Krishjan

Chapter 1 — Harita Gita

Harita Gita

23 Shloka • Translation Only

Yudhishthira said, Of what behaviour must a monk be, of what acts, of what kind of knowledge; and to what (else) must a monk be devoted, for attaining to Brahma's place which transcends Prakruti, and which is unchangeable?

Bhishma said, Being devoted to the Dharma of Emancipation, frugal in consumption, and the master of one's senses, a monk attains to that high place which transcends Prakruti and is unchangeable.

In this connection also generally quoted an old chronicle of the sermon sung by sage Harit, in the days of yonder. Oh Yudhisthtir! Please listen to it carefully.

Retiring from one's home, regarding gain and loss in the same light, restraining the senses. and disregarding all objects of desire even when they are readily available (for enjoyment), one should adopt a life of Renunciation.

Neither with eye, nor with word, nor in thought, should a monk disparage anyone; nor should he speak evil of any person either in or out of his hearing of anyone.

A monk should abstain from injuring any creature (i.e. all-sustaining spirit itself) and conduct always observing the course of the friendliness. Having come into this uncertain life, a monk should not behave with hostility towards any creature.

Reaming indifferent to scornful speeches, never in arrogance deem oneself as superior to anyone, a monk should always response with courteous words even-when sought to be angered by angry-one and with welfare of the one who calumniate.

Avoiding to behave either favourably or unfavourably in the community a monk should neither keep on visiting houses except for one's round of mendicancy, nor should one go to any house being invited (for dinner).

Resting firmly in the observance of one's duties, a monk must desist from addressing such disagreeably even when one's secrets are scattered by someone, should be compassionate, abstain from returning an injury, be fearless; and should refrain from self-laudation.

A monk should be out for one's round of mendicancy to a householder's abode when the smoke has ceased to rise from it, when the sound of the husking rod is hushed, when the hearth-fire is extinguished, when all the inmates have finished their meals, and when the hour is over for setting the dishes.

A monk should content himself with barely necessary for keeping body and soul together and must disregard the quantity of food he obtains per chance. Neither he should suffer in discontent when he does not get what he needs, nor he should be delighted when he obtains what he wanted.

As coveted by ordinary men, a monk should never wish for profits. He should never eat with respectful invitation. One like him should censure the gains obtained with honour.

A monk should never find fault with the food placed before him, nor should he venerate its merits and should long for a bed and a seat, which are pure & in solitude.

Taking refuge in the place such as a deserted house, the shade of a tree, a forest, or a cave; and concealing his practices from the public, a monk should contemplate on the Self.

Perfectly a monk should be; composed, steadily fixed, and uniform, by disregarding compliance or opposition and should seek neither merit nor demerit by means of any action.

A monk should be always; satisfied, well-contented, of cheerful face & senses, fearless, silent, and engaged in mental recitation of sacred mantras; by taking refuge in the life of Renunciation.

Observing the repeated advent and departure of all worldly creatures a monk should become; free from all desire, perceiver of equality in everything. Controlling senses, he must not Judge the food that chance may bring, well-cooked or ill, becoming moderate-one in diet, and serene-minded he should achieve tranquillity of Self by Self.

Controlling the (rising) impulses of the; words, mind, anger, envy, hunger, and lust austere - a monk should be devoted to the penances for cleansing his heart and never allow the censures (of anyone) to afflict his heart.

Becoming an authority a monk should regard praise and blame as equal. This, indeed, is the holiest and the highest path of the life of a wandering-monk.

Great soul should restrain his senses from all things & keep himself aloof from all attachments. Without a fixed home, always wandering per chance (not preplaced), a monk should be goodhearted & balanced.

Never mingling with householders or hermits in forest, a monk should look forward for anything that is being presented by the time, without having thought of it beforehand, and should never be delighted to possess such objects.

Such a life of Renunciation is the Emancipation to the wise-ones, whereas to the ignorant-ones this itself is exceedingly burthensome. The sage Harita declared all this to be the path or carrier by which Emancipation is to be achieved.

He, who having assured all creatures of his perfect harmlessness, sets forth from his home. attains to the lustrous regions of felicity which leads to the Eternity.