Story Of A Worm - Swami Sivananda.

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Tuesday, May 10, 2022. 19:45'

Chapter Ten

Stories

Story Of A Worm

(FROM THE MAHABHARATAM)

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Yudhishthira said:

1. “Wishing to die and wishing to live, many persons surrender their lives in the great sacrifice (of battle). Tell me, O grandfather, what is the end that these attain to?

2–3. “To give up life in battle is fraught with sorrow for men. O you of great wisdom, you know that to give up life is difficult for men, whether they are rich or poor, or are in happiness or misery. In my opinion, you are gifted with omniscience. Do tell me the reason of this.”

Bhishma said.

4. “In prosperity or adversity, in weal or woe, living creatures, O king, coming into this world, live according to a particular method.

5. “Listen to me as I explain the reason to you. The question you have put to me is, indeed, excellent, O Yudhishthira!

6. “Regarding it, O king, I shall explain to you the old dialogue that took place between the Dvaipayana Rishi and a crawling worm.

7. “Formerly when the learned Brahmana, viz., the Krishna Dvaipayana, having identified himself with Brahman, roamed over the world, he saw on a road over which carts used to pass, a worm moving quickly.

8. “The Rishi knew the course of every creature and the language of every animal. Gifted with omniscience, he addressed the worm in these words:

9. “O worm, you appear to be greatly alarmed, and to be in great haste. Tell me, where do you run, and whence have you been afraid?”

The worm said:

10. “I am stricken with fear on hearing the rattle of that large cart. O you! of great intelligence, it makes a fearful roar. It is almost come.

11. “The sound is heard. Will it not kill me? I am flying away from this. I hear the sound of the bulls.

12. “They are breathing hard under the whip of the driver, as they are carrying the heavy load. I hear also the various sounds made by the men who are driving the bulls.

13. “Creatures like us born as worms, cannot bear such sounds. It is, therefore, that I am flying from this situation of great fright.

14. “Death is considered by all creatures as painful. Life is an acquisition difficult to make. Hence I fly away in fear, I do not wish to pass from a state of weal to one of woe.”

Bhishma said:

15. “Thus addressed, Dvaipayana Vyasa said: ‘O worm, whence can be your happiness? You belong to the intermediate order of being. I think, death would be of happiness to you.

16. “Sound, touch, taste, scent and various kinds of excellent enjoyments are unknown to you, O worm! I think death will prove a benefit to you’.”

The worm said:

17. “A living creature however circumstanced it may be, becomes attached to it. Even in this o

18. “In this condition, every object of enjoyment exists for me according to the necessity of my body. Human beings and those creatures which originate from immobile objects have different enjoyments.

19. “In my former life I was a human being, O powerful one. I was a wealthy Sudra. I was not devoted to the Brahmanas. I was cruel, vile in conduct, and an usurer.

20. “I was harsh in speech. I considered cunningness as wisdom. I hated all creatures. Taking advantage of pretexts in agreements made between myself and others, I used always to take away what belonged to others.

21. “Without feeding servants and guests who came to my home, I used to fill, when hungry, my own stomach, proud, greedy of good food, cruel as I was.

22. “Covetous as I was of riches, I never dedicated with faith and respect any food to the celestials and the departed Manes, although duty enjoined me to dedicate food to them.

23. “Those men who moved by fear came to me for seeking my help, I sent them adrift without giving any protection. I did not extend my help to those who came to me with prayers for removing their fear.

24. “I used to feel unreasonable envy at seeing other people’s riches, and corn, and wives held dear by them and articles of drink, and good palaces.

25. “Seeing the happiness of others, I was filled with envy and I always wished them poverty. Acting thus which promised to crown my own wishes with fruition, I sought to destroy the virtue, riches and pleasures of other people.

26. “In the past life of mine, I committed various deeds moved by cruelty and such other passions. Recollecting those deeds, I am filled with repentance and grief, as one is filled with grief at the loss of his dear son.

27. “On account of those deeds of mine, I do not know what the fruits of good deeds are. I, however, adored my old mother and on one occasion adored a Brahmana.

28. “Gifted with birth and accomplishments, that Brahmana, while travelling, came to my house once as a guest. I received him with respectful hospitality. On account of the merit of that deed my memory has not forsaken me.

29. “I think that on account of that deed I shall once more succeed in regaining happiness. Having asceticism for wealth, you know everything. Tell me please what is for my behalf.”

(Anusasanika Parva–Mahabharatam)

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