by severe penances, they blaze forth in effulgence, illuminating all
the points of the compass. Others, called Chakracharas, are endued with
cleansed souls and devoted to the practice of compassion. Righteous in
their conduct and possessed of great sanctity, they live in the region of
Soma. Thus residing near enough to the region of the Pitris, they duly
subsist by drinking the rays of Soma. There are others called
Samprakshalas and Asmkuttas and Dantolukhalas.[564] These live near the
Soma-drinking deities and others that drink flames of fire. With their
wedded spouses, and with passions under complete control, they too
subsist upon the rays of Soma. They pour libations of clarified butter on
the sacred fire, and adore the Pitris under proper forms. They also
perform the well-known sacrifices. Even this is said to constitute their
religion. The religion of the Rishis, O goddess, is always observed by
those who are houseless and who are free to rove through every region
including that of the gods. There are, again, other classes about whom I
shall speak presently. Do thou listen. It is necessary that they who
observe the different religions of the Rishis, should subjugate their
passions and know the Soul. Indeed, in my opinion, lust and wrath should
be completely conquered. With corn (wealth) acquired by the Unchha mode,
they should discharge the following duties, viz., the pouring of
libations on the sacred fire, occupying a fixed seat employing oneself
the while in the sacrifice called Dharmaratri, performance of she
Soma-sacrifice, acquisition of especial knowledge, the giving of
sacrificial presents which forms the fifth, the daily performance of
sacrifices, devotion to the worship of the Pitris and the deities,
hospitality towards all. Abstention from all luxurious viands prepared
from cow's milk, taking a pleasure in tranquillity of heart, lying on
bare rocks or the earth, devotion to Yoga, eating potherbs and leaves of
trees, and subsisting upon fruits and roots and wind and water and moss,
are some of the practices of the Rishis by which they attain to the end
that belongs to persons unsubjugated (by the world). When the smoke has
ceased to curl upwards from a house, when the husking machine has ceased
to ply, when the hearth-fire has been extinguished, when all the inmates
have taken their food, when dishes are no longer carried from room to
room, when mendicants have ceased to walk the streets, it is then that