mself, Chastisement keeps together and upholds
everything.[373] Time, O Bharata, is always awake, in the beginning, the
middle, and the end. The master of all the worlds, the lord of all
creatures, the puissant and blessed Mahadeva, the god of gods, is always
awake. He is called by these names also, viz., Kapardin, Sankara, Rudra,
Bhava, Sthanu and the lord of Uma. Thus Chastisement also keeps awake in
the beginning, the middle, and the end. A virtuous king should rule
properly, guided by Chastisement.'"

"'Bhishma continued, "That person who listens to this teaching of
Vasuhoma, and having listened to it conducts himself according to its
tenure, is sure to obtain the fruition of all his wishes. I have now, O
bull among men, told thee everything as to who Chastisement is, that
restrainer of the universe which is governed by righteousness."'"

SECTION CXXIII

"'Yudhishthira said, "I wish, O sire, to hear the settled conclusions on
the subject of Virtue, Wealth, and Pleasure. Depending upon which of
these does the course of life proceed? What are the respective roots of
Virtue, Wealth, and Pleasure? What are again the results of those three?
They are sometimes seen to mingle with one another, and sometimes to
exist separately and independently of one another."

"'Bhishma said, "When men in this world endeavour with good hearts to
achieve Wealth with the aid of Virtue, then those three, viz., Virtue,
Wealth, and Pleasure, may be seen to co-exist in a state of union in
respect of time, cause, and action.[374] Wealth has its root in Virtue,
and Pleasure is said to be the fruit of Wealth. All the three again have
their root in Will. Will is concerned with objects. All objects, again,
in their entirety, exist for gratifying the desire of enjoyment. Upon
these then does the aggregate of three depend. Entire abstraction from
all objects is Emancipation. It is said that Virtue is sought for the
protection of the body, and Wealth is for the acquisition of Virtue.
Pleasure is only the gratification of the senses. All the three have,
therefore, the quality of Passion.[375] Virtue, Wealth, and Pleasure,
when sought for the sake of heaven or such other rewards, are said to be
remote because the rewards themselves are remote. When sought, however,
for the sake of Knowledge of Self, they are said to be proximate. One
should seek them when they are of such a character.[376] One should not
cast them off even mentally. If Virtue, We