Yudhisthira said: -
1. I bid farewell to all the descendants of Bharata, to my old grandsire (Bhisma) to king Somadatta, the great king Valhika.
2. To Drona, to Kripa, to all the other kings, to Ashvathama, Vidura, Dhritarastra, and to all the sons of Dhritarastra.
3. To Yuyutsu, Sanjaya, and all the Sabhasadas (court-officials). I bed you all farewell. I shall see you (again) on my return.
Vaishampayana said: -
4. Those that were present there could not out of shame tell anything to Yudhisthira, but they all prayed for the welfare of the intelligent (king).
Vidura said: -
5. The reversed Pritha (Kunti) is a princess. She should not go to the forest. She is delicate and old, and she is ever in happiness.
6. The blessed lady will remain in my house (well) respected by me. O sons of Pritha, know this, and let safety by yours in every way.
Vaishampayana said: -
7. Thereupon they (the Pandavas) all said, “O sinless one, let it be as you say. You are our uncle, and (therefore) you are the same as our father. We are all obedient to you.
8. learned man, you are our most respected Guru (superior). O high-souled one, command us what else is there to be done”.
Vidura said: -
9. O Yudhisthira, O best of the Bharata race, know this to be my opinion that he who is defeated by sinful means need not be pained for such defeat.
10. You know every rule of Dharma. Dhananjaya (Aryuna) is ever victorious in battle. Bhimsena is the slayer of foes, Nakula is the gatherer of wealth.
11. Sahadeva has administrative talents, Dhaumya is the best of all men learned in the Vedas, and the virtuous Draupadi is learned in Dharma and Artha.
12. You are all attached to one another and you all feel delight at one another’s presence; enemies cannot separate you from one another, and you are all contented.
13. O descendent of Bharata, for this patient abstraction from the worldly possessions will be great benefit to you. No enemy, even if he be like Sakra (Indra), will be able to stand it.
14. You were instructed on the mountains of Himalaya by Meru-Savarani. You were instructed in Varanavata by Krishna Dvaipayana (Vyasa).
15. On the Bhrigu mountain by Rama, on the banks of the Drishadvati by Shambhu (Shiva). You have also received instructions from the great Rishi Asita on the Anajna mountains.
16. You became a disciple of Bhrigu on the banks of the Kalmashi. Narada and your this priest Dhaumya will be now your instructors.
17. Do not abandon the excellent lessons, ever adored by the Rishis, as regards the next world. O sons of Pandu, you surpass in intelligence even Pururava, the son of Ila.
18. In strength all other kings, and in virtue even the Rishis. Resolve earnestly to win the victory which is the attribute of Indra, to control anger which is the attribute of Yama.
19. To give in charity which is the attribute of Kuvera, and to control all passions which is the attribute of Varuna. Obtain the power of gladdening from the moon, the power of sustaining all from the water.
20. Forbearance from earth, energy from the whole of the solar disc, strength from the winds, and affluence from the creatures.
21-22. Welfare and immunity from disease by yours. I hope to see you return (in all safety). O Yudhisthira, act properly and duly in all seasons-in the time of distress, in that of difficulty, and in respect of everything, O son of Kunti, O descendant of Bharata, with our permission depart. Blessings be on you.
23. None can say that you have done anything sinful before. We hope to see you return in safety and crowned with success.
Vaishampayana said: -
24. Thus addressed the greatly powerful Pandava (Yudhisthira), saying, “Be it so” and bowing low to Bhisma and Drona, went away.
Thus ends the seventy eighth chapter, Yudhisthira’s departure to the forest, in the Anudyuta of the Sabha Parva.