But do you understand that whose nature is destitute of qualities?  Of two syllables is Mrityu (death); of three syllable is the eternal Brahman.  Mineness is death, and the reverse of mineness is the eternal.[159] Some men who are led by bad understanding applaud action.  Those, however, that are numbered among the high-souled ancients never applaud action.  By action is a creature born with body which is made up of the sixteen.[160] (True) Knowledge swallows up Purusha (Self with consciousness of body).  Even this is what is highly acceptable to eaters of Amrita.[161] Therefore, those whose vision extends to the other end (of the ocean of life) have no attachment for actions.  This Purusha, however, is full of knowledge and not full of action.[162] He dies not who understands Him that is immortal, immutable, incomprehensible, eternal and indestructible—­Him that is the restrained Soul and that transcends all attachments.  He who thus understands the Soul to which there is nothing prior which is uncreated, immutable, unconquered, and incomprehensible even to those that are eaters of nectar, certainly becomes himself incomprehensible and immortal through these means.  Expelling all impressions and restraining the Soul in the Soul, he understands that auspicious Brahman than which nothing greater exists.  Upon the understanding becoming clear, he succeeds in attaining to tranquillity.  The indication of tranquillity is like what takes place in a dream.[163] This is the goal of these emancipated ones who are intent on knowledge.  They behold all those movements which are born of successive developments.[164] This is the goal of those who are unattached to the world, This is the eternal usage.  This is the acquisition of men of knowledge.  This is the uncensured mode of conduct.  This goal is capable of being attained by one that is alike to all creatures, that is without attachment, that is without expectations, and that looks equally on all things.  I have now declared everything to you, ye foremost of regenerate Rishis.  Do you act in this way forthwith; you will then acquire success.’

“The preceptor continued, ’Thus addressed by the preceptor Brahma, those high-souled sages acted accordingly and then attained to many regions (of great felicity).  Do thou also, O blessed one, duly act according to the words of Brahma as declared by me, O thou of pure soul.  Thou wilt then attain to success.’

“Vasudeva said,—­’Thus instructed in the principles of high religion by the preceptor, the pupil, O son of Kunti, did everything accordingly, and then attained to Emancipation.  Having done all that he should have done, the pupil, O perpetuator of Kuru’s race, attained to that seat repairing whither one has not to grieve.’

“Arjuna said, ’Who, indeed, was that Brahmana, O Krishna, and who the pupil, O Janarddana.  Truly, if it is fit to be heard by me, do thou then tell me, O lord!’