Truth!


As debate continued in progressive number, Astāvakra said to Vandin-It is said that 6 cows are to be given when a sacrificial fire is ignited. There are 6 seasons in a year, 6 stars make up constellation Krttika, & if mind is included the numbers of senses is 6


Vandin said-There are 7 kinds of domesticated animals. There are 7 groups of wild animals. 7 great sages reside near the top of universe & 7 strings are on musical instrument Vinā


Astāvakra said: Sarabha has 8 legs that preys upon lions. There are 8 Vasus, there are 8 principal Upanishads, & eightfold is yoga system that is meant for linking oneself with Supreme


Vandin said-There are 9 mantras chanted while igniting fire for worshipping the pitrs. The creation of Universe is divided into 9 categories. There are 9 primary numbers used in all calculations & nine-fold is the process of devotional service


Astāvakra said-There are 10 directions all around, up & down. For 10 months women bear embryo within their womb. 10 is the number of knowledge-acquiring & working senses, and by multiplication of 10 one gets 100s, 1000s & so on


Vandin said-There are 11 Rudras amongst demigods. There are said to be 11 objects that are enjoyable to living beings. 11 are transformations that living beings undergo & 11 varieties of sacrificial stakes are generally employed


Astāvakra said-There are 12 months in a year, 12 varieties of minor sacrifices, 12 Adityās in heaven & 12 Mahājanas who know real purpose of religion


Vandin said-The 13th lunar day is considered the most auspicious. There are 13 islands on this earth


At this point Vandin stopped speaking, for his intelligence could go no further. Astāvakra then completed Vandin’s sloka describing things pertaining to number 13


Upon seeing Vandin silently sitting with his head down in shame, the crowd let out a great roar. King Janaka & all approached the victorious boy to congratulate him. Astāvakra said:Because Vandin demanded that his defeated opponents be drowned in river, he must meet same fate!


Vandin claimed:I’m son of Varuna & as my father is performing a 12-year sacrifice, I had dispatched prominent Brāhmanās there to witness it. Look & you’ll see that they're returning to pay their homage to Astāvakra


Astāvakra said-It is I who’ve delivered these Brāhmanās! Since I’m victor, I insist that Vandin be cast into river. Everyone knows that one who is pure cannot be burnt by fire. Similarly if Vandin is actually Varuna's son, he should have no fear of drowning


King Janaka agreed Astāvakra could do with Vandin as he pleases


Truth reveals itself. It could be bitter or sweet but we need to acknowledge it. Also if truth is bitter, we should be careful not to tell it bitterly but politely, sensitively & encouragingly. This prompts others to accept it & work upon it for corrections.Else the same truth can have an adverse affect to demoralize,be painful & impacts negatively


anudvega-karam vakyam satyam priya-hitam ca yat


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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