r regards himself as the actor, is
truly a Brahmana.[1169] If the acts of such a person become incomplete,
or if their completion be obstructed by all unclean animals, even then
those acts are, as heard by us, of superior efficacy. If, however, those
acts are done from desire of fruit (and their completion be obstructed by
such impediments), then expiation would become necessary. They who covet
the acquisition of the highest object of life (viz., Emancipation), who
are bereft of cupidity in respect of all kinds of worldly wealth, who
discard all provision for the future, and who are freed from envy, betake
themselves to practice of truth and self-restraint as their
Sacrifice.[1170] They that are conversant with the distinction between
body and soul, that are devoted to Yoga, and that meditate on the
Pranava, always succeed in gratifying others.[1171] The universal Brahma
(viz., Pranava), which is the soul of the deities, dwells in him who is
conversant with Brahma. When, therefore, such a man eats and is
gratified, all the deities, O Jajali, become gratified and are
contented.[1172] As one who is gratified with all kinds of taste feels no
desire for any particular taste, after the same manner one who is
gratified with knowledge hath everlasting gratification which to him is a
source of perfect bliss. Those wise men who are the refuge of
righteousness and whose delight is in righteousness, are persons that
have certain knowledge of what is to be done and what should not be done.
One possessed of such wisdom always regards all things in the universe to
have sprung from his own Self.[1173] Some that are endued with knowledge,
that strive to reach the other shore (of this ocean of life), and that
are possessed of faith, succeed in attaining to the region of Brahman,
which is productive of great blessings, highly sacred, and inhabited by
righteous persons,--a region which is freed from sorrow, whence there is
no return, and where there is no kind of agitation or pain. Such men do
not covet heaven. They do not adore Brahma in costly sacrifices. They
walk along the path of the righteous. The Sacrifices they perform are
performed without injury to any creature.[1174] These men know trees and
herbs and fruits and roots as the only sacrificial offerings. Covetous
priests, for they are desirous of wealth, never officiate at the
sacrifices of these (poor) men. These regenerate men, although all their
acts have been completed, still p