orthy of being recited in silence.
Sojourning through the welkin to the Ocean of Milk which is always the
abode of nectar, and worshipping the great God there, he came back to his
own hermitage.

"'Bhishma continued, "I have now repeated to thee the narrative that was
recited by Narada (unto the conclave of Rishis assembled in the abode of
Brahman). That narrative has descended from one person to another from
very ancient times. I heard it from my sire who formerly repeated it to
me."'"

Suta continued, "I have now told you all that Vaisampayana recited to
Janamejaya. Having listened to Vaisampayana's narration, king Janamejaya
properly discharged all his duties according to the ordinances laid down
in the scriptures. Ye have all undergo very severe penances and observed
many high and excellent vows. Residing in this sacred forest that is
known by the name of Naimisha, ye are foremost of all persons conversant
with the Vedas. Ye foremost of regenerate ones, ye all have come to this
great sacrifice of Saunaka. Do ye all adore and worship that Eternal and
Supreme Lord of the universe in excellent sacrifices, properly pouring
libations of clarified butter into the fire with the aid of mantras and
dedicating the same unto Narayana. As regards myself, I heard this
excellent narrative that has descended from generation to generation,
from my sire who recited it to me in former times."

SECTION CCCXLI

Saunaka said, "How is that illustrious god, viz., the puissant Narayana
who is fully conversant with the Vedas and their branches, at once the
doer and the enjoyer of sacrifices? Endued with forgiveness, he has
adopted, again, the religion of Nivritti (abstention). Indeed, it is that
holy and puissant one who has himself ordained the duties of Nivritti.
Why then has he made many of the deities the takers of shares in
sacrifices which, of course, are all due to the disposition of Pravritti?
Why has he again created some with a contrary disposition, for they
follow the ordinances of the religion of abstention? Do thou, O Suta,
dispel this doubt of ours. This doubt seems to be eternal and is
connected with a great mystery. Thou hast heard all discourses on
Narayana, discourses that are consistent with the (other)
scriptures."[1843]

Sauti said, "O excellent Saunaka, I shall recite to thee what
Vaisampayana, the disciple of the intelligent Vyasa, said when questioned
on these very topics by king Janamejaya. Having heard th