्रिता ॥ १०९ ॥
sarva-jñānā api akiñcij-jñā sarva-kartry api niṣkriyā । sarvāśrayā api anādhārā sarvādhārā api anāśritā ॥ 109 ॥
All-knowing, yet knowing nothing; all-doer, yet inactive; support of all, yet unsupported; foundation of all, yet unfounded.
Verse 110
सर्वरूपाप्यरूपा सा सर्वयुक्ताप्यसंयुता । सर्वत्र भासमानापि न ज्ञेया केनचित् क्वचित् ॥ ११० ॥
sarva-rūpā api arūpā sā sarva-yuktā api asaṁyutā । sarvatra bhāsamānā api na jñeyā kenacit kvacit ॥ 110 ॥
Having all forms, yet formless; possessing everything, yet unconnected; shining everywhere, yet unknown by anyone, anywhere.
Verse 111
महानन्दाप्यनानन्दा मातापितृविवर्जिताः । मादृश्यस्तनयास्तस्याः सन्ति संख्याविवर्जिताः ॥ १११ ॥
mahānandā apy anānandā mātā-pitṛ-vivarjitāḥ । mādṛśyas tanayās tasyāḥ santi saṁkhyā-vivarjitāḥ ॥ 111 ॥
Although full of great joy, she is devoid of joy. She is without mother and father, yet she has countless children like me.
Verse 112
यथा तरङ्गा जलधेरसंख्यः सोदरीगणः। सर्वास्ता मत्समाचारा राजपुत्र भवन्ति वै ॥ ११२ ॥
yathā taraṅgā jaladher asaṁkhyaḥ sodarīgaṇaḥ । sarvās tā mat-samācārā rāja-putra bhavanti vai ॥ 112 ॥
Like the countless waves of the ocean, all are a group of sisters, all of them behaving like me, O prince, indeed.
Verse 113
महामन्त्रवती चाहं सर्वैरेतैः सखीगणैः । सङ्गता तत्परा चापि मातृतुल्या स्वरूपतः ॥ ११३ ॥
mahā-mantra-vatī ca ahaṁ sarvaiḥ etaiḥ sakhī-gaṇaiḥ । saṅgatā tat-parā ca api mātṛ-tulyā sva-rūpataḥ ॥ 113 ॥
I, possessing a great mantra, am associated with all these groups of friends. Devoted to them, I am also like a mother in essence.
Verse 114
अस्मिन् पुरे सखीपुत्रो यदा श्रान्तो भवत्यलम् । तदा मातुः समुत्सङ्गेऽस्थिरः शेते सुनिर्भरम् ॥ ११४ ॥
asmin pure sakhī-putro yadā śrānto bhavati alam । tadā mātuḥ samutsaṅge asthiraḥ śete sunirbharam ॥ 114 ॥
In this city, when the son of my friend becomes very tired, Asthira sleeps completely in his mother's lap.
Verse 115
अस्थिरस्तु यदा सुप्तस्तदा तस्य सुतादयः । स्वापं समधिगच्छन्ति नान्यो जागर्ति कश्चन ॥ ११५ ॥
asthiras tu yadā suptaḥ tadā tasya sutādayaḥ । svāpaṁ samadhigacchanti na anyo jāgarti kaścana ॥ 115 ॥
But when Asthira is asleep, his sons and others also fall asleep; no one else remains awake.
Verse 116
तदा तद्रक्षति पुरमस्थिरस्य प्रियः सखा । प्रचाराख्यः प्रतिचरन् पूर्वद्वारयुगे मुहुः ॥ ११६ ॥
tadā tad rakṣati puram asthirasya priyaḥ sakhā । pracārākhyah praticaran pūrva-dvāra-yuge muhuḥ ॥ 116 ॥
Then the dear friend named Pracara protects the city of Asthira, always moving around the pair of eastern gates.
Verse 117
अस्थिरस्यापि या माता सखी मे तनयेन सा । तस्याः सखी च या श्वश्रूरसती या स्वभावतः ॥ ११७ ॥
asthirasya api yā mātā sakhī me tanayena sā । tasyāḥ sakhī ca yā śvaśrūr asatī yā svabhāvataḥ ॥ 117 ॥
The mother of Asthira, who is my friend, is naturally an unchaste mother-in-law due to her son and her husband.
