in the observance of domesticity, I desire to devote the remnant of my life in earning the means of defraying the expenses of my journey in respect of the time to come.  The desire has arisen in my mind of crossing the ocean of the world.  Alas, whence shall I get the raft of religion (with which to accomplish my purposes)?  Hearing that even the very deities are persecuted and made to endure the fruits of their acts, and beholding the rows of Yama’s standards and flags floating over the heads of all creatures, my heart fails to derive pleasure from the diverse objects of pleasure with which it comes into contact.  Beholding also that the Yatis depend for their sustenance upon alms obtained in course of their rounds of mendicancy, I have no respect for the religion of the Yatis as well.  O my reverend guest, do thou, aided by that religion which is founded upon the basis of intelligence and reason, set me to the observance of a particular course of duties and observance![1929]’

“Bhishma continued, ’Endued with great wisdom, the guest, hearing this speech of his host which was consistent with righteousness, said these sweet words in a melodious voice.’

“The guest said, ’I myself also am confounded with respect to this topic.  The same thought occupies my mind.  I am unable to arrive at definite conclusions.  Heaven has many doors.  There are some that applaud Emancipation.  Some regenerate persons praise the fruits attainable by the performance of sacrifices.  Some there are that take refuge in the forest mode of life.  Some, again, betake themselves to the domestic mode of life.  Some rely upon the merits attainable by an observance of the duties of kings.  Some rely upon the fruits of that culture which consists in restraining the soul.  Some think that the merits resulting from a dutiful obedience to preceptors and seniors are efficacious.  Some betake themselves to restraints imposed on speech.  Some by waiting dutifully upon their mothers and fathers, have gone to heaven.  Some have ascended to heaven by practising the duty of compassion, and some by practising Truth.  Some rush to battle, and after laying down their lives, have attained to heaven.  Some, again, attaining to success by practising the vow called Unccha, have betaken themselves to the path of heaven.  Some have devoted themselves to the study of the Vedas.  Endued with auspiciousness and wedded to such study, these men, possessed of intelligence, with tranquil souls, and having their senses under complete control, attain to heaven.  Others characterised by simplicity and truth, have been slain by men of wickedness.  Endued with pure souls, such men of truth and simplicity, have become honoured denizens of heaven.  In this world, it is seen, that men betake themselves to heaven, through a thousand doors of duty, all standing wide open.  My understanding has been troubled by thy question, like a fleecy cloud before the wind.’”

SECTION CCCLV