Here there is much reflection about acts
that are righteous and those that are unrighteous. This region that we
inhabit is the field of action. Having done good and evil here, one
obtains good for his good acts and evil for acts that are evil.[586] Here
the very Creator in days of yore, and all the gods with the Rishis,
having performed proper penances, become cleansed and attain to
Brahma.[587] The northern portion of the earth is highly auspicious and
sacred. Those belonging to this region (that we inhabit) that are doers
of righteous deeds or that show regard for yoga, become born in that
region. Others (that are of a different disposition) take their births in
the intermediate species. Some again, when their allotted periods run
out, become lost on earth.[588] Employed in feeding upon one another and
stained by cupidity and delusion, these men return to this very region
without being able to go (after death) to that northern region. Those men
of wisdom who with vows and observant of Brahmacharyya listen with
veneration to the instructions of preceptors, succeed in knowing the ends
reserved for all classes of men. I have now told thee in brief the course
of duties ordained by Brahman. He, indeed, is said to be possessed of
intelligence who knows what is righteousness and what its reverse in this
world.'"

"'Bhishma continued, "Thus, O king, did Bhrigu speak unto Bharadwaja of
great energy. Of soul highly virtuous, the latter became filled with
wonder and worshipped the great sage with veneration. Thus, O monarch,
the origin of the universe has been narrated to thee in detail. What, O
thou of great wisdom, dost thou wish to hear after this?"'"

SECTION CXCIII

"'Yudhishthira said, "I think, O grandsire, that thou art acquainted with
everything, O thou that art conversant with duties. I desire to hear thee
discourse to me, O sinless one, of the ordinances about conduct."

"'Bhishma said, "They that are of bad conduct, of bad acts, of wicked
understanding, and excessive rashness, are called evil or wicked men.
They, however, that are called good are distinguished by purity of
conduct and practices. They are good men who never answer calls of nature
on the high roads, in cow-pens, or in fields overgrown with paddy. Having
finished the necessary acts one should perform his ablutions in
river-water and gratify the deities with oblations of water. This is said
to be the duty of all men. Surya should be always worship