“Vidura said, ’Study of the various scriptures, asceticism, gift, faith, performance of sacrifices, forgiveness, sincerity of disposition, compassion, truth, self-restraint, these constitute possessions of Virtue.  Do thou adopt Virtue.  Let not thy heart ever turn away from it.  Both Virtue and Profit have their roots in these.  I think that all these are capable of being included in one term.  It is by Virtue that the Rishis have crossed (the world with all its difficulties).  It is upon Virtue, that all the worlds depend (for their existence).  It is by Virtue that the gods attained to their position of superiority.  It is upon Virtue that Profit or Wealth rests.  Virtue, O king, is foremost in point of merit.  Profit is said to be middling.  Desire, it is said by the wise, is the lowest of the three.  For this reason, one should live with restrained soul, giving his attention to Virtue most.  One should also behave towards all creatures as he should towards himself.’

“Vaisampayana continued, ’After Vidura had finished what he had to say, Pritha’s son Arjuna, well skilled in the science of Profit, and conversant also with the truths of both Virtue and Profit, urged on (by the drift of Yudhishthira’s question), said these words.’

“Arjuna said, ’This world, O king, is the field of action.  Action, therefore, is applauded here.  Agriculture, trade, keep of cattle, and diverse kinds of arts, constitute what is called Profit.  Profit, again, is the end of all such acts.  Without Profit or Wealth, both Virtue and (the objects of) Desire cannot be won.  This is the declaration of the Sruti.  Even persons of uncleansed souls, if possessed of diverse kinds of Wealth, are able to perform the highest acts of virtue and gratify desires that are apparently difficult of being gratified.  Virtue and Desire are the limbs of Wealth as the Sruti declares.  With the acquisition of Wealth, both Virtue and the objects of Desire may be won.  Like all creatures worshipping Brahman, even persons of superior birth worship a man possessed of Wealth.  Even they that are attired in deer-skins and bear matted locks on their heads, that are self-rest rained, that smear their bodies with mire, that have their senses under complete control, even they that have bald heads and that are devoted Brahmacharins, and that live separated from one another, cherish a desire for Wealth.  Others attired in yellow robes, bearing long beards, graced with modesty, possessed of learning, contented, and freed from all attachments, become desirous of Wealth.  Others, following the practices of their ancestors, and observant of their respective duties, and others desirous of heaven, do the same.  Believers and unbelievers and those that are rigid practisers of the highest Yoga—­all certify to the excellence of Wealth.[483] He is said to be truly possessed of Wealth who cherishes his dependants with objects of enjoyment, and afflicts his foes with punishments.  Even this O foremost of intelligent men, is truly my opinion.  Listen, however, now to these two (viz., Nakula and Sahadeva) who are about to speak.’