Chapter 181
This is also recorded in the Indian mythology of Hebe's previous incarnation.
—According to legend, Manu, the progenitor of humankind, rescued a small fish by the water. The fish grew larger and larger until it could no longer be contained in any container, so Manu released it into the Ganges River.
The fish then said to Manu: "Man, you are accomplished in spiritual practice. But the Dharma-Ending Age is approaching, and a great flood will engulf everything. You must quickly build an ark and tie it to my horn, so that the descendants of the Brahmin may continue. You must believe my words, for I am the Matsya! I am the first emanation of the great god Vishnu!"
The flood did come, and Manu was saved because he obeyed.
However, during Hebe's dream, the Matsya did not exist; the one who saved Bharata's descendants was the so-called "Kurma".
"Legend has it that the Matsya has a single horn on its head, is pure white, and is vast and boundless..." Hebe's eyes showed contemplation and realization. "So, because I proved the Golden Truth and became the Star-Eating Whale Leviathan, possessing uniqueness in all of history, the Matsya has become a side of Leviathan?"
Hebe was absolutely right.
Since she proved the Golden Truth, Leviathan, and became the firstborn of the waters, all other mythological figures related to fish, whether it be Dagon, the Matsya, or others, have been brought together under the name of [Leviathan, the Star-Devouring White Whale].
If Hebe disagrees, the image of the Matsya will never appear in a dream.
"So the deeds that originally belonged to the Matsya became the achievements of the Kurma?" Hebe blinked. "Simulation doesn't seem to have such limitations..."
She noticed that at the end of the dream records, there was always a note that read "The name that became the transcribed in the writings of the Duke of Sighs".
From this perspective, entering a dream can also be considered a kind of alteration of history.
Hebe ranked the four functions from most important to least important in terms of their impact on history.
First, there's the strategy for Lostbelt, which is the safest and most thorough way to close the historical Closed Loop.
Secondly, there is the option of constructing history in the present world, but this carries considerable risks.
The second method is entering a dream, which is harmless and does not significantly alter history.
Finally, there's the simulation before entering the Lostbelt, which only slightly alters history and offers the most freedom.
In addition, there is one more point that is worth pondering.
Matsya, was the first incarnation of the great god Vishnu.
Kurma is the second incarnation of Vishnu.
Shesha was once Vishnu's mount.
What, have I somehow gotten involved with Vishnu?
Whether it's the ancient Indian mythology or the Bharata mythology, which is a chaotic mess of Pool of Rebirth, both consistently employ the comparative method of "immeasurable numbers."
Naturally, Hebe didn't care much about this, for a simple reason.
Most of the gods in this world are aliases of the Wasteland Governor, some are aliases of their Named Attendant, and some are aliases of the Eternals... Even some spirits in the wasteland are regarded as gods.
In the Hindu mythology of Hebe's previous incarnation, Vishnu is the Trimurti who protects the world. If we think about it according to symbolism and imagery, he should correspond to the Fisher King April Archon.
The Fisher King is damaged and incomplete, and the image of Vishnu's incarnation is also damaged and incomplete.
Hebe's expression was strange. "But then, doesn't that mean I'm the one who caused the incomplete avatar image...?"
How is that possible?
Hebe thought about it carefully and discovered the loophole.
The one who took away the image of the Matsya was Leviathan, the star-devouring whale; Leviathan was proven in Atlantis; Atlantis was Eris's home ground.
Hebe breathed a sigh of relief: The case is solved; Eris was behind it all.
That's terrible.
Sitting in the tent, Hebe took deep breaths.
She knew this would be an unprecedented and arduous journey, and that what she was about to accomplish would be an unparalleled feat, one that would likely never be repeated.
She will respond to a call for help from a ruling party and go to their aid.
It's easy to imagine that this process will be more arduous than any previous strategy, but... Hebe doesn't care.
The most wondrous, magnificent, and extraordinary sights in the world often lie in perilous and dangerous places.
Hebe smiled slightly and picked up her phone.
On the dark green screen, the card depicting the outline of Bodhi Tree and a surging Taiga shone brightly.
