duties, are regarded by the gods as Brahmanas. O Dhananjaya, thou
shouldst always regard those Rishis that are devoted to the study of the
Vedas and those that are devoted to the pursuit of true knowledge as
persons that are truly virtuous. O son of Pandu, all our acts depend upon
those that are devoted to the acquisition of true knowledge.[76] We know
this to be the opinion of the Vaikhanasas, O puissant one! The Ajas, the
Prishnis, the Sikatas, O Bharata, the Arunas, and the Kitavas, have all
gone to heaven through the merit of Vedic study. By performing those
acts, O Dhananjaya, that are indicated in the Vedas, viz., battle, study
of the Vedas, sacrifices, the restraint of passion that is so difficult,
one goes to heaven by the southern path of the Sun (Dakshinayana). I
have, before this, told thee that those very regions belong to persons
that are observant of (Vedic) acts. Thou shalt see, however, that the
northern path (Uttarayana) is travelled by those that are devoted to Yoga
penances. Those eternal and bright regions to which that path leads
belong to men of Yoga. Of these two, the northern path is much applauded
by those conversant with the Puranas. Thou shouldst know that one
acquires heaven through contentment. From contentment springs great
happiness. There is nothing higher than contentment. Unto the Yogin who
has controlled wrath and joy, contentment is his high praise and success.
In this connection is cited the discourse by Yayati of old. Listening to
that discourse one may succeed in withdrawing all his desires like a
tortoise drawing in all his limbs. When one cherishes no fear of
anything, when one is not feared by anything, when one cherishes no
desire, when one bears no hate, then is one said to have attained to the
state of Brahma. When one does not bear sinfully towards any creature, in
act, thought, or word, one is then said to have attained to Brahma. When
one has controlled his pride and folly, and withdrawn himself from all
attachments, it is then that that pious man of irradiated soul becomes
fit for attaining to that salvation which consists in the annihilation of
separate existence. Listen now to me with concentrated attention, O son
of Pritha, as I say it unto thee. Some desire virtue; some, good conduct;
and some wealth. One may desire wealth (as a means for the acquisition
of virtue). The abandonment, however, of such desire would be better for
him.[77] There are many faults attached to we