kali-plekken II

The Bull [Dharma, personality of religion...] said:

(17) "That what you said to become free from the fear for distress is befitting for someone of the Pandava dynasty, the descendants of Pandu, to whose qualities attracted, Krishna the Supreme Lord performed the duty of being a servant and such."

(18-20) "Oh greatest among the human beings, being bewildered as a consequence of all the differences of opinion, we cannot tell which person or whatever would be the cause of our suffering. Some, in defiance of all duality, declare that one suffers because of oneself, others speak of fate as the cause, some say that it is all due to karma, while many other authorities say that material nature is responsible. Some also conclude that it is a question that defies explanation and comprehension. Who of them would be right in this matter, oh sage among the kings, is left to your own power of judgement."

Parikshit, who attentively had followed what the Bull had to say, replied mindfully. 

(21-23) "Oh knower of the duties, oh Dharma in the form of a bull, you say this because the status of a wrong doer will also become the position of the one who points out the wrong done [the guru who takes up the karma of his follower]. In other words, the Lord's ways within the material world can neither be put in words nor be conceived by living beings."

(24-25) "Tapas [Penance, Fervor], Śauca [Cleanliness], Daya [Compassion] and Satya [Truthfulness] are your legs that thus established the Age of Truth [Satya-yuga]. But because of irreligiosity, three of them have broken - in conceit, intercourse and intoxication. At present, oh Bull [personality of religion], you are hobbling along on the one leg of truthfulness, while Quarrel personified [Kali] - who flourishes on deceit - irreligiously tries to destroy that leg too."

(26-27) "Because of the actions of the Supreme Lord, Mother Earth has been relieved of the great burden that she, this cow, carried. His all-auspicious footprints brought happiness everywhere. Lamenting with tears in her eyes, the unfortunate and chaste one being deserted by Him, is now enjoyed by lower-class people who - devoid of the culture of learning - pose as rulers in my place."