Mahabharata

by Anonymous

You are Viṣṇu in a different form and are unconquerable by gods, demons or men.

You destroy the universe with this weapon at the end of creation,

Shiva replied, “O son of Kunti, I will give you this weapon. You are capable of holding, throwing, and withdrawing it. Not even Indra, Yama, Kuvera, or Varuṇa knows the mantras to this weapon--what to speak of any man. However, you must use it only against celestial fighters. The Pashupata should never be released at lesser enemies or else it may destroy the creation. This weapon is discharged by the mind, eyes, words, or a bow. No one in the three worlds of moving or nonmoving creatures can withstand its force.”

“Behold, O Arjuna, that all the world’s protectors, the Lokapalas, have come here. We shall bestow upon you divine eyes. O sinless one, you were formerly the Rishi Nara. At Brahma’s behest, you have taken your birth as a mortal. You shall vanquish in battle the powerful Bhishma and the many other fierce warriors headed by Droṇa. The enemies of the gods, Daityas and Danavas, have taken their birth in the world of men. These shall all be slain in a great battle in which you will play the main role. Your fame on earth shall be eternal.”

When Arjuna had become adept at using all the weapons, Indra told him, “You should go to your friend Chitrasena and learn singing and dancing from him. He can teach you such music that does not exist in the world of men and is known only to the celestials. This knowledge will prove useful to you in the future.” Arjuna thus learned the Gandharva skills. The Pandava did not know why Indra had requested him to study such subjects, but he was sure the god could see by divine intelligence that such knowledge would surely be helpful in the future.

As you have taught him all the arts of music, so now you should teach him the art of associating with women.”

diaphanous

son of Indra, we of the heavenly realms are not fettered by human morality.

Hanuman returned to his normal size and replied solemnly. "It is exactly as you say, Bhima. That wretch Ravana was no match for me, but if I had slain him, then the glory of Dasaratha's son would have been obscured. By killing the king of the demons and rescuing Sita, my Lord Rama has established his fame and glory among men."

"When you rush forward for the fight, sending forth lion-like roars, I will add my roars to yours. Remaining on the flagstaff of Arjuna's chariot, I will strike fear into the hearts of your foes by my terrific yells."

Bhima soon recovered and again raised his mace, known as the Shaika.

His killing of the Yakshas and Rakshasas has been ordained by destiny. Indeed, realizing this I have become pleased with Bhima rather than angry."

Fixing his narrow eyes upon Yudhisthira, the serpent said, "How can we recognize a true brahmin, and what is the highest object of knowledge?" "A brahmin is characterized by the qualities of honesty, purity, forgiveness, self-control, asceticism, knowledge and religiosity. The highest object of knowledge is the Supreme Brahman, which can be known when one has transcended all duality."

"If one finds these qualities in any man, then he should be known as a brahmin no matter what his birth may have been. Happiness and distress in relationship to material objects can be transcended while still being experienced in relation to the Supreme. Material emotions are perverted reflections of original spiritual feelings."

The age would culminate in the appearance of Kalki avatara, who would restore order to the world and bring about Satya-yuga, the golden age.