crops and the keep of domestic animals; and that for Sudras in menial
service of the three other orders. By observing the duties laid down for
him and by studying the Vedas and other scriptures, one becomes a Dwija
(regenerate). Whether one does any other act or not, one becomes a
Brahmana by becoming the friend of all creatures.[943] In the beginning
of Treta, the Vedas and sacrifices and the divisions of caste and the
several modes of life existed in their entirety. In consequence,
however, of the duration of life being decreased in Dwapara, those are
overtaken by decline. In the Dwapara age as also in the Kali, the Vedas
are overtaken by perplexity. Towards the close of Kali again, it is
doubtful if they ever become even visible to the eye.[944] In that age,
the duties of the respective order disappear, and men become afflicted by
iniquity. The juicy attributes of kine, of the earth, of water, and
(medicinal and edible) herbs, disappear.[945] Through (universal)
iniquity the Vedas disappear and with them all the duties inculcated in
them as also the duties in respect of the four modes of life. They who
remain observant of the duties of their own order become afflicted, and
all mobile and immobile objects undergo a change for the worse.[946] As
the showers of heaven cause all products of the earth to grow, after the
same manner the Vedas, in every age, cause all the angas to grow.[947]
Without doubt, Time assumes diverse shapes. It has neither beginning nor
end. It is Time which produces all creatures and again devours them. I
have already spoken of it to thee. Time is the origin of all creatures;
Time is that which makes them grow; Time is that which is their
destroyer; and lastly it is time that is their ruler. Subject to pairs of
opposites (such as heat and cold, pleasure and pain, etc.), creatures of
infinite variety rest on Time according to their own natures (without
being otherwise than how they have been ordained by supreme
Brahma).'"'"[948]

SECTION CCXXXIX

"'Bhishma said, "Thus addressed (by his sire), Suka, highly applauding
these instructions of the great Rishi, set himself about asking the
following question relating to the import of duties that lead to
Emancipation.

"'"Suka said, 'By what means doth one possessed of wisdom, conversant with
the Vedas, observant of sacrifices, endued with wisdom, and free from
malice, succeed in attaining to Brahma which is incapable of being
apprehended by either