e injunctions of the Vedas, which have been declared through and
compiled by the Rishis, to be the words of God himself.[1227] What can
anybody say (by way of censure or praise) with respect to the contents of
the Vedas when these happen to be the words of the Supreme Being himself
who is freed from desire of fruit, who is without the fever (of envy and
aversion), who is addicted to nothing, and who is destitute of all
exertion (in consequence of the immediate fruition of all his wishes)?'

"'"Kapila said, 'I do not censure the Vedas. I do not wish to say anything
in derogation of them. It hath been heard by us that the different
courses of duty laid down for the different modes of life, all lead to
the same end. The Sannyasin attains to a high end. The forest-recluse
also attains to a high end. Both the other two also, viz., the
householder and the Brahmacharin, reach the same end. All the four modes
of life have always been regarded as Deva-yana ways. The relative
strength or weakness of these, as represented by their relative
superiority or inferiority, hath been declared in the character of their
respective ends.[1228]--Knowing these, accomplish acts which lead to
heaven and other blessings,--this is a Vedic declaration.--Do not
accomplish acts,--this also is another binding declaration of the Vedas.
If abstention from acts be meritorious, then their accomplishment must be
exceedingly reprehensible. When the scriptures stand thus, the strength
or weakness of particular declarations must be very difficult to
ascertain. If thou knowest of any course of duty which is superior to the
religion of harmlessness, and which depends upon direct evidence instead
of that of the scriptures, do thou then discourse to me upon it.'

"'"Syumarasmi said, 'One should perform sacrifice from desire of
heaven,--this Sruti is constantly heard by us. Thinking first of the
fruit (that is to be attained), one makes preparations for sacrifice.
Goat, horse, cow, all species of birds, domestic or wild, and herbs and
plants, are food of (other) living creatures. This is heard by us.[1229]
Food again has been directed to be taken day after day morning and
evening. Then again the Sruti declares that animals and grain are the
limbs of Sacrifice.[1230] The Lord of the universe created them along
with Sacrifice. The puissant Lord of all creatures caused the deities to
perform sacrifices with their aid. Altogether seven (domestic) and seven
(wild) ani