f
regenerate ones, the anger that a person cherishes is the greatest of
foes which that person hath. The gods know him for a Brahmana who hath
cast off anger and passion. The gods know him for a Brahmana who always
speaketh the truth here, who always gratifieth his preceptor, and who,
though injured himself, never returneth the injury. The gods know him for
a Brahmana who hath his senses under control, who is virtuous and pure
and devoted to the study of the Vedas, and who hath mastery over anger
and lust. The gods know him for a Brahmana who, cognisant of morals and
endued with mental energy, is catholic in religion and looketh upon all
equal unto himself. The gods know him for a Brahmana who studieth himself
and teacheth others, who performeth sacrifices himself and officiateth at
the sacrifices of others, and who giveth away to the best of his means.
The gods know that bull among the regenerate ones for a Brahmana who,
endued with liberality of soul, practiseth the Brahmacharya vow and is
devoted to study,--in fact who is vigilantly devoted to the study of the
Vedas. Whatever conduceth to the happiness of the Brahmanas is always
recited before these. Ever taking pleasure in truth, the hearts of such
men never find joy in untruth. O thou best of regenerate ones, it hath
been said that the study of the Vedas, tranquillity of soul, simplicity
of behaviour, and repression of the senses, constitute the eternal duties
of the Brahmana. Those cognisant with virtue and morals have said that
truth and honesty are the highest virtue. Virtue that is eternal is
difficult of being understood. But whatever it is, it is based on truth.
The ancients have declared that virtue dependeth on sruti. But, O
foremost of regenerate ones, virtue as exposed in sruti appears to be of
various kinds. It is, therefore, too subtle of comprehension. Thou, O
holy one, art cognisant of virtue, pure, and devoted to the study of the
Vedas. I think, however, O holy one, that thou dost not know what virtue
in reality is. Repairing to the city of Mithila, enquire thou of a
virtuous fowler there, if indeed, O regenerate one, thou art not really
acquainted with what constitutes the highest virtue. There liveth in
Mithila a fowler who is truthful and devoted to the service of his
parents and who hath senses under complete control. Even he will
discourse to thee on virtue. Blessed be thou, O best of regenerate ones,
if thou likest, repair thither. O faultless on