Markandeya Advises Yudhishthira on Dharma

Markandeya had already told Yudhishthira stories of kings and sages, of dharma tested and upheld across ages. Now he turned to the king directly. “O one without decay! Now, with your brothers, listen to these other words of mine. They will free you from your doubts about dharma.” He spoke plainly. Yudhishthira was to unite his soul with dharma — always. Those who carry dharma in their soul enjoy bliss, here and in the hereafter. And there was one warning: never oppress a brahmana. A brahmana, if angered, could destroy the world through his oath. Yudhishthira listened. Then he asked the question that had been pressing on him since the dice game, since the forest, since every moment of his exile: “O sage! If I wish to protect my subjects, what dharma should I follow? How should I act, so that I do not deviate from my own dharma?” Markandeya’s answer was not a list of rules. It was a description of a kind of person. Be compassionate towards all beings. Try to ensure their welfare, without hatred. Protect your subjects as if they are your own children. Practise dharma and avoid adharma. Worship the ancestors and the gods. If you act out of ignorance, neutralize it by offering the right donations. Discard vanity and always be humble. Conquer the entire earth and remain in joy and happiness. “This is dharma as it was, and as it will be,” Markandeya said. “There is nothing in the past or the future that is not known to you. O son! Therefore, do not suffer because of your present misfortune.” Then he spoke of destiny — not as an excuse, but as a fact. “Destiny is superior to all the gods too. Prodded by destiny, all beings are afflicted.” He told Yudhishthira not to doubt his words, for doubt would destroy his dharma. He reminded him of his lineage: born in the famous lineage of the Kurus, he should practise everything in deed, thought, and speech. Yudhishthira accepted. “O best of brahmanas! The words that you have uttered are pleasant to hear. O lord! I will endeavour to act according to your instructions. O Indra among brahmanas! I have no greed, no fear and no envy. O lord! I will do everything that you have told me.”