race, by giving unto one that is affluent?  One cow must be given unto one Brahmana.  A single cow must not be given unto many.  For if the cow so given away (unto many) be sold, the giver’s family is lost for three generations.  Such a gift would not assuredly rescue the giver nor the Brahmana that takes it.  He who giveth eighty Ratis of pure gold, earneth the merit of giving away a hundred pieces of gold for ever.  He that giveth away a strong bull capable also of drawing the plough, is certainly rescued from all difficulties and finally goeth to heaven.  He that giveth away land unto a learned Brahmana, hath all his desires fulfilled.  The tired traveller, with weakened limbs and feet besmeared with dust, asks for the name of him that may give him food.  There are men who answer him by telling him the name.  That wise man who informs these toil-worn ones of the name of the person who may give them food, is, without doubt, regarded as equal in merit unto the giver himself of food.  Therefore, abstaining from other kinds of gift, give thou food.  There is no merit (arising out of gifts) that is so great as that of giving food.  The man that according to the measure of his might gives well-cooked and pure food unto the Brahmanas, acquires, by that act of his, the companionship of Prajapati (Brahma).  There is nothing superior to food.  Therefore, food is regarded as the first and foremost of all things (to be given away).  It hath been said that food itself is Prajapati.  And Prajapati is regarded as the Year.  And the Year is sacrifice.  And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is from sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their origin.  For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the foremost of all things.  They that give away lakes and large pieces of water, and tanks and wells, and shelter and food and they that have sweet words for all, have not to hear the admonitions of Yama.  With him who gives rice, and wealth earned by his labour, unto Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth is satisfied.  And she poureth upon him showers of wealth.  The giver of food walketh first, after him the speaker of truth and he that giveth unto persons that do not solicit.  But the three go to the same place.’”

    [13] Japa is the silent recitation of particular Mantras.

    [14] Mantras are particular formulae of worship.  They are for
    the most part rhythmic compositions, believed to be of great
    efficacy.

    [15] The Homa is that sacrificial rite which consists of
    pouring libations of clarified butter into fire.

    [16] Vedamayi nou.  Lit, a boat made of the Vedas.

Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along with his younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed the high-souled Markandeya, saying, ’O great Muni, what is the distance of Yama’s region from that of men?  What is its measurement?  How also do men pass it over?  And by what means?  O, tell me all this!’