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Oppiliappan List Archive: Message 00181 Jan 2007

 
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From: http://members.cox.net/apamnapat/

[This story is from [Maha:3.184]. This story glorifies the role of Kings, and 
provides somewhat of an argument for the "divine right" to rule.] This story 
was narrated by the sage Maarkandeya to the Pandavas when they were spending 
their time in the forest in exile. 

Once, a renowned king named Vainya was performing a major sacrifice, and had 
resolved to give huge wealth to those Brahmana that sought alms from him during 
the sacrifice. The sage Atri had originally planned to go to this Yagna and 
obtain riches that way. However, upon further consideration, he decided not to 
go, due to certain religious scruples. 

Anasuya, his wife, who had been counting on his bringing back gifts from the 
King, asked him, "My Lord, why haven't you travelled yet to King Vainya's 
sacrifice? I have heard that he is going to give wealth in the form of both 
gold and Kine to all Brahmanas who attend his Yagna. It would be a welcome 
opportunity for us to obtain some material comforts." 

The sage replied, "My dear, I have resolved to follow the ascetic mode of life. 
I have no need for wealth. One must not seek riches, we must seek only that 
which is sufficient for the bare necessities of life." 

His wife interrupted him and said, "You may wish to lead the life of a hermit, 
but there is no need for our children to suffer because of it. Go to the 
prince, who, I am told, is a virtuous and Kind ruler, and obtain wealth from 
him. You can then distribute it among our children and then retire to the 
forest as you desire." 

"The sage Gautama has told me that though the prince is pious, there are 
Brahmanas at his court who have a jealous nature. If I venture there, they will 
try to draw me into injudicious speech, and will seek to quarrel with me. It 
does not behoove me to give way to anger, nor to go in search of a fight. 
Still, since you wish so much to have wealth for our children, I will go 
there", said her husband. 

Sage Atri went to Vainya's sacrifice, and eulogized the King. He said, "May 
heaven bless you O King! You are foremost among sovereigns! You are praised by 
all sages, and you are universally acknowledged to be pious!". 

The sage Gautama, who heard this, indignantly said, "Atri, do not repeat this 
nonsense. Only Indra, the ruler of heaven is foremost among the sovereigns! Do 
not twist the truth from a base motive to flatter this king and obtain riches." 

Atri replied, "Just as Lord Indra rules over our destinies from heaven, this 
sovereign controls the well being of his subjects. You are lacking in spiritual 
perception and thus are not able to grasp this essential fact!". 

"I am not mistaken; it is you who are laboring under a misconception. To secure 
the King's grace, you are indulging in unworthy analogies and like a child, are 
speaking without understanding the meaning of your words." 

The argument between these two learned men began to attract the attention of 
other people. Kashyapa, who was present at the sacrifice, intervened between 
the adversaries and asked them what the reason for their quarrel was. 

When they replied that they were debating about whether the King could be 
considered to be the determinant of the destiny of his subjects, he decided 
that only the sage Sanatkumara could clarify this point.
 
Accordingly, he took both combatants to the sage Sanatkumara and asked them to 
state their case. After listening carefully to the particulars of the arguments 
made by both sages, pronounced his verdict. "As fire assisted by wind burns 
down forests, so does a Brahmana's energy in union with a Kshatriyas can 
destroy his enemies. The sovereign is the maker of laws and the protector of 
his subjects. He, like Indra is the protector of created beings, like Shukra a 
propounder of morals, and like Brihaspati as a counselor, and is thus worthy of 
being called the ruler of men's destinies. Such an individual, who is called, 
'royal', 'lord of earth', 'emperor' etc. is worthy of praise. The king is the 
prime cause of maintaining social order, he is the guide to salvation of his 
subjects. He is the embodiment of Vishnu on earth. Just as Surya dispels 
darkness by his effulgence, the King roots out sin from the earth. All this is 
stated in many sacred books. Therefore, I must agree with Atri that this King 
rules our destinies." 

King Vainya was very pleased with sage Atri and showered him with gold and gave 
him many heads of excellent cattle. Victorious, and considerably enriched, Atri 
returned home. He then distributed all the wealth among his sons, and then 
repaired to the forest with the object of performing penances.


                
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