SECTION 8

SECTION 8

"Vyasa said, 'O wise Dhritarashtra, hear what I say! I will tell thee that which is for the great good of all the Kauravas! It hath not pleased me that the Kauntheyas have gone to the forest defeated at dice by Duryodhana and others! On the expiration of the thirteenth year, recollecting all their woes, they may shower death-dealing weapons, even like virulent poison, upon the Kauravas! Why doth thy son, seek to slay the Kauntheyas for the sake of their kingdom? Let the fool be restrained; let thy son remain quiet! In attempting to slay the Kauntheyas in exile, he will only lose his own life. Thou art as honest, or Bhishma, or ourselves, or Kripa, or Drona,  Dissension with one's own kin are forbidden, sinful and reprehensible! Therefore, it behoveth thee to desist from such acts! And, Duryodhana looketh with such jealousy towards the Kauntheyas that great harm would be the consequence, if thou didst not interfere. Or let this wicked son of thine, along and unaccompanied, himself go to the forest and live with the Kauntheyas. For then, if the Kauntheyas, from association, feel an attachment for Duryodhana, then, good fortune may be thine. This, however, may not be! For it hath been heard that one's congenital nature leaveth him not till death. But what do Bhishma and Drona and Vidura think? What also dost thou think? That which is beneficial should be done while there is time, else thy purposes will be unrealised.'"