nor the next.  It should be remembered that griefs do not last for ever and that happiness cannot be had always.[1457] Worldly life with all its vicissitudes and painful incidents, one like me would never adopt.  Such a one would not care for desirable objects of enjoyments, and would not think at all of the happiness their possession may bring about, or, indeed, of the griefs that present themselves.[1458] One capable of resting on one’s own self would never covet the possessions of others; would not think of gains unacquired, would not feel delighted at the acquisition of even immense wealth; and would not yield to sorrow at the loss of wealth.  Neither friends, nor wealth, nor high birth, nor scriptural learning, nor mantras, nor energy, can succeed in rescuing one from sorrow in the next world.  It is only by conduct that one can attain to felicity there.  The Understanding of the man unconversant with Yoga can never be directed towards Emancipation.  One unconversant with Yoga can never have happiness.  Patience and the resolution to cast off sorrow, these two indicate the advent of happiness.  Anything agreeable leads to pleasure.  Pleasure induces pride.  Pride, again, is productive of sorrow.  For these reasons, I avoid all these.  Grief, Fear, Pride,—­these that stupefy the heart,—­and also Pleasure and Pain, I behold as (an unconcerned) witness since my body is endued with life and moves about.[1459] Casting off both wealth and pleasure, and thirst and error, I wander over the earth, freed from grief and every kind of anxiety of heart.  Like one that has drunk nectar I have no fear, here or hereafter, of death, or iniquity, or cupidity, or anything of that kind.  I have acquired this knowledge, O Brahmana, as the result of my severe and indestructible penances.  It is for this reason, O Narada, that grief, even when it comes to me, does not succeed in afflicting me.’”

SECTION CCLXXXVIII

“Yudhishthira said, ’Tell me, O grandsire, what is beneficial for one that is unconversant with the truths of the scriptures, that is always in doubt, and that abstains from self-restraint and the other practices having for their object the knowledge of the Soul.’

“Bhishma said, ’Worshipping the preceptor, always waiting reverentially on those that are aged, and listening to the scriptures (when recited by up competent Brahmanas),—­these are said to be of supreme benefit (to a person like the one thou hast described).  In this connection also is cited the old narrative of the discourse between Galava and the celestial Rishi Narada.  Once on a time Galava, desirous of obtaining what was for his benefit, addressed Narada freed from error and fatigue, learned in the scriptures, gratified with knowledge, a thorough master of his senses, and with soul devoted to Yoga, and said, ’Those virtues, O Muni, by the possession of which a person becomes respected in the world, I see, dwell permanently in thee.  Thou art freed