rom the attribute
of Sattwa, and know that the attribute of Sattwa has flowed from me. In
this birth also of mine, O Dhananjaya, my ancient attribute of Sattwa has
not left me, so that in even this life, establishing myself on Sattwa, I
set myself to acts without ever wishing for their fruits. Cleansed of all
sins as I am through the attribute of Sattwa, which is my nature, I can
be beheld by the aid of that knowledge only which arises from adoption of
the attribute of Sattwa. I am reckoned also among those that are wedded
to that attribute. For these reasons am I known by the name of
Sattwata.[1866] I till the Earth, assuming the form of a large
plough-share of black iron. And because my complexion is black, therefore
am I called by the name of Krishna. I have united the Earth with Water,
Space with Mind, and Wind with Light. Therefore am I called
Vaikuntha.[1867] The cessation of separate conscious existence by
identification with Supreme Brahman is the highest attribute or condition
for a living agent to attain. And since I have never swerved from that
attribute or condition, I am, therefore, called by the name of
Achyuta.[1868] The Earth and the Firmament are known to extend in all
directions. And because I uphold them both, therefore am I called by the
name of Adhokshaja. Persons conversant with the Vedas and employed in
interpreting the words used in those scriptures adore me in sacrifices by
calling upon me by the same name. In days of yore, the great Rishis,
while engaged in practising severe austerities, said,--'No one else in the
universe than the puissant Narayana, is capable of being called by the
name of Adhokshaja.' Clarified butter which sustains the lives of all
creatures in the universe constitutes my effulgence. It is for this
reason that Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas and possessed of
concentrated souls call me by the name of Ghritarchis.[1869] There are
three well-known constituent elements of the body. They have their origin
in action, and are called Bile, Phlegm, and Wind. The body is called a
union of these three. All living creatures are upheld by these three, and
when these three become weakened, living creatures also become weakened.
It is for this reason that all persons conversant with the scriptures
bearing on the science of Life call me by the name of Tridhatu.[1870] The
holy Dharma is known among all creatures by the name of Vrisha, O
Bharata. Hence it is that I am called the excellent
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