truth, and absence of wrath, produce the
merit of penances in all the (four) modes of life. In the domestic mode
of life these are allowed, viz., the use and enjoyment of floral
garlands, ornaments, robes, perfumed oils and unguents; enjoyment of
pleasures derived from dancing and music, both vocal and instrumental,
and all sights and scenes that are agreeable to the sight; the enjoyment
of various kinds of viands and drinks belonging to the principal orders
of edibles, viz., those that are swallowed, those that are lapped, those
that are quaffed, and those that are sucked; and the enjoyment of
pleasures derivable from sports and every kind of amusement and the
gratification of desires. That man who in the observance of this mode of
life seeks the acquisition of the triple aggregate (viz., Religion,
Wealth, and Pleasure), with that of the great end of the three attributes
of Goodness and Passion and Darkness,[578] enjoys great happiness here
and at last attains to the end that is reserved for persons that are
virtuous and good.[579] Even that householder who observes the duties of
his mode of life by following the practice of picking up fallen grains of
corn from the cracks of fields and who abandons sensual pleasure and
attachment to action, does not find it difficult to obtain heaven.'"'"

SECTION CXCII

"'"Bhrigu said, 'Forest recluses seeking the acquisition of virtue go to
sacred waters and rivers and springs, and undergo penances in lone and
secluded woods abounding with deer and buffaloes and boars and tigers and
wild elephants. They forsake all kinds of robes and food and enjoyments
for which people living in society have a taste. They subsist
abstemiously upon wild herbs and fruits and roots and leaves of diverse
kinds. The bare ground is their seat. They lie down on the bare earth or
rocks or pebbles or gravel or sand or ashes. They cover their limbs with
grass and animal skins and barks of trees. They never shave their heads
and beards or pare their nails. They perform their ablutions at regular
intervals. They pour libations on the ground, as also on the sacred fire
at the proper time without fail. They never enjoy any rest till
completion of their daily gathering of the sacred fuel (for their homa
fires) and sacred grass and flowers (for sacrifice and worship) and till
they have swept and rubbed clean (their sacrificial altars). They bear
without the least regard cold and heat, and rain and wind, and,