elf, I need no offspring to
rescue me.[1328] He whose words and thoughts are always well-restrained,
he who has Penances and Renunciation, and Yoga, is sure to attain to
everything through these. There is no eye equal to Knowledge. There is no
reward equal to Knowledge. There is no sorrow equal to attachment. There
is no happiness equal to Renunciation. For a Brahmana there can be no
wealth like residence in solitude, an equal regard for all creatures,
truthfulness of speech, steady observance of good conduct, the total
abandonment of the rod (of chastisement), simplicity, and the gradual
abstention from all acts.[1329] What need hast thou with wealth and what
need with relatives and friends, and what with spouses? Thou art a
Brahmana and thou hast death to encounter. Search thy own Self that is
concealed in a cave. Whither have thy grandsires gone and whither thy
sire too?'"[1330]

"'Bhishma said, "Hearing these words of his son, the sire acted in the way
that was pointed out, O king! Do thou also act in the same way, devoted
to the religion of Truth."'"

SECTION CCLXXVIII

"'Yudhishthira said, "Of what behaviour must a man be, of what acts, of
what kind of knowledge, and to what must he be devoted, for attaining to
Brahma's place which transcends Prakriti and which is unchangeable?"

"'Bhishma said, "One that is devoted to the religion of Emancipation,
frugal in fare, and the master of one's senses, attains to that high
place which transcends Prakriti and is unchangeable.[1331] Retiring from
one's home, regarding gain and loss in the same light, restraining the
senses, and disregarding all objects of desire even when they are ready
(for enjoyment), one should adopt a life of Renunciation.[1332] Neither
with eye, nor with word, nor in thought, should one disparage another.
Nor should one speak evil of any person either in or out of his hearing.
One should abstain from injuring any creature, and conduct oneself
observing the course of the Sun.[1333] Having come into this life, one
should not behave with unfriendliness towards any creature. One should
disregard opprobrious speeches, and never in arrogance deem oneself as
superior to another. When sought to be angered by another, one should
still utter agreeable speeches. Even when calumniated, one should not
calumniate in return. One should not behave in a friendly or an
unfriendly way in the midst of human beings. One should not go about
visiting many houses in