the stomach, that are addicted to thieving, and that always indulge in harsh speeches, even if they expiate their offences by performing the proper rites.  The gods are never pleased with one of mean soul, with one who observes no restrictions in the matter of food, and with one who is of sinful deeds.  On the other hand, the gods associate with those men that are observant of the vow of truth, that are grateful, and that are engaged in the practice of righteousness.  Silence is better than speech.  To speak the truth is better than silence.  Again to speak truth that is connected with righteousness is better than to speak the truth.  To speak that which, besides being true and righteous, is agreeable, is better than to speak truth connected with righteousness.’

“The Sadhyas said, ’By what is this world covered?  For what reason does one fail to shine?  For what cause do people cast off their friends?  For what reason do people fail to attain to heaven?’

“The Swan said, ’The world is enveloped by (the darkness of) Ignorance.  Men fail to shine in consequence of malice.  People cast off friends, induced by covetousness.  Men fail to attain to heaven in consequence of attachment.’

“The Sadhyas said, ’Who alone among the Brahmanas is always happy?  Who alone amongst them can observe the vow of silence though dwelling in the midst of many?  Who alone amongst them, though weak, is still regarded as strong?  And who alone amongst them does not quarrel?’

“The Swan said, ’He alone amongst the Brahmanas that is possessed of wisdom is always happy.  He alone amongst the Brahmanas that is possessed of wisdom succeeds in observing the vow of silence, though dwelling in the midst of many.  He alone amongst the Brahmanas who is possessed of wisdom, though actually weak, is regarded as strong.  He alone amongst them that has wisdom succeeds in avoiding quarrel.’[1580]

“The Sadhyas said, ’in what consists the divinity of the Brahmanas?  In what their purity?  In what their impurity?  And in what their status of humanity?’

“The Swan said, ’In the study of the Vedas is the divinity of the Brahmanas.  In their vows and observances is their purity.  In obloquy is their impurity.  In death is their humanity.’[1581]

“Bhishma continued, ’Thus have I recited to thee excellent narrative of the discourse between the Sadhyas (and the Swan).  The body (both gross and subtile) is the origin of acts, and existence or Jiva is truth.’

SECTION CCCI

“Yudhishthira said, ’It behoveth thee to explain to me, O sire, what the difference is between the Sankhya and the Yoga system of philosophy.  O foremost one of Kuru’s race, everything is known to thee, O thou that art conversant with all duties!’