Mb050. Bhima In The Grip Of A Python Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

MAHABHARATA

One day a huge python wound
In the body of Bhima around.
He found its grip too tight
To free himself and fight.

Yudhishthira came in search,
And found Bhima in a lurch,
To come out from its clutch
He struggled very much.

It addressed Yudhishthira,
"I'll release your Bhima,
If you reply to every question
To the best of my satisfaction."

"Of your ancestors I'm one,
Cursed to remain as python,
By the great sage Agastya.
I was once King Nahusha."

Yudhishthira hesitated,
But the Python insisted.
Their dialogue philosophical.
It sounded more practical.

P: "Who's a Brahmin?

Y: "A Brahmin is one,
Who's always clean,
He has an open mind.
And is always kind."

"With truth and forbearance,
He always does penance,
And treats pleasure and pain,
With no difference, as one."

"He considers Prosperity
Or the life of poverty,
With utmost equanimity.
And supports philanthropy."

P:"Suppose there's a Brahmin,
He has these qualities none,
Will you treat him as one,
Though born as a Brahmin."

Y:"No, he isn't a Brahmin,
Though born as one,
If these qualities none,
Found in his possession."

P:"How can you identify,
Also you'll testify,
That one's a Brahmin,
From other caste men."

Y:"By his good character,
And his conduct better,
We can identify him,
And sure respect him."

P:"These qualities have one,
But he's a Non-Brahmin.
How do you evaluate him?
And fairly treat him?

Y:"As elevated soul such a man.
Should be called a Brahmin.
So, no birthright can define
One as a true Brahmin."

P:"Why for non-violence
One goes to a higher place
And is given a prominence,
Despite his untruthful existence? "

Y:"Gods are Superhuman,
While Men are human,
And animals subhuman,
Under these falls any one."

"As non-violent man
He goes to the Heaven,
While a violent man
As animal he's born."

"So, man should aspire,
To reach the goal higher,
Cultivate divine in him,
And curb animal in him"

P:"With you I'm pleased,
Bhima is now released.
I'm also now freed,
From the curse indeed."

From the jaws of death,
Bhima had another birth.
The wisdom of Yudhisthira,
It saved the life of Bhima.