seems to be, O Brahmana, that the eternal religion of Emancipation is exceedingly difficult of observance.  Turning away from it, all the deities have become enjoyers of the libations of clarified butter poured with mantras on sacrificial fires and other offerings presented to them by the same or similar means.  Then, again, Brahman, and Rudra, the puissant Sakra the slayer of Vala, Surya, Chandramas (the Lord of the stars), the Wind-god, the Deity of fire, the Deity of the Waters, Infinite Space (as living Being), the Universe too (as a conscious agent), and the rest of the denizens of heaven,—­they, it seems, are ignorant of the way of securing annihilation of conscious existence, that is capable of being brought about by self-realisation.[1844] Hence, perhaps, they have not be taken themselves to the path that is certain, indestructible, and immutable.  Hence perhaps, turning away from that path they have adopted the religion of Pravritti which leads to conscious existence that is measured by time.  This, indeed, is one great fault that attaches to those that are wedded to actions, for all their rewards are terminable.  This doubt, O regenerate one, is planted in my heart like a dagger.  Remove it out by reciting to me some discourses of old on this topic.  Great is my curiosity to listen to thee.  For what reason, O regenerate one, have the deities been said to be takers of their respective shares of sacrificial offerings presented to them with the aid of mantras in sacrifices of diverse kinds?  Why again are the denizens of heaven adored in sacrifices?  And, O best of regenerate persons, to whom do they, that take their shares of offerings in sacrifices performed to their honour, themselves make offerings when they perform great sacrifices?”

Vaisampayana said, “The question thou has asked me, O ruler of men, relates to a deep mystery.  No man that has not undergone penances, and that is not acquainted with the Puranas, can speedily answer it.  I shall, however, answer thee by reciting to thee what my preceptor the Island-born Krishna, otherwise called Vyasa, the great Rishi who has classified the Vedas, had said unto us on a former occasion when questioned by us.  Sumanta, and Jaimini, and Paila of firm vows, and myself numbering the fourth, and Suka forming the fifth, were disciples of the illustrious Vyasa.  We numbering five in all, endued with self-restraint and purity of observances, had completely subjugated wrath and controlled our senses.  Our preceptor used to teach us the Vedas, having the Mahabharata for their fifth.  Once on a time, while we were engaged in studying the Vedas on the breast of that foremost of mountains, viz., the delightful Meru, inhabited by Siddhas and Charanas, this very doubt arose in our minds that has been expressed by thee today.  We, therefore, questioned our preceptor about It.  It heard the answer that our preceptor made.  I shall now recite that answer to thee, O Bharata.  Hearing these words that were addressed