by the misguided, which does not decay with decrepitude, and which is regarded as a fatal disease.  In this connection, O king, are heard the verses sung by Pingala about the manner in which she had acquired eternal merit even at a time that had been very unfavourable.  A fallen woman of the name of Pingala, having repaired to the place of assignation, was denied the company of her lover through an accident.  At that time of great misery, she succeeded in acquiring tranquillity of soul.’

“Pingala said, ’Alas, I have for many long years lived, all the while overcome by frenzy, by the side of that Dear Self in whom there is nothing but tranquillity.  Death has been at my door.  Before this, I did not, however approach that Essence of Purity.  I shall cover this house of one column and nine doors (by means of true Knowledge).[510] What woman is there that regards that Supreme Soul as her dear lord, even when He comes near?[511] I am now awake.  I have been roused from the sleep of ignorance.  I am no longer influenced by desire.  Human lovers, who are really the embodied forms of hell, shall no longer deceive me by approaching me lustfully.  Evil produces good through the destiny or the acts of a former life.  Roused (from the sleep of ignorance), I have cast off all desire for worldly objects.  I have acquired a complete mastery over my senses.  One freed from desire and hope sleeps in felicity.  Freedom from every hope and desire is felicity.  Having driven off desire and hope, Pingala sleeps in felicity.’

“Bhishma continued, ’Convinced with these and other words uttered by the learned Brahmana, king Senajit (casting off his grief), experienced delight and became very happy.’”

SECTION CLXXV

“Yudhishthira said, ’Time, which is destructive of every created thing, is passing on.[512] Tell me, O grandsire, what is that good thing which should be sought.’

“Bhishma said, ’In this connection, O king, is cited the old narrative of a discourse between sire and son, O Yudhishthira!  A certain Brahmana.  O Partha, who was devoted to the study of the Vedas, got a very intelligent son who (for this) was called Medhavin.[513] One day, the son, well conversant with the truths of the religion of Emancipation, and acquainted also with the affairs of the world, addressed his sire devoted to the study of the Vedas.’

“The son said, ’What should a wise man do, O father, seeing that the period of human life is passing away so very quickly?  O father, tell me the course of duties that one should perform, without omitting to mention the fruits.  Having listened to thee, I desire to observe those duties.’

“The sire said, ’O son, observing the Brahmacharya mode of life, one should first study the Vedas.  He should then wish for children for rescuing his ancestors.  Setting up his fire next, he should seek to perform the (prescribed) sacrifices according to due rites.  At last, he should enter the forest for devoting himself to contemplation.’