the Vedas or inference.  They that cherish no expectation, that discard every kind of wealth by not storing anything for future use, that are not covetous, and that are free from every kind of affection and aversion, perform sacrifices because of the conviction that their performance is a duty.  To make gifts unto deserving persons is the end (right use) of all wealth.  Never addicted at any time to sinful acts, observant of those rites that have been laid down in the Vedas, capable of crowning all their wishes with fruition, endued with certain conclusions through pure knowledge, never giving way to wrath,—­never indulging in envy, free from pride and malice, firm in Yoga,[1258] of unstained birth, unstained conduct, and unstained learning, devoted to the good of all creatures, there were in days of yore many men, leading lives of domesticity and thoroughly devoted to their own duties, there were many kings also of the same qualifications, devoted to Yoga (like Janaka, etc.), and many Brahmanas also of the same character (like Yajnavalkya and others).[1259] They behaved equally towards all creatures and were endued with perfect sincerity.  Contentment was theirs, and certainty of knowledge.  Visible were the rewards of their righteousness, and pure were they in behaviour and heart.  They were possessed of faith in Brahma of both forms.[1260] At first making their hearts pure, they duly observed all (excellent) vows.  They were observant of the duties of righteousness on even occasions of distress and difficulty, without failing off in any particular.  Uniting together they used to perform meritorious acts.  In this they found great happiness.  And inasmuch as they never tripped, they had never to perform any expiation.  Relying as they did upon the true course of righteousness, they became endued with irresistible energy.  They never followed their own understandings in the matter of earning merit but followed the dictates of the scriptures alone for that end.  Accordingly they were never guilty of guile in the matter of performing acts of righteousness.[1261] In consequence of their observing unitedly the absolute ordinances of the scriptures without betaking themselves ever to the rites laid down in the alternative, they were never under the necessity of performing expiation.[1262] There is no expiation for men living in the observance of the ordinances laid down in the scriptures.  The Sruti declares that expiation exists for only men that are weak and unable to follow the absolute and substantive provisions of the sacred law.  Many Brahmanas there were of this kind in days of old, devoted to the performance of sacrifices, of profound knowledge of the Vedas, possessed of purity and good conduct, and endued with fame.  They always worshipped Brahma in the sacrifices, and were free from desire.  Possessed of learning they transcended all the bonds of life.  The sacrifices of these men, their (knowledge of the) Vedas, their acts performed in obedience to the ordinances, their