"The Side Gate to the Lostbelt [Kashyapa, the Pure Land of the Extinction of the Dharma] has been opened."
"Begin your story, the Knower, for we will save this world from its demise."
The surrounding environment suddenly became deep and distant, and this time, Hebe felt her consciousness leaving her body.
Long, curled Sanskrit, resembling lotus flowers, were unfolding before her eyes.
Hebe had never formally studied this script, but she can now read it.
Before officially descending upon the land of Bharata, you can choose a destiny to rehearse.
[1. Brahmin priests; 2. Kshatriya nobles; 3. Vaishya merchants; 4. Shudra artisans; 5. Dalit (untouchables); 6. Non-humans]
Hebe had thought there would only be four caste levels here, but he didn't expect there to be a fifth caste, the Dalit.
She had only expected that there would be Dalit, but she never imagined that in order to complete the so-called Six Realms, the Bharata Lostbelt would include non-human beings as well.
In front of the dark green table, Hebe calmly interlaced his fingers and chose Brahmin.
Anyway, before it officially begins, she can simulate all six types of destiny.
You were born in the Ganges basin according to the destiny of Brahmin.
When you were young, your father was often away from home. When you asked him about it with a hint of sadness, your mother would always shake her head and say that your father was a yogi who had vowed to practice asceticism and lived in the forest most of the time.
You displayed exceptional talent from a young age, possessing a strong curiosity about everything.
Your father, the yogi who had practiced asceticism for many years, heard of your unique talent and finally returned home from the forest.
From the age of six, your father forced you to study the classics with him. Your last memory of home is your mother's tearful eyes.
[You spent four years learning all the scriptures your father possessed, and he bestowed upon you the sacred thread symbolizing your completion of your training. He also built a hermitage for you in another part of the yogic forest, requiring you to practice asceticism there until you receive God's blessing.]
You travel alone to the ascetic retreat at the other end of the yoga forest. Here you continue your ascetic practice through meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga.
Five years later, although you have not yet received any blessing from God, you can now float off the ground in deep meditation and cross rivers without drowning.
One day, several yogis smeared with white ash came to visit your father. Their eyes lit up when they saw you, not yet fifteen years old.
You heard that they had come to visit your father, and you warmly received them in your hut, but as soon as you turned around, you were knocked to the ground by these yogis.
[In your dying moments, you see a trident-shaped pattern drawn on the other person's forehead, and the white ash on their body carries a strange odor.]
You finally realized that the white ash smeared on their bodies was actually ashes...
These yogis meticulously disassembled and processed your body. Your arm and leg bones were made into a flute called "Damaru"; your skull was cut open and pieced together with half of another Brahmin girl's head to make a hand-cranked drum called "Damaru"; your flesh and blood were put into a begging bowl called "Kapala" as an offering to the gods; and your remaining head was strung on a trident...
You haven't even told them that their own father is the person they're supposed to be visiting.
[Before you had completely breathed your last, your father roared in extreme anger: How dare you sacrifice yourself before me to the Great Lord Mahadeva!]
He leaped high from the yogi forest, lifting the yogis one by one and slamming them to the ground; he then uttered a curse, forcing these yogis to endure the most agonizing torment, but not to die easily.
These yogis swear oaths to your father, vowing to find a more sacred sacrifice for him, and during the sacrifice, they will proclaim your father's name to the Lord.
Your father's anger turned to joy, but the curse, once cast, could not be lifted. So your father blessed them, so that whenever they suffered, herbs that could heal their wounds would always grow nearby.
Finally, your father, together with these yogis, joyfully offered you as a sacrifice to the Lord.
But you know, their sacrifices were meaningless.
You are dead.
You can choose one result to extract from the simulation.
Hebe rubbed his temples. "Choose all the Vedic Scriptures you have learned in the simulation."
She really had an urge to laugh out loud.
What kind of people are these?
She sensed something was wrong when she saw the words "ash-painted yogi" appear in the simulation, and in the blink of an eye, she became the sacrifice.
Of course, Hebe knew.
Human sacrifice, human offering, and human burial have existed in the Bharata region throughout history, both in past and present lives. This human-centered practice is predominantly practiced by the Shaivism of Buddhism.
