from error and, as such, it behoveth thee to remove the doubts that fill the minds of men like ourselves that are subject to error and that are unacquainted with the truths of the world.  We do not know what we should do, for the declarations of the scriptures generate an inclination for (the acquisition of) Knowledge simultaneously with the inclination for acts.  It behoveth thee to discourse to us on these subjects.[1460] O illustrious one, the different asramas approve different courses of conduct.—­This is beneficial,—­This (other) is beneficial—­the scriptures exhort us often in this wise.[1461] Beholding the followers of the four asramas, who are thus exhorted by the scriptures and who fully approve of what the scriptures have laid down for them, thus travelling in diverse courses, and seeing that ourselves also are equally content with our own scriptures, we fail to understand what is truly beneficial.  If the scriptures were all uniform, then what is truly beneficial would have become manifest.  In consequence, however, of the scriptures being multifarious, that which is truly beneficial becomes invested with mystery.  For these reasons, that which is truly beneficial seems to me to be involved in confusion.  Do thou then, O illustrious one, discourse to me on the subject.  I have approached thee (for this), O, instruct me!’

“Narada said, ’The Asramas are four in number, O child!  All of them serve the purposes for which they have been designed; and the duties they preach differ from one another.  Ascertaining them first from well-qualified preceptors, reflect upon them, O Galava![1462] Behold, the announcements of the merits of those Asramas are varied in respect of their form, divergent in respect of their matter, and contradictory in respect of the observances they embrace.[1463] Observed with gross vision, verily, all the Asramas refuse to clearly yield their true intent (which, of course, is knowledge of Self).  Others, however, endued with subtle sight, behold their highest end.[1464] That which is truly beneficial, and about which there is no doubt, viz., good offices to friends, and suppression of enemies, and the acquisition of the aggregate of three (viz., Religion, Profit, and Pleasure), has been declared by the wise to be supreme excellence.[1465] Abstention from sinful acts, constancy of righteous disposition, good behaviour towards those that are good and pious,—­these, without doubt, constitute excellence.  Mildness towards all creatures, sincerity of behaviour, and the use of sweet words,—­these, without doubt, constitute excellence.  An equitable apportionment of what one has among the deities, the Pitris, and guests, and adherence to servants,—­these, without doubt, constitute excellence.  Truthfulness of speech is excellent.  The knowledge, however, of truth, is very difficult of acquisition.  I say that that is truth which is exceedingly beneficial to creatures.[1466] The renunciation of pride, the