An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s2.438
An Index to the Names in the Mahābhārata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s2.438
- Language
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that the firmament or Space is infinite, and is peopled with systems upon systems of self-luminous bodies (devāḥ), etc. Bharadvāja asked why Brahmán is called the first-born and not the Lotus whence he sprang. Bhrgu's answer: The earth is that lotus, created to give rise to that form of Mānasa which became Brahmán; Sumeru, reaching up to heaven, became its pericarp (XII, 182). Bharadvāja asked how Brahmán, residing within Meru, created all things. Bhrgu said that Mānasa [in his form of Brahmán, PCR.] created by fiat of Will, first water, which is the life of all creatures; earth, etc., are transformations of water, and have been produced by the solidification of that element. Bharadvāja enquired after the manner and order of the creation of the several elements; Bhrgu explained that in very ancient times (the Brahmakalpa) Br.-r., assembled together, felt this very doubt, engaged in contemplation for 1,000 celestial years, and then heard a celestial voice saying: "Formerly there was only infinite Space . . . " (XII, 183). Asked by Bharadvāja, Bhrgu explained why only the five primal elements are called Bhūtas. Bharadvāja enquired why all the elements are not seen in the immobile objects. Bhrgu explained how all objects consist of all the five elements, but in each the proportions are different; as example he adduced the trees, which he showed to be not inanimate, etc.; through the breath called Prāṇa living creatures are enabled to move;
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through Vyāna they put forth strength for action; Apāna moves downward; Samāna resides within the heart; through Udāna one eructates and is enabled to utter the seven original notes called Shaḍja, etc. (a) (XII, 184). Asked by Bharadvāja, Bhrgu explained how fire resides within a living body, and how wind moves the body; Prāṇa (c), Samāna (d), Apāna (e), Udāna (f), Vyāna (g) (XII, 185). Bharadvāja's observations on life being worth little if that which is called life be due to the action of fire and wind only (XII, 186). Bhrgu's observations on the indestructibility of living creatures; Bharadvāja's objection; Bhrgu's answer ("it is fire that sustains the breaths Prāṇa, etc.; that heat is called life . . . "). Bharadvāja enquired on the true nature of life; Bhrgu explained that it is antarātman that inspires the body: water—the soul (ātmā) = Brahmán (in all creatures) = kṣetrajña and paramātman respectively; etc. There is no destruction of the living agent; it is the body that is dissolved in death (XII, 187). Bhrgu said: Brahmán first created only some brahmans who were Prajāpatis; then Truth, etc. (β); then D., Dā., G., Dai., As., M.-U., Y., Rā., N., Pṛ., and men with their four divisions: brahmans (white), kshattriyas (red), vaiçyas (yellow), and çūdras (black); etc. Bharadvāja was unwilling to admit any original distinction between the four castes; Bhrgu admitted that there is no original distinction between them; all the world at first consisted of only brahmans;
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how the different castes gradually rose; those are not brahmans that are incapable of understanding that every created thing is the Supreme Brahmán; they take birth as Pṛ., Rā., Pretas, and Mlecchas (XII, 188). What acts constitute a brahman, a kshattriya, a vaiçya, a çūdra; a çūdra may become a brahman by adopting the characteristics of a brahman, and vice versa; the duties that should observe to become truly righteous; the mind should be united with Prāṇa, and Prāṇa be held within Brahmán (XII, 189). Bhrgu discoursed on the characteristics of Truth and Untruth; happiness should always be sought; upon what happiness depends; Bharadvāja doubted that happiness is the highest aim (*Brahmán* lives alone, observant of the vow of brahmacarya; *Çiva brought Kāma to extinction*"); Bhr̥gu's discourse in explanation of Bharadvāja's doubt ("the earth is the pro-genitrix of all creatures; females partake of her nature; the male animal is like *Prajāpati himself*") (XII, 190). Asked by Bharadvāja, Bhr̥gu explained the consequences of gifts, of righteousness, of conduct, of penances, of the study of the Vedas, and of Sacrifices. Asked by Bharadvāja, he then discoursed about the several kinds of duty; then about the four modes of life (laid down in days of old by Brahmán for the benefit of the world) and the duties of the several modes (XII, 191); on the duties of the Forest mode of life; on those of the *Parivrājakas*.
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Bharadvāja enquired about the existence of any region beyond that which we inhabit; Bhr̥gu indicated the existence in the North (on the other side of Himavat) of a region that is the abode of the righteous: "*Here Brahmán in days of yore, and all the gods with R., having performed proper penances, became purified and attained to Brahmán.*"—Bharadvāja worshipped Bhr̥gu with veneration (XII, 192).