the honour is ordained for them of Brahman’s advancing forward to receive them (after their departure from earth).[649] Dwell thou in me.’  Thus spoke Brahman and once more imparted consciousness into that splendour.  Indeed, the Brahmana then, freed from all anxieties, entered the mouth of the Creator.  The monarch (Ikshvaku) also, after the same manner, entered the divine Grandsire like that foremost of Brahmanas.  The (assembled) deities saluted the self-born and said, ’A very superior end is, indeed, ordained for Reciters.  This exertion (that we have seen thee put forth) is for Reciters.  As regards ourselves, we came hither for beholding it.  Thou hast made these two equal, rendered them equal honour, and bestowed upon them an equal end.  The high end that is reserved for both yogins and Reciters has been seen by us today.  Transcending all regions (of felicity), these two are capable of going whithersoever they wish.’

“Brahman said, ’He also that would read the great Smriti (viz., the Veda), and he too, who would read the other auspicious Smritis that follow the former (viz., Manu’s and the rest), would, in this way, attain to the same region with me.  He also who is devoted to yoga, will, without doubt, acquire in this manner, after death, the regions that are mine.  I go hence.  Go ye all to your respective places for the accomplishment of your ends.’

“Bhishma continued, ’Having said these words, that foremost of gods disappeared there and then.  The assembled deities, having previously taken his leave, returned to their respective abodes.  All those high-souled beings, having honoured Dharma, proceeded with well-pleased hearts, O monarch, walking behind that great deity.  These are the rewards of reciters and this their end.  I have described them to thee as I myself had heard of them.  What else, O monarch, dost thou wish to hear of?’”

SECTION CCI

“Yudhishthira said, ’What are the fruits of the yoga represented by Knowledge, of all the Vedas, and of the (various) observances and vows?  How also may the creature-soul be known?  Tell us, this, O grandsire!’

“Bhishma said, ’In this connection is cited the old narrative of the discourse between that lord of creatures, viz., Manu, and the great Rishi, Vrihaspati.  In days of old, the foremost of celestial Rishis, viz., Vrihaspati, who was a disciple of Manu, bowed to his preceptor and addressing that lord and first of all creatures, said, ’What is the cause (of the universe)?  Whence have the ordinances (about sacrifices and other pious observances) flowed?  What are those fruits which the learned say are attached to Knowledge?  Tell me also truly, O illustrious one, what is that which the very, Vedas have not been able to reveal?  What are those fruits which are adored by eminent personages conversant with the science of Artha, with the Vedas, and with the Mantras, through sacrifices and plentiful gifts