deeds. I, however, worshipped
my old mother and on one occasion worshipped a Brahmana. Endued with
birth and accomplishments, that Brahmana, in course of his wanderings,
came to my house once as a guest. I received him with reverent
hospitality. In consequence of the merit attaching to that act, my memory
has not forsaken me. I think that in consequence of that act I shall once
more succeed in regaining happiness. O thou of ascetic wealth, thou
knowest everything. Do thou in kindness tell me what is for my good.'"'"

SECTION CXVIII

"'"Vyasa said, 'It is in consequence of a meritorious act, O worm, that
thou, though born in the intermediate order of being, art not stupefied.
That act is mine, O worm, in consequence of which thou art not
stupefied.[527] In consequence of the puissance of my penances, I am able
to rescue a being of demerit by granting him a sight only of my person.
There is no stronger might than the might that attaches to penances. I
know, O worm, that thou hast taken birth in the order of worms through
the evil acts of thy past life. If, however, thou thinkest of attaining
to righteousness and merit, thou mayst again attain to it. Deities as
well as beings crowned with ascetic success, enjoy or endure the
consequence of acts done by them in this field of action. Amongst men
also, when acts of merit are performed, they are performed from desire of
fruit (and not with disregard for fruit). The very accomplishment that
one seeks to acquire are sought from desire of the happiness they will
bring.[528] Learned or ignorant (in a former life) the creature that is,
in this life, destitute of speech and understanding and hands and feet,
is really destitute of everything.[529] He that becomes a superior
Brahmana adores, while alive, the deities of the sun and the moon,
uttering diverse sacred Mantras. O worm, thou shalt attain to that state
of existence. Attaining to that status, thou wilt enjoy all the elements
converted into articles of enjoyment. When thou hast attained to that
state, I shall impart to thee Brahma. Or, if thou wishest, I may place
thee in any other status!' The worm, agreeing to the words of Vyasa, did
not leave the road, but remained on it. Meanwhile, the large vehicle
which was coming in that direction came to that spot.[530] Torn to pieces
by the assault of the wheels, the worm gave up his life-breath. Born at
last in the Kshatriya order through the grace of Vyasa of immeasurable
puiss