Verse 118
सा समाच्छाद्य तान् सर्वान् पुत्रेण सह रक्षति । एवं सर्वेषु सुप्तेषु प्राप्य स्वां मातरं तदा ॥ ११८ ॥
sā samācchādya tān sarvān putreṇa saha rakṣati । evaṁ sarveṣu suptṣu prāpya svāṁ mātaraṁ tadā ॥ 118 ॥
She, covering them all, protects them along with her son. Thus, when everyone is asleep, I then reach my own mother.
Verse 119
आनन्दिताऽहं भवामि मात्राश्लिष्टा चिरं ननु । पुनस्तानुत्थितान् शीघ्रमनुसंयामि चान्वहम् ॥ ११९ ॥
ānanditā'haṁ bhavāmi mātrāśliṣṭā ciraṁ nanu । punas tān utthitān śīghram anusamyāmi ca anvaham ॥ 119 ॥
I become delighted, embraced by the mother for a long time. But again, I quickly follow them when they arise daily.
Verse 120
अस्थिरस्य सखा योऽयं प्रचाराख्यो महाबलः । स सर्वानस्थिरमुखान् पोषयत्यनुवासरम् ॥ १२० ॥
asthirasya sakhā yo'yaṁ pracārākhyah mahābalaḥ । sa sarvān asthira-mukhān poṣayati anuvāsaram ॥ 120 ॥
This mighty friend of Asthira, named Pracara, nourishes all, led by Asthira, daily.
Verse 121
स एको बहुधा भूत्वा पुरं च पुरवासिनः । व्याप्य रक्षत्यनुदिनं सर्वान् संश्लेषयत्यपि ॥ १२१ ॥
sa eko bahudhā bhūtvā puraṁ ca pura-vāsinaḥ । vyāpya rakṣati anudinaṁ sarvān saṁśleṣayati api ॥ 121 ॥
He, becoming many from one, pervades and protects the city and its inhabitants daily, uniting them all.
Verse 122
तं विना ते हि विश्लिष्टा नष्टाः स्युरपि सर्वथा । सूत्रेण हीना मणयो मालाबद्धा यथा पृथक् ॥ १२२ ॥
taṁ vinā te hi viśliṣṭā naṣṭāḥ syur api sarvathā । sūtreṇa hīnā maṇayo mālā-baddhā yathā pṛthak ॥ 122 ॥
Without him, they would indeed be separated and completely lost, like pearls in a garland without the thread to string them together.
Verse 123
स एवं मां च सङ्गम्य सर्वैः संयोजयत् परम् । मया संजीवितोऽत्यन्तं सूत्रधारो हिं तत्पुरे ॥ १२३ ॥
sa evaṁ māṁ ca saṅgamya sarvaiḥ saṁyojayat param । mayā saṁjīvito' tyantaṁ sūtradhāro hiṁ tat-pure ॥ 123 ॥
Thus, he greatly joins and unites me with everyone, greatly enlivened by me, truly the thread bearer in that city.
Verse 124
जीर्णे तु तत्पुरे चान्यत्पुरं तां नयति द्रुतम् । एवं प्रचारं संश्रित्य पुराणामधिपोऽभवत् ॥ १२४ ॥
jīrṇe tu tat-pure ca anyat-puraṁ tāṁ nayati drutam । evaṁ pracāraṁ saṁśritya purāṇām adhipo'bhavat ॥ 124 ॥
But when that city grows old, he quickly moves them to another city. Thus, relying on Pracara, he became the ruler of cities.
Verse 125
बहुनामस्थिरो नूनं विचित्राणां क्रमेण वै । सतीपुत्रोऽप्यस्थिरः स संश्रितोऽपि महाबलम् ॥ १२५ ॥
bahunām asthiraḥ nūnaṁ vicitrāṇāṁ krameṇa vai । satī-putraḥ api asthiraḥ saṁśrito api mahābalam ॥ 125 ॥
Indeed, the chaste son Asthira, though dependent, is mighty and gradually becomes unstable in many diverse ways.
Verse 126
मया च भावितोऽत्यन्तं सर्वथा दुःखभागभूत् । चपलामहाशनाभ्यां पत्नीभ्यां सुसमागमात् ॥ १२६ ॥
mayā ca bhāvitaḥ atyantaṁ sarvathā duḥkha-bhāg-bhūt । capalā-mahāśanābhyāṁ patnībhyāṁ susamāgamāt ॥ 126 ॥
Extremely influenced by me in every way, he bears the suffering from his unions with Chapala and Mahashana.