What silenced her most was her simulated "father".
This yogi may have been a learned Brahmin, or a "sage" who had Great Lord Mahadeva... but he was by no means a good father.
His seemingly caring help was nothing more than feeding pigs and sheep.
His final outburst of anger stemmed solely from his fear that his name would not be included in this supreme sacrifice.
After the yogis made their promise, they reconciled and together offered sacrifices to the so-called God...
Hebe gave a cold laugh.
She saw that the script representing Brahmin had faded.
Next, she chose the Sanskrit representing Kshatriya.
You were born in the Ganges basin according to the destiny of Kshatriya.
[From the moment you were born, your father named you crown prince and taught you how to draw a bow and arrow, use a spear, and wield a sword... By adulthood, you had mastered all the martial arts of the Kshatriya royal family, even surpassing your teachers.]
Since you ascended the throne, you have been very diligent in your duties, and the country is thriving.
But you often think that the country's current wealth and prosperity are all due to your tireless governance; if you relax even slightly, the country will fall into ruin, and the people will revert to their old ways.
Although Kshatriya possess noble lineage and are destined to rule over the world's subjects, they do not possess particularly long lifespans.
[You foresaw your future, marked by old age, senility, and declining energy, and summoned your ministers to inquire about the best course of action.]
The ministers believe that you should undergo a long period of asceticism in order to receive blessings.
You sighed deeply, realizing that if you were to cultivate diligently now, your kingdom, lacking a successor, would immediately collapse.
To prevent this situation from occurring, you decide to establish comprehensive laws and a clearly defined political system...
The day after you announced your reforms, a ragged Brahmin sage appeared in your palace. He introduced himself as the "Ragged Ascetic," and said he had been invited by your ministers.
The Ragged Ascetic claims your actions have deviated from the Dharma, and now he is about to curse you.
He curses you! He curses you to never again be a king beloved by your people! He curses you! He curses you to forever lose your home and be forced to wander forever! He curses you! He curses you to be afflicted with leprosy and die alone in solitude!
You silently accepted it all.
One morning, you donned a bronze mask to conceal your face, and, sword in hand, left the palace penniless. You saw your people, those you had favored, standing on both sides of the road, their eyes no longer filled with awe for their king.
But respect, affection, and kindness still remained on their faces.
They throw you packages containing loose change and some easily portable provisions. They silently defy the immortals' curse.
You bid them farewell at the city gate and never appeared before them again.
You trekked through the wilderness, slaying the monsters that roamed the forests and lakes. Legends about you still circulate.
Two years later, you passed away in your sleep.
Your only personal possession is that sword, but beneath the bronze mask, your scarred face wears a smile.
256 Although I killed you, I was actually saving you.
The ending this time was unexpectedly heartwarming.
Hebe stared at the name "The Ragged Ascetic" with a hint of amusement.
Whether in his past or present life, the Ragged Ascetic has always been an important figure in mythology. This Brahmin ascetic is regarded as an incarnation of Shiva. He is irritable and easily angered, and often imposes harsh curses on others for minor mistakes.
If one were to seek an embodiment of curse within the Bharata mythology, the Ragged Ascetic would undoubtedly be the prime candidate.
"The Dharma..."
In simple terms, Hebe's understanding of the Dharma is the correct way of life and conduct. How should humanity live, and how should we coexist with others in this world? This is an answer that not only Bharata has been exploring, but also all civilizations in the world.
From this, we can see that the Dharma is not actually a bad thing, but as times change and society develops, the specific content of the Dharma also changes.
It does not have a standard definition.
For example, the principle of not killing is Dharma used by Brahmin to restrain themselves; but try using it to restrain the Kshatriya, who are known for their force.
If someone doesn't slap you twice, you're already being nice.
For example, asceticism was a privilege reserved only for Brahmin in the past Age of Perfection; when the power of the Kshatriya increased in the Age of Three Divisions, they were also able to begin asceticism; and when the morality began to decline in the dichotomic age, the Vaishya, who controlled a great deal of wealth, were also able to begin asceticism.