Learned men possessed of great intelligence, desirous of proclaiming their own feats, have while establishing their own theories and censuring those of others, said this and that on this topic which is incapable of being settled by disputation.  Foolish men fail to understand this vow in a proper light.  I, however, see it to be destructive of Ignorance.  Regarding it also as fraught with immortality and as a remedy against diverse kinds of evil, I wander among men, having subdued all faults and having freed myself from thirst (after worldly goods)!’

“Bhishma continued, ’That high-souled person who, having freed himself from attachments and divested himself of fear, cupidity; foolishness, and wrath, follows this Ajagara vow, or indulges in this sport, as it may be called, certainly succeeds in passing his days in great delight.’”

SECTION CLXXX

“Yudhishthira said, ’Which of these, O grandsire, viz., kinsmen, or acts, or wealth, or wisdom should be the refuge of a person?  Questioned by me, answer me this!’

“Bhishma said, ’Wisdom is the refuge of creatures.  Wisdom is regarded as the highest of acquisitions.  Wisdom is the highest felicity in the world.  Wisdom is heaven in the estimation of the good and virtuous.  It was through wisdom that Vali, Prahlada, Namuchi, and Manki, when they lost their (earthly) prosperity, succeeded in acquiring felicity.  What is there that is superior to wisdom?  In this connection is cited the old story of the discourse between Indra and Kasyapa.  Listen to it, O Yudhishthira!  Once on a time a prosperous Vaisya, in the enjoyment of prosperity, and proud of his affluence, threw down, by negligently driving his car, a Rishi’s son of rigid vows named Kasyapa, devoted to penances.  Prostrated on the ground, the young man, in exceeding pain, gave way to his wrath; and under the influence of despair resolved, saying, ’I shall cast off my life.  A poor man has no need of life in this world.’  While the Brahmana was lying in that state, silent and agitated, deprived of energy and at the point of death, Indra appeared on the scene in the form of a jackal and addressing him, said, ’All (inferior) creatures covet birth in the human race.  Among men again, the status of a Brahmana is much desired.  Thou, O Kasyapa, art a human being!  Amongst human beings, thou art again a Brahmana.  Among Brahmanas, thou art again one that is conversant with the Vedas.  Having obtained that which is attainable with very great difficulty, it behoveth thee not to give up life from folly!  All kinds Of (worldly) acquisitions are fraught with pride.  The declaration of the Srutis in that respect is perfectly true.  Thou lookest the picture of contentment.  In forming such a resolve (which is so derogatory of thy own self) about casting off thy life, thou actest from cupidity!  O, they are crowned with success that have hands!  I eagerly wish for the status