stablished in sacrifice, for it is from sacrifice that all
creatures, mobile and immobile, take their origin. For this reason, it
hath been heard by us, food is the foremost of all things. They that give
away lakes and large pieces of water, and tanks and wells, and shelter
and food and they that have sweet words for all, have not to hear the
admonitions of Yama. With him who gives rice, and wealth earned by his
labour, unto Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth is satisfied. And she
poureth upon him showers of wealth. The giver of food walketh first,
after him the speaker of truth and he that giveth unto persons that do
not solicit. But the three go to the same place.'"

Vaisampayana continued, 'Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along with his
younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed the high-souled
Markandeya, saying, 'O great Muni, what is the distance of Yama's region
from that of men? What is its measurement? How also do men pass it over?
And by what means? O, tell me all this!'

"Markandeya said, 'O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this question
of thine appertains to a great mystery. It is sacred and much applauded
by the Rishis. Appertaining as it also does to virtue, I will speak of it
to thee. The distance of Yama's region from the abode of men is, O king,
eighty-six thousand Yojanas! The way is over space, without water, and
very terrible to behold; Nowhere on that road is the shade of a tree,
nowhere any water, and nowhere any resting place in which the traveller,
when fatigued, may rest for some moments. And men and women and all on
earth that have life, are forcibly led along this way by the messengers
of Yama. Those creatures that obey the mandates of the grim king, and
they, O king, that have given horses and other good conveyances unto
Brahmanas, proceed along this way on those animals and vehicles. And they
that have given umbrellas proceed along this way with umbrellas warding
off the sun's rays. And they that have given food, proceed without
hunger, while they that have not given food proceed afflicted with
hunger. And they that have given robes, proceed along this way attired in
robes while they that have given none, proceed naked. And they that have
given gold, proceed in happiness, themselves decked in ornaments. And
they that have given land, proceed with every desire completely
gratified. And they that have given grain, proceed without being
afflicted with any want. And they