Verse 127
ज्वालामुखनिन्द्यवृत्ताभिधपुत्रयुगेन च । अन्यैः पुत्रैः पञ्चभिः स सर्वत्राभिविकर्षितः ॥ १२७ ॥
jvālāmukha-nindya-vṛtta-abhidha-putra-yugena ca । anyaiḥ putraiḥ pañcabhiḥ sa sarvatra abhivikarṣitaḥ ॥ 127 ॥
Dragged everywhere by his sons Jwalamukha and Nindya Vrtta, as well as by the other five sons.
Verse 128
महाक्लेशपरीतात्मा सुखलेशविवर्जितः । इतस्ततः क्वचित् पुत्रैः पञ्चभिः स विकर्षितः ॥ १२८ ॥
mahā-kleśa-parīta-ātmā sukha-leśa-vivarjitaḥ । itastataḥ kvacit putraiḥ pañcabhiḥ sa vikārṣitaḥ ॥ 128 ॥
An afflicted soul in great distress, devoid of the slightest happiness, he is dragged here and there by his five sons.
Verse 129
क्वचिच्चपलयाऽत्यन्तं चालितः खेदमीयिवान् । क्वचिन्महाशनाहेतोरशनार्थं प्रधावति ॥ १२९ ॥
kvacit capalayā atyantaṁ cālitaḥ kheda-mīyivān । kvacit mahā-śanā-hetor aśanārthaṁ pradhāvati ॥ 129 ॥
Somewhere he is extremely moved by Chapala, afflicted with fatigue, and elsewhere he runs for food due to Mahashana.
Verse 130
क्वचिज्ज्वालामुखाक्षिप्तो निर्दग्धापादमस्तकः । महामूर्च्छं समायाति चाविदंस्तत्प्रतिक्रियाम् ॥ १३० ॥
kvacit jvālā-mukha-akṣiptaḥ nirdagdha-ā-pāda-mastakaḥ । mahā-mūrcchaṁ samāyāti ca āvidaṁ tat-pratikriyām ॥ 130 ॥
Somewhere moved by Jwalamukha, burned from head to toe, he falls into a deep faint, unaware of any remedy.
Verse 131
निन्द्यवृत्तं क्वचित् प्राप्य गर्हितो भर्त्सितः परैः । मृततुल्यं स्वमात्मानं मन्यते शोकसन्ततः ॥ १३१ ॥
nindya-vṛttaṁ kvacit prāpya garhitaḥ bhartsitaḥ paraiḥ । mṛta-tulyaṁ svam ātmānaṁ manyate śoka-santataḥ ॥ 131 ॥
Accompanied by Nindya Vrtta somewhere, he is reproached and scolded by others, considering himself like the dead and continuously in grief.
Verse 132
दुष्पत्नीपुत्रसहितो मोहितो दुष्कुलोद्भवः । पत्नीपुत्रैः समाक्रान्तो नीयमानस्तु तैः सदा ॥ १३२ ॥
duṣ-patnī-putra-sahito mohito duṣkulodbhavaḥ । patnī-putraiḥ samākrānto nīyamānas tu taiḥ sadā ॥ 132 ॥
With a bad wife and sons, deluded and born into a troubled family, he is always overwhelmed and led by them.
Verse 133
उवास तैर्विचित्रेषु पुरेषूच्चावचेषु हि । क्वचित् कान्तारकीर्णेषु क्रव्यादकुलभूमिषु ॥ १३३ ॥
uvāsa tair vicitreṣu pureṣu ūccā-vaceṣu hi । kvacit kāntāra-kīrṇeṣu kravya-adakula-bhūmiṣu ॥ 133 ॥
He lived with them in various cities, both high and low, and sometimes in wild regions filled with carnivorous beings.
Verse 134
क्वचिदत्यन्ततप्तेषु क्वचिच्छीतजडेषु च । क्वचित् पूतिवहास्थेषु क्वचिद् गाढतमःसु च ॥ १३४ ॥
kvacit atyanta-tapteṣu kvacit śīta-jaḍeṣu ca । kvacit pūti-vahā-stheṣu kvacid gāḍha-tamaḥsu ca ॥ 134 ॥
Sometimes in extremely hot places, sometimes in extremely cold ones, sometimes in foul-smelling areas, and sometimes in dense darkness.
Verse 135
एवं भूयोऽतिदुःखेन दुःखिते तनयेऽस्थिरे । सखी च मे दुःखमूढाऽभवद् दुःसङ्गतः सदा ॥ १३५ ॥
evaṁ bhūyo ati-duḥkhena duḥkhite tanaye asthire ।
sakhī ca me duḥkha-mūḍhā abhavad duḥ-saṅgataḥ sadā Thus, once again with great sorrow, afflicted by her son Asthira, my friend became deeply distressed, always in bad company.
