discriminating the deserving from the undeserving
is not easy. The Supreme Ordainer created wealth
for sacrifice, and He created man also for taking
care of that wealth and for performing sacrifice.
For this reason the whole of one’s wealth should
be applied to sacrifice. Pleasure would follow
from it as a natural consequence. Possessed of
abundant energy, Indra, by the performance of diverse
sacrifices with profuse gifts of valuables, surpassed
all the gods. Having got their chiefship by that
means, he shineth in heaven. Therefore, everything
should be applied to sacrifices. Clad in deer-skins,
the high-souled Mahadeva, having poured his own self
as a libation in the sacrifice called Sarva, became
the first of gods, and surpassing all creatures in
the universe and prevailing over them by means of
that achievement, shines in resplendence. King
Marutta, the son of Avikshit, by the profusion of
his wealth, vanquished Sakra himself, the chief of
the gods. In the great sacrifice he performed,
all the vessels were of gold, and Sree herself came
in person. Thou hast heard that the great king
Harischandra, having performed sacrifices, earned
great merit and great happiness. Though a man,
he nevertheless vanquished Sakra by his wealth.
For this reason everything should be applied to sacrifice.’”
“Devasthana said, ’In this connection
is cited an old history, viz., the discourse
that Vrihaspati, asked by Indra, delivered unto him.
Vrihaspati said, ’Contentment is the highest
heaven, contentment is the highest bliss. There
is nothing higher than contentment. Contentment
stands as the highest. When one draws away all
his desires like a tortoise drawing in all it limbs,
then the natural resplendence of his soul soon manifests
itself. When one does not fear any creature, nor
any creature is frightened at one, when one conquers
one’s desire and aversion, then is one said
to behold one’s soul. When one, indeed,
in word and thought, seeks to injure nobody and cherishes
no desire, one is said to attain to Brahma. Thus,
O son of Kunti, whatever religion is followed by creatures,
they obtain corresponding fruits. Awaken thyself
by this consideration, O Bharata![67] Some praise
Peacefulness, some praise Exertion; some there are
that praise Contemplation; and some praise both Peacefulness
and Exertion.[68] Some praise sacrifice; others, renunciation.
Some praise gifts; others, acceptance. Some,
abandoning everything, live in silent meditation.
Some praise sovereignty and the cherishing, of subjects,
after slaving, cutting and piercing (foes). Some
are for passing their days in retirement. Observing
all this, the conclusion of the learned is that that
religion which consists in not injuring any creature
is worthy of the approbation of the righteous.
Abstention from injury, truthfulness of speech, justice,
compassion, self-restraint, procreation (of offspring)
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