Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/232

218 these latter divest themselves of the consciousness of quality. Hence the wise attain to salvation first. Then again if the person devoted to Yoga find not sufficient time in one life to attain success, being led astray by the attractions of the world; in his next life he is benefited by the progress already achieved, for he devoteth himself regretfully to the pursuit of success. But the man of Knowledge ever beholdeth the indestructible Unity, and, is therefore, though steeped in worldly enjoyments never affected by them at heart. Therefore, there is nothing to impede his salvation. He, however, who faileth to attain to Knowledge, should yet devote himself to piety as dependent on action (sacrifices, &c). But he that devoteth himself to such peity, moved thereto by desire of salvation, can never achieve success. His sacrifices bear no fruit and partake of the nature of cruelty. Piety which is dependent on action that proceedeth not from the desire of fruit, is, in case of such men Yoga itselt ?'

"Ashtaka said, 'O king, thou lookest like a youth; thou art handsome and decked with a celestial garland. Thy splendour is great! Whence dost thou come and where dost thou go? Whose messenger art thou ? Art thou going down into the Earth ?'

"Yayati said-"Fallen from heaven upon the loss of all my religious merits, I am doomed to enter the Earth-hell. Indeed, I shall go there after I have finished my discourse with you! Even now the regents of the points of the Universe command me to hasten tbither. And, O king. I have obtained it as a boon from Indra that though fall I must upon the Earth, yet I should fall amidst the wise and the virtuous. Ye are all wise and virtuous that are assembled here !

"Ashtaka said, --Thou art acquainted with everything. I ask thee, O king, are there any regions for myself to enjoy in heaven or in the firmament? If there be, then, thou shall not fall, though falling I'

"Yayati answered. -'O king, there are as many regions for thee to enjoy in heaven even as the number of kine and horses on Earth with the animals in the wilderness and on the hills !!

"Yayati answered.--O king, there are as many regions for thee, enjoy in the wilderness and on the hills l'

"Ashtaka said-It there are worlds for me to enjoy, as fruits of my religious merits, in heaven, 0 king. I give them all unto theel Therefore, though falling, thou shalt not fall 1 O, take thou soon all those, wherever they be, in heaven or in the firmament ! Let thy sorrow cease!

"Yayati answered. -'0 best of kings, a Brahma-knowing Brahmana alone can take in gift, but not one like ourselves! And O monarch, I myselt have given away to Brahmans as one should. Let.no