possessed of
intelligence regard themselves to be crowned with success. That which
inspires the ignorant with fear can never inspire fear in persons of
Knowledge. There is no higher end for anybody (than Emancipation). In
consequence, however, of the excess or otherwise of good qualities, the
sages say that differences are observable in respect of the degree of
Emancipation. A person by acting without expectation of fruits succeeds
(by those acts) in annihilating his sinful acts of a former period. To
one possessed of wisdom, the acts of a former period (thus washed off)
and those of this life also (which are accomplished without expectation
of fruit), do not become productive of any disagreeable consequence (such
as immurement in hell). But how can acts, if he continues to be engaged
in accomplishing acts, bring about what is agreeable (viz.,
Emancipation)?[615] People censure a person that is afflicted (with lust,
envy, and other evil passions). Those vices hurl the person in his next
life into diverse kinds of inferior orders.[616] Mark with close
attention the vicious in this world who grieve exceedingly for the loss
of their possessions (such as sons and wives, etc.). Behold also those
that are gifted with judgment and who never grieve when thrown into
similar circumstances. Those that are conversant with both (i.e., with
gradual Emancipation and immediate Emancipation), deserve to be called
truly wise."'"[617]

SECTION CXCV

"'Bhishma said, "I shall now, O son of Pritha, discourse to thee upon the
four kinds of yoga meditation. The great Rishis, obtaining a knowledge of
the same, attain to eternal success even here. Great Rishis gratified
with knowledge, with hearts set upon Emancipation, and conversant with
yoga, act in such a way that their yoga meditation may get on properly.
These, O son of Pritha, being freed from the faults of the world, never
come back (for rebirth). Liberated from liability to rebirth, they live
in their original Soul-state.[618] Freed from the influence of all pairs
of opposites (such as heat and cold, joy and sorrow, etc.), ever existing
in their own (original) state, liberated (from attachments), never
accepting anything (in gift), they live in places free from the
companionship of wives and children, without others with whom disputes
may arise, and favourable to perfect tranquillity of heart. There such a
person, restraining speech, sits like a piece of wood, crushing all the
se