Verse 136
स्वभावसत्यपि मुधा तामन्वहमपि प्रिय । मूढेवात्यन्तमभवं तत्कुटुम्बपरायणा ॥ १३६ ॥
sva-bhāva-satyapi mudhā tām anvaham api priya । mūḍheva atyantam abhavam tat-kuṭumba-parāyaṇā ॥ 136 ॥
Though true to my nature, I foolishly followed her, dear, like a fool, extremely devoted to her family.
Verse 137
को हि दुःसङ्गतः सौख्यं प्राप्नुयाल्लेशतः क्वचित् । गच्छन् मरुस्थले ग्रीष्मे तुष्णाशान्ति यथा नरः ॥ १३७ ॥
ko hi duḥ-saṅgataḥ saukhyaṁ prāpnuyāt leśataḥ kvacit । gacchan maru-sthale grīṣme tuṣṇa-āśānti yathā naraḥ ॥ 137 ॥
Who indeed can obtain even a little happiness from bad association anywhere, like a man seeking cool comfort in a summer desert?
Verse 138
एवं चिरतरे काले संवृत्ते मम सा सखी । मोहिताऽत्यन्तखेदेन मया रहसि सङ्गता ॥ १३८ ॥
evaṁ ciratare kāle saṁvṛtte mama sā sakhī । mohitā ati-anta-khedena mayā rahasi saṅgatā ॥ 138 ॥
Thus, after a long time, my friend, deluded by great sorrow, began to associate with me in private.
Verse 139
मदेकसङ्गद्युक्तिं सा प्राप्यासाद्य च सत्पतिम् । जित्वा स्वतनयं हत्वा बध्वा तत्तनयादिकान् ॥ १३९ ॥
mad-eka-saṅga-dyuktiṁ sā prāpya āsādya ca sat-patim । jitvā sva-tanayaṁ hatvā baddhvā tat-tanaya-ādikān ॥ 139 ॥
Obtaining single-minded association with me, and having met a good husband, she conquered her son, binding and subduing his sons and others.
Verse 140
मया सङ्गम्य मन्मातृपुरमासादयद् द्रुतम् । मन्मातरं परिष्वज्य मुहुर्मुहुरकल्मषा ॥ १४० ॥
mayā saṅgamya mat-mātṛ-puram āsādayad drutam । mat-mātaraṁ pariṣvajya muhuḥ muhuḥ akalmaṣā ॥ 140 ॥
Associating with me, she quickly reached my mother’s city, repeatedly embracing my pure mother.
Verse 141
आनन्दार्णवनिर्मग्नस्वभावाऽभवदञ्जसा । एवं त्वमपि दुर्वृत्तं निगृह्य सखिसम्भवम् ॥ १४१ ॥
ānanda-arṇava-nirmagna-svabhāvā abhavat añjasā । evaṁ tvam api dur-vṛttaṁ nigṛhya sakhi-sambhavam ॥ 141 ॥
Immersed in the ocean of bliss, she became that instantly. Thus, you too should control the bad conduct arising from your friend.
Verse 142
प्राप्य स्वमातरं नाथ सुखं नित्यं समाप्नुहि । एतत्ते कथितं नाथ स्वानुभूतं सुखास्पदम् ॥ १४२ ॥
prāpya sva-mātaraṁ nātha sukhaṁ nityaṁ samāpnuhī । etat te kathitaṁ nātha sva-anubhūtaṁ sukha-āspadam ॥ 142 ॥
By obtaining your mother, Lord, you will always find happiness. This is shared with you, Lord, as a source of happiness I have experienced myself.
Key Takeaways & AI Summary
This chapter explores the profound teachings of Hemalekha's Teaching on the Nature of the Self. It includes 142 verses detailing core themes like "evaṁ satsaṅgamāhātmyaṁ śrutvā'trisutabhāṣitam । prahṛṣṭamānaso bhūyaḥ praṣṭum evopacakrame ॥ 1 ॥", "satyaṁ proktam idaṁ nātha bhavatā śubhakāraṇam । satsaṅgarūpam etac ca pratyakṣeṇaiva bhāvitam ॥ 2 ॥", "yo yathā saṅgam āpnoti phalaṁ tasya tathā bhavet । striyo'pi haimalekhayāḥ saṅgāt sarve mahāphalāḥ ॥ 3 ॥".A sacred Shakta text revealing the supreme mystery of Tripura (the Divine Mother) — a dialogue between Dattatreya and Parashurama on consciousness, creation, and liberation.