After many trials, the Pāṇḍavas at last reclaimed their kingdom, though it had been greatly reduced. Yet, with steadfast hearts, they established their rule and performed a multitude of sacred sacrifices—among them the great Aśvamedha and many others—restoring dharma and prosperity to their land. In time, when Dhṛtarāṣṭra departed this world for heaven, and Vidura too left his mortal body, the Pāṇḍavas performed all the proper rites for these kings of immeasurable splendor, ensuring their passage to the celestial realms. Later, when Vārṣṇeya—Kṛṣṇa himself—returned to his own divine abode, the Pāṇḍavas, after protecting Kṛṣṇa’s wives, prepared themselves for their own great departure. They renounced their earthly ties and, journeying together, attained the supreme heaven. Thus, in ancient times, these events unfolded for those whose deeds were without blemish: there was division, the destruction of the kingdom, and finally, victory. O best among the victorious, such was the fate of these noble souls. At this point, the sage is addressed: “O best of the twice-born, you have indeed summarized for us the entire Mahābhārata—the great tale of the deeds of the Kurus. But, O sinless one, tell the story again, with all its vivid meanings and details. For my curiosity has only grown by hearing this summary; I am never satisfied by hearing of the great deeds of the ancients. “Surely, there must be a profound reason why the Pāṇḍavas, though innocent and steadfast in dharma, endured and overcame such adversity, and are so widely praised among men. Why did those tiger-like heroes, capable and blameless, patiently bear the afflictions inflicted upon them by the wicked? How did mighty Bhīma, strong as ten thousand elephants, restrain his anger even when wronged? How did virtuous Draupadī, though tormented by evil men, control her wrathful gaze toward the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra? How did the tiger-like sons of Madri, though harassed by the wicked, follow Yudhiṣṭhira, who at that time was drawn to dice? How did Yudhiṣṭhira himself, the very embodiment of dharma, endure the utmost suffering though undeserving? And how did Arjuna, with Kṛṣṇa as his charioteer, subdue countless armies and send them all to the realm of the ancestors? “O possessor of austerity, tell me all this as it truly happened, and whatever other deeds those great chariot-warriors performed, here and there.” The sage replies, “Wait a moment, O great king, for this is a vast subject. The sacred narrative spoken by Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana—Vyāsa—must be told. I shall declare the entire teaching of Vyāsa, the illustrious sage of immeasurable splendor, honored in all the worlds. “This Mahābhārata of one hundred thousand verses, filled with righteous deeds, was explained by Satyavatī’s son, Vyāsa, of boundless energy. Along with its countless stories, the supreme Mahābhārata should be known and heard; but now, O king, I will briefly recount its essence. “It consists of two thousand chapters and exactly one hundred sections, with ninety thousand and ten verses in all. The great sage composed it in eighteen books. Whoever, being learned, recites this epic, and those who listen to it, attain the abode of Brahman and become equal to the gods. “Indeed, this is equal to the Vedas—pure and supreme. Among all things to be heard, this is the best, praised by the ancient seers. In this most holy epic, purpose and desire are fully taught, as well as steadfast wisdom. “A learned person who enables those of noble and truthful conduct—who are generous and not atheistic—to hear this Kārṣṇa Veda, obtains its reward. Even one who has committed the terrible sin of killing an embryo is freed from that sin by hearing this epic. All sins are washed away, just as the moon is freed from Rāhu’s eclipse. This history, called ‘Jaya,’ should be heard by all who seek victory. “A king who listens to this conquers the earth and defeats his enemies; it is the best rite for begetting sons and a great blessing ceremony. It should be heard repeatedly by the chief queen and the crown prince, for it produces a heroic son or a daughter fit to inherit the kingdom. “This is a sacred treatise on dharma, the supreme treatise on artha, and, as Vyāsa of boundless wisdom declared, a treatise on mokṣa. O best of the Bharatas, in dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa—whatever is found here may be found elsewhere, but what is not here is found nowhere. This has been declared by Brāhmaṇas everywhere. “Now, others will recite this, and still others will hear it; there are sons eager to serve, and attendants who act with affection. For those who listen without envy to the great birth of the Bharatas, there is no fear of disease—so how could there be fear of the next world? “Whatever sin a man has committed by body, speech, or mind, he quickly abandons all of it by listening to this. Composed by Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana for the sake of merit, it brings fortune, fame, long life, merit, and heaven. “It proclaims the fame of the high-souled Pāṇḍavas in the world, and of other Kṣatriyas rich in wealth and energy. Of all those pure in knowledge and renowned for their deeds—whoever, for the sake of merit, causes pure Brāhmaṇas to hear this… “One should recite this supremely meritorious, eternal dharma, always recounting with purity the renowned lineage of the Kurus. A Brahmin of disciplined vows who studies the sacred Bharata attains a vast lineage and becomes most revered in the world. “By reciting the Bharata, one is freed from all sins after four months each year, and is to be known as one who has crossed beyond the Vedas. Here are praised the gods, royal sages, and holy brahmarshis, all purified of sin; and so too is Keśava extolled.” Thus concludes the sage’s account, extolling the greatness and sanctity of the Mahābhārata and the glory of those whose deeds it celebrates.