“’This then is the career of those that are without knowledge.  Listen now to the course of the wise they that are intent on profitable virtue, and are desirous of emancipation!  The Vedas enjoin act but renounce (interest in) action.  Therefore, shouldst thou act, renouncing Abhimana,[5] performance of sacrifices, study (of the Vedas), gifts, penance, truth (in both speech and act), forgiveness, subduing the senses, and renunciation of desire,—­these have been declared to be the eight (cardinal) duties constituting the true path.  Of these, the four first pave the way to the world of the pitris.  And these should be practised without Abhimana.  The four last are always observed by the pious, to attain the heaven of the gods.  And the pure in spirit should ever follow these eight paths.  Those who wish to subdue the world for purpose of salvation, should ever act fully renouncing motives, effectually subduing their senses, rigidly observing particular vows, devotedly serving their preceptors, austerely regulating their fare, diligently studying the Vedas, renouncing action as mean and restraining their hearts.  By renouncing desire and aversion the gods have attained prosperity.  It is by virtue of their wealth of yoga[6] that the Rudras, and the Sadhyas, and the Adityas and the Vasus, and the twin Aswins, rule the creatures.  Therefore, O son of Kunti, like unto them, do thou, O Bharata, entirely refraining from action with motive, strive to attain success in yoga and by ascetic austerities.  Thou hast already achieved such success so far as thy debts to thy ancestors, both male and female concerned, and that success also which is derived from action (sacrifices).  Do thou, for serving the regenerate ones endeavour to attain success in penances.  Those that are crowned with ascetic success, can, by virtue of that success, do whatever they list; do thou, therefore, practising asceticism realise all thy wishes.’”

[5] Reference to self, i.e. without the motive of bettering one’s own self, or without any motive at all. (This contains the germ of the doctrine preached more elaborately in the Bhagavad gita.)

    [6] This Yoga consists, in their case, of a combination of
    attributes by negation of the contrary ones, i.e. by
    renunciation of motives in all they do.

SECTION III

Vaisampayana said, “Yudhishthira the son of Kunti, thus addressed by Saunaka, approached his priest and in the midst of his brothers said, ’The Brahmanas versed in the Vedas are following me who am departing for the forest.  Afflicted with many calamities I am unable to support them.  I cannot abandon them, nor have I the power to offer them sustenance:  Tell me, O holy one, what should be done by me in such a pass.’”