“Tuladhara said, ’Sometimes sacrifices performed by some persons do not become sacrifices (in consequence of the absence of faith of those that perform them).  These men, it should be said, are not worthy of performing any sacrifice (internal or external).  As regards the faithful, however, only one thing, viz., the cow, is fit for upholding all sacrifices by means of full libations of clarified butter, milk, and curds, the hair at end of her tail, her horns, and her hoofs.[1185] (The Vedas declare that sacrifices cannot be performed by an unmarried man).  In performing sacrifices, however, according to the mode I have pointed out (viz., by abstaining from slaughter of animals and dedicating only clarified butter, etc.), one may make Faith one’s wedded wife, for dedicating such (innocent) offerings to the deities.  By duly reverencing such sacrifices, one is sure to attain to Brahma.[1186] To the exclusion of all animals (which are certainly unclean as offering in sacrifices), the rice-ball is a worthy offering in sacrifices.  All rivers are as sacred as the Saraswati, and all mountains are sacred.  O Jajali, the Soul is itself a Tirtha.  Do not wander about on the earth for visiting sacred places.  A person, by observing these duties (that I have spoken of and that do not involve injury to other creatures), and by seeking the acquisition of merit agreeably to his own ability, certainly succeeds in obtaining blessed regions hereafter.’[1187]

“Bhishma continued, ’These are the duties, O Yudhishthira, which Tuladhara applauded,—­duties that are consistent with reason, and that are always observed by those that are good and wise.’”

SECTION CCLXIV

“Tuladhara said, ’See with thy own eyes, O Jajali, who, viz., those that are good or those that are otherwise, have adopted this path of duty that I have spoken of.  Thou shalt then understand properly how the truth stands.  Behold, many birds are hovering in the sky.  Amongst them are those that were reared on thy head, as also many hawks and many others of other species.  Behold, O Brahmana, those birds have contracted their wings and legs for entering their respective nests.  Summon them, O regenerate one!  There those birds, treated with affection by thee, are displaying their love for thee that art their father.  Without doubt, thou art their father, O Jajali!  Do thou summon thy children.’

“Bhishma continued, ’Then those birds, summoned by Jajali, made answer agreeably to the dictates of that religion which is not fraught with injury to any creature.[1188] All acts that are done without injuring any creature become serviceable (to the doer) both here and hereafter.  Those acts, however, that involve injury to others, destroy faith, and faith being destroyed, involves the destroyer in ruin.  The sacrifices of those that regard acquisition and non-acquisition in the same light, that are endued