their duties, seek the same single end (viz., the highest happiness).  Thou art possessed of unquestioned talents and abilities.  For ascertaining that particular course of conduct (amongst those various duties) which is well calculated to accomplish the desired end, thou hast, by discoursing to me on the Infinite (Brahma), filled my soul with tranquillity.  As regards ourselves, in consequence of our inability to understand the Soul we are destitute of a correct apprehension of the reality.  Our wisdom is concerned with things that are low, and we are enveloped in thick darkness. (The course of conduct, however, that thou hast indicated for enabling one to attain to Emancipation, is exceedingly difficult of practice).  Only he who is devoted to Yoga, who has discharged all his duties, who is capable of roving everywhere depending only on his own body, who has brought his soul under perfect control, who has transcended the requirements of the science of morality and who disregards the whole world (and everything belonging to it), can transgress the declarations of the Vedas with respect to acts, and say that there is Emancipation.[1255] For one, however, who lives in the midst of relatives, this course of conduct is exceedingly difficult to follow.  Gift, study of the Vedas, sacrifices, begetting offspring, simplicity of dealing, when by practising even these no one succeeds in attaining to Emancipation, fie on him who seeks to attain to it, and on Emancipation itself that is sought!  It seems that the labour spent upon attaining to it is all fruitless.  One becomes chargeable with atheism if one disregards the Vedas by not doing the acts they direct.  O illustrious one, I desire to hear without delay about that (Emancipation) which comes in the Vedas after the declarations in favour of acts.  Do tell me the truth, O Brahmana!  I sit at thy feet as a disciple.  Teach me kindly!  I wish to know as much about Emancipation as is known to thee, O learned one!’

SECTION CCLXX

“Kapila said, ’The Vedas are regarded as authoritative by all.  People never disregard them.  Brahma is of two kinds, viz., Brahma as represented by sound, and Brahma as Supreme (and intangible).[1256] One conversant with Brahma represented by sound succeeds in attaining to Supreme Brahma.  Commencing with the rites of Garbhadhana, that body which the sire creates with the aid of Vedic mantras is cleansed (after birth) by Vedic mantras.[1257] When the body has been cleansed with purificatory rites (performed with the aid of Vedic mantras), the owner there of come to be called a Brahmana and becomes a vessel fit for receiving knowledge of Brahma.  Know that the reward of acts is purity of heart which only leads to Emancipation.  I shall presently speak to thee of that.  Whether purity of heart has been attained or not (by performance of acts) is what can be known to the person himself who has attained it.  It can never be known with the aid of either