(Smiling). The fools are without any check on them.
“The view that there is a soul separate from the body, which on reaching the other world enjoys rewards, is like the hope to get tasty fruits from the big flower of a tree in the sky.” (16)
This world is deceived by the ignorant who accept the existence of what is the mere creation of their own imagination. For –
The many talkative believers (āstikās) who jabber in vain that a thing which does not exist, exists, condemn the truth-speaking non-believers (nāstikās). Oh, consider from the point of reality. When the body is destroyed, has any one seen a soul separate from it which acquired consciousness as result of transformation due to certain combination? (17)
They deceive not only the world but also themselves. For –
If the bodies are alike in their different parts, the mouth, etc., how can there be a hierarchy of castes? We do not accept any difference between a woman and wealth belonging to us or to somebody else. Only those who are devoid of manliness consider whether an act should be done or not, whether it entails harm, whether to approach women at one’s pleasure and seize the wealth of others. (18)
(After thinking, proudly). By all means materialism alone is the science, in whose view, the only means of knowledge is perception. The elements are earth, water, fire, and air. Wealth and pleasure are the sole aims of man. The elements move through original impulse. There is no other world. Emancipation is death. This science was composed by Vācaspati who followed our view and has given it to the Materialist. This science is popularized in the world by him through his disciples and their disciples.
My child, know that knowledge consists only of statecraft. The science of Agriculture and trade is included in this. The three Vedas are incoherent talk of cheats. There is no difference just because they postulate heaven.
See –
If sacrifices obtain for one heaven by the destruction of the sacrificial matter through the action of the officiating priest, will the trees burnt by the forest fire bear ample fruit? (19)
Moreover –
If it is assumed that an animal slain in sacrifices goes to heaven, why does not the sacrificer immolate his own father? (20)
And –
If śrāddha (offering of rice balls to a dead person) produces gratification to beings who are dead, then oil may rear the flame of an extinguished light. (21)
Venerable teacher, if the sole aim of man is to eat and drink then why do these ascetics renounce the worldly pleasure and afflict themselves with severe tortures caused by parāka (a sacrificial sword), sāntapana (a kind of rigid penance) and taking food once in three days as an expiatory act?
These fools who are deceived by the Vedas composed by cheats are contented with the sweetmeats of hopes. See,
Where is the embrace of the long-eyed ones, the embrace pressing the shoulders with one’s arms and which is pleasing because of the prominent breasts compressed, and where is begging, fasting, penance, exposure to the burning heat of the sun which emaciate the body of these fools? (22)
Revered sir, these ascetics say that worldly pleasure is to be given up because it is mingled with miseries.
(Laughing) This is the expression of foolishness of these human animals.
It is the reasoning of fools that the pleasure which arises in men from contact with sensible objects is to be relinquished as they are accompanied by pain. What man seeking his true interest would fling away the berries of paddy, rich with finest white grains, because they are covered with husks and dust? (23)
Well, It is after a long time, my ears are gratified by words which are authoritative (Looking with joy). Oh! It is my dear friend Materialist.
(Looking) This is king Delusion. (Going near). May the king be victorious! I, Materialist salute you.
Welcome Materialist, be seated here.
(Sits) Kali prostrates before you.
Ah! Kali, unimpaired blessing be upon you!
By your grace all is good. He has accomplished everything ordered by you and wishes to worship at your feet. For –
After receiving the great command from you and having accomplished it by destroying the enemies, he is now happy and delighted, and with great joy in his countenance feels blessed and prostrates himself at the lotus feet of the Lord. (24)
And what has that Kali achieved?
Lord, he caused the virtuous to forsake the path shown by the Vedas and act according to their own wish. It is the glory of my Lord, neither mine nor Kali’s, for this achievement. (25)
The people of the north and west have forsaken the three Vedas, what to speak of tranquility and self-restraint. In other places too the three Vedas are there just as the means of livelihood. The Ācārya (Bṛhaspati) has said:
“The oblations in the fire, the three Vedas, the carrying of three sticks tied together, and smearing oneself with ashes are the means of livelihood of those who are devoid of intelligence and manliness. (26)”
There in Kurukṣetra and other places my Lord need not fear the birth of Knowledge or Spiritual Awakening even in a dream.
Well done. That great holy place is rendered useless.
My Lord. There is something more to be reported.
What is it?
There is a Yogini of great power called Devotion to Viṣṇu. Though her popularity is lessened by Kali, we cannot even look at those who are blessed by her. Therefore, my Lord, you have to be on your guard against her.
(In fear to himself). Oh! It is difficult to destroy her whose great power is well known and who is my natural enemy. Well. (To himself). Sometimes drastic action has to be taken. (Loudly) Then my dear, do not have any doubts. Where can she appear when Concupiscence and Anger are her enemies?
Even then one who desires victory should not remain unguarded even where the enemy is weak. For –
Even a weak enemy may prove to be a fierce one in the end and inflict a mortal wound like a small thorn that afflicts the foot. (27)
(Looking behind the curtain) Who is there?
Victory to my Lord. Let my Lord command.
Oh! ‘Companion of the wicked’, Go and direct Concupiscence, Anger, Greed, Arrogance, Spite and others that they should be on guard and kill the Yogini – Devotion to Viṣṇu.
As your Lord commands.
I come from Utkala. There near the ocean there is a temple of God called Puruṣottama. I have been sent to the king by my masters, Arrogance, Deceit and Conceit. (Looking) This is Vāraṇāsī. This is the place of the king. I shall enter. (Entering). Here the master is talking something with Materialist. I shall go near him. (Going near) Victory to my Lord. Look at this letter which needs attention.
(Gives the letter)
(Taking the letter) Where do you come from?
I have come from Puruṣottama.
(To himself) Must be something very serious. (Aloud) Materialist, go. Be alert while doing whatever is required.
As you command.
About the Author and Translator
Kṛṣṇa Miśra (Author)
Kṛṣṇa Miśra was an 11th-century Sanskrit playwright who lived during the reign of the Chandela dynasty in Central India. He is the author of Prabodhacandrodaya (“The Rise of the Moon of Intellect”), a six-act allegorical play in which abstract concepts, virtues, and philosophical doctrines are personified as characters on stage to illustrate the tenets of Advaita Vedānta alongside competing philosophical schools.
Dr. Sita K. Nambiar (Translator)
Dr. Sita K. Nambiar was a Sanskrit scholar and former Principal of Daulat Ram College, Delhi University. She received her Ph.D. from Bonn University in 1960 as a DAAD scholar. Her published works include a critical English translation of Prabodhacandrodaya (Motilal Banarsidass, 1971) and The Ritual Art of Teyyam and Bhutaradhane (IGNCA, 1996).
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