, performing sacrifices, and earning happiness as the
result thereof. It is always observed, O thou of great wisdom, to happen
naturally that happiness is followed by misery and misery is followed by
happiness.[534] Men of wisdom have said that human beings in this world
have three kinds of conduct. Some are righteous, some are sinful, and
some are neither righteous nor sinful. The conduct of the person who is
devoted to Brahma is not regarded either way. His sins are never regarded
as sins. So also the man who is devoted to the duties laid down for him
is regarded as neither righteous nor sinful (for the observance of those
duties). Those men that are devoted to sacrifices, gifts, and penances,
are regarded as righteous. These, however, that injure other creatures
and are unfriendly to them, are regarded as sinful. There are some men
who appropriate what belongs to others. These certainly fall into Hell
and meet with misery. All other acts that men do are indifferent, being
regarded as neither righteous nor sinful. Do thou sport and grow and
rejoice and make gifts and perform sacrifices. Neither men of knowledge
nor those endued with penances will then be able to get the better of
thee!'"'"

SECTION CXXI

"'Bhishma said, "Thus addressed by Vyasa, Maitreya, who was a worshipper
of acts, who had been born in a race endued with great prosperity, who
was wise and possessed of great learning said unto him these words.

"'"Maitreya said, 'O thou of great wisdom, without doubt it is as thou hast
said. O puissant one, with thy permission I desire to say something.'

"'"Vyasa said, 'Whatever thou wishest to say, O Maitreya, do thou say, O
man of great wisdom, for I wish to hear thee.'

"'"Maitreya said. 'Thy words on the subject of Gift are faultless and pure.
Without doubt, thy soul has been cleansed by knowledge and penances. In
consequence of thy soul being cleansed, even this is the great advantage
I reap from it. With the aid of my understanding I see that thou art
endued with high penances. As regards ourselves we succeed in acquiring
prosperity through only a sight of personages like thee I think, that is
due to thy grace and flows from the nature of my own acts.[535] Penances,
knowledge of the Vedas, and birth in a pure race,--these are the causes
of the status which one acquires of a Brahmana. When one has these three
attributes, then does he come to be called a regenerate person. If the
Brahmana be gratified,