have the
show of truth, have introduced many kinds of Sacrifices, saying, "This
should be given away in this Sacrifice. This other thing should be given
away in this other Sacrifice. The first of this is very laudable." The
consequence, however, of all this, O Jajali, is that theft and many evil
acts spring up.[1166] It should be known that only that sacrificial
offering which was acquired by righteous means can gratify the gods.
There are abundant indications in the scriptures that the worship of the
deities may be accomplished with vows, with libations poured on the fire,
with recitations or chanting of the Vedas, and with plants and herbs.
From their religious acts unrighteous persons get wicked offspring. From
covetous men are born children that are covetous, and from those that are
contented spring children that are contented. If the sacrificer and the
priest suffer themselves to be moved by desire of fruit (in respect of
the Sacrifices they perform or assist in), their children take the stain.
If, on the other hand, they do not yield to desire of fruit, the children
born to them become of the same kind. From Sacrifices spring progeny like
clear water from the firmament. The libations poured on the sacrificial
fire rise up to the Sun. From the Sun springs rain. From rain springs
food. From food are born living creatures. In former days, men
righteously devoted to Sacrifices used to obtain therefrom the fruition
of all their wishes. The earth yielded crops without tillage. The
blessing uttered by the Rishis produced herbs and plants.[1167] The men
of former times never performed Sacrifices from desire of fruits and
never regarded themselves as called upon to enjoy those fruits. Those who
somehow perform sacrifices, doubting the while their efficacy take birth
in their next lives as dishonest, wily, and greedy men exceedingly
covetous of wealth. That man who by the aid of false reasoning holds up
all the authoritative scriptures as fraught with evil, is certain to go,
for such sinful act of his, into the regions of the sinful. Such a man is
certainly possessed of a sinful soul, O foremost of Brahmanas, and always
remains here, bereft of wisdom.[1168] That man who regards those acts
obligatory which have been laid down in the Vedas and directed to be
accomplished every day, who is penetrated with fear if he fails to
accomplish them any day, who takes all the essentials of Sacrifice as
identical with Brahma, and who neve