The Tree of Knowledge - The Vedas

Two birds, who are friends, perch on the tree of knowledge, the tree of immortality. One of them eats the sweet fruit. The other looks on without eating. The birds sing, without blinking, of how they will share immortality with the wise.

The bird which eats the sweetness, will nest and brood on the tree of knowledge, the tree of immortality. That bird will learn that the fruit growing on the tips of the branches, is the sweetest. And it will also learn that in order to eat this fruit, it must come to know the parent of creation.

With the voice of pealing thunder Dasaratha spake to all,

To the princes and the burghers gathered in Ayodhya’s hall:

"Known to all, the race of Raghu rules this empire broad and fair,

And hath ever loved and cherished subjects with a father’s care,

In my father’s footsteps treading I have sought the ancient path,

Nursed my people as my children, free from passion, pride and wrath,

Underneath this white umbrella seated on this royal throne,

I have toiled to win their welfare and my task is almost done!

Years have passed of fruitful labor, years of work by fortune blest,

And the evening of my lifetime needs, my friends, the evening’s rest,

Years have passed in watchful effort, Law and Duty to uphold,

Effort needing strength and prowess—and my feeble limbs are old!

Peers and burghers, let your monarch, now his lifelong labor done,

For the weal of loving subjects on his empire seat his son,

Indra-like in peerless valor, rishi-like in holy lore,

I am the vital fire in the bellies of all men; joined with the breath as it flows, I digest the various kinds of food.

I dwell deep in the hearts of all beings; I am the source of memory and knowledge, the author of all scriptures, their wisdom, their goal.

Throned to rule his father’s empire Rama wins a loftier might,

He will be your gracious monarch favored well by Fortune’s Queen,

By his virtue and his valor lord of earth he might have been!

Speak your thoughts and from this bosom lift a load of toil and care,

On the proud throne of my fathers let me place a peerless heir,

Speak your thoughts, my chiefs and people, if this purpose please you well,

Or if wiser, better counsel in your wisdom ye can tell,

Speak your thoughts without compulsion, though this plan to me be dear,

If some middle course were wiser, if some other way were clear!"

Gathered chieftains hailed the mandate with applauses long and loud,

As the peafowls hail the thunder of the dark and laden cloud,

And the gathered subjects echoed loud and long the welcome sound,

Till the voices of the people shook the sky and solid ground!

Brahmans versed in laws of duty, chieftains in their warlike pride,

Countless men from town and hamlet heard the mandate far and wide,

And they met in consultation, joyously with one accord,

Freely and in measured accents, gave their answer to their lord:

"Years of toil and watchful labor weigh upon thee king of men,

Young in years is righteous Rama, Heir and Regent let him reign.

We would see the princely Rama, Heir and Regent duly made,

Riding on the royal tusker in the white umbrella’s shade!"

Click here to view the full content of the articles.

<< Back