attaining to high ends. Those particular offerings in
sacrifices with which one gratifies the Brahmanas go to gratify both the
Pitris and the deities. The Brahmana is the cause of that sacrifice
whence all created things have sprung. The Brahmana is acquainted with
that from which this universe has sprung and unto which, when apparently
destroyed, it returns. Indeed the Brahmana knows the path that leads to
Heaven and the other path that leads to the opposite place. The Brahmana
is conversant with what has happened and what will happen. The Brahmana
is the foremost of all two-legged beings. The Brahmana, O chief of the
Bharatas, is fully conversant with the duties that have been laid down
for his order. Those persons that follow the Brahmanas are never
vanquished. Departing from this world, they never meet with destruction.
Indeed victory is always theirs. Those high-souled persons,--indeed,
those persons that have subdued their souls,--who accept the words that
fall from the lips of the Brahmanas, are never vanquished. Victory always
becomes theirs.[258] The energy and might of those Kshatriyas who scorch
everything with their energy and might become neutralised when they
encounter the Brahmanas. The Bhrigus conquered the Talajanghas. The son
of Angiras conquered the Nipas. Bharadwaja conquered the Vitahavyas as
also the Ailas, O chief of Bharata's race. Although all these Kshatriyas
were capable of using diverse kinds of arms, yet the Brahmanas named,
owning only black deer skins for their emblems, succeeded in conquering
them effectually. Bestowing the Earth upon the Brahmanas and illuminating
both the worlds by the splendour of such a deed, one should accomplish
acts through which one may succeed in attaining to the end of all
things.[259] Like fire concealed within wood, everything that is said or
heard or read in this world, lies ensconced in the Brahmana. In this
connection is cited the old history of the conversation between Vasudeva
and the Earth, O chief of Bharata's race!

"'"Vasudeva said, 'O mother of all creatures, O auspicious goddess, I
desire to ask thee for a solution of this doubt of mine. By what act does
a man leading the domestic mode of life succeed in cleansing all his
sins?'

"'"The Earth said, 'One should serve the Brahmanas. This conduct is
cleansing and excellent. All the impurities are destroyed of that man who
serves the Brahmanas with reverence. From this (conduct) arises
prosperity. Fro