It should be also known by the name of Chastisement,
as also by the name of Evidence. Although Chastisement
is seen to be regulated by Evidence, yet it has been
said to have its soul in Vyavahara. That which
has been called Vyavahara is really based upon Vedic
precepts. That Vyavahara which has been indicated
to have the Vedas for its soul is Morality or duty.
It is also productive of good unto persons believing
in duty and morality, men of cleansed souls have spoken
of that Vyavahara as they have done of ordinary law.[366]
The third kind of Vyavahara is also a preceptor of
men, and it has also its roots in the Veda, O Yudhishthira!
It upholds the three worlds. It has Truth for
its soul and it is productive of prosperity.
That which is Chastisement has been seen by us to
be eternal Vyavahara. That which has been said
to be Vyavahara is verily the Veda. That which
is the Veda is morality, duty. That which is
morality and duty is the path of Righteousness.
This last it was which in the beginning had been Grandsire
Brahman, that Lord of all creatures. Brahman
is the Creator of the entire universe with the gods
and Asura and Rakshasas and human beings and snakes,
and of every other thing. Hence that Vyavahara
which is characterised by a belief in either of two
litigant parties has also flowed from him. For
this reason He has laid down the following in respect
of Vyavahara: Neither mother, nor father, nor
brother, nor wife, nor priest, is unpunishable with
that king who rules agreeably to his duty.
“Bhishma said, ’In this connection is
cited the old story that follows. There was among
the Angas a king of great splendour, called Vasuhoma.
That king was always engaged in acts of piety, and
accompanied by his spouse he always practiced the
most rigid penances. He repaired to the spot
called Munjaprishtha held in high esteem by the Pitris
and the celestial Rishis. There, on that peak
of Himavat, near the golden mountains of Merit, (the
great Brahmana here) Rama, sitting under the shade
of a well-known banian, had tied his matted locks together.[367]
From that time, O monarch, the spot, which is a favourite
haunt of Rudra, came to be called Munjaprishtha by
Rishis of rigid vows. King Vasuhoma, residing
in that spot, acquired many pious attributes and, having
gained the esteem of the Brahmanas, came to be regarded
as a celestial Rishi in holiness. One day, that
crusher of foes, that friend of Sakra, viz., king
Mandhatri of great soul, came to Vasuhoma on his mountain
retreat. Arrived there, Mandhatri, beholding
king Vasuhoma of austere penances stood before the
latter in an attitude of humility. Vasuhoma offered
unto his guest water to wash his feet, and the Arghya
consisting of the usual articles, and enquired of
him about the well-being or otherwise of his kingdom
consisting of seven limbs. After this, Vasuhoma
addressed his royal guest who faithfully followed
the practices of the righteous men of old, saying,
‘What, O king, shall I do for thee?’ Thus
addressed, O delighter of the Kurus, Mandhatri, that
best of kings, highly gratified, answered Vasuhoma
of great wisdom seated at his ease, in the following
words.’
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