with me, said, ’Do thou repair to the region of Brahmana!  It is in consequence of the merits of that vow that I have succeeded in attaining to this region of very superior felicity.  There is no doubt in this.  Asked by the Supreme Ordainer of all things, I have duly expounded the merits of the vow of fast.  In my opinion, there is no penance higher than fast.  I vow to thee, O foremost of all the deities!  Be thou propitious unto me!’

“Bhishma continued, ’King Bhagiratha, who had said so and who deserved every honour was on the conclusion of his speech, honoured by Brahman according to the rites ordained for that purpose.  Do thou, therefore, O Yudhishthira, observe the vow of fast and worship the Brahmanas every day.  The words uttered by Brahmanas can accomplish everything both here and hereafter.  Indeed, the Brahmanas should ever be gratified with gifts of robes food and white complexioned kine and good dwelling houses and mansions.  The very deities should gratify the Brahmanas.  Freeing thyself from cupidity, do thou practise this vow of very superior merit that is not known to all!’”

SECTION CIV

“Yudhishthira said, ’Man, it is said, is endued with a period of life extending for a hundred years, and with energy and might that are considerable.  Why then, O grandsire, do human beings die even when they are very young?  By what does a man become endued with longevity, and by what is his life shortened?  Through what does a man acquire the fame that rests upon great achievements?  Through what does one attain to wealth and prosperity?  Is it by penances, or Brahmacharya, or silent recitation of sacred Mantras, or drugs?  Is it by his acts, or speech?  Do thou explain to me this, O grandsire!’

“Bhishma said, ’I shall tell thee what thou askest me.  In fact, I shall tell thee what the reason is for which one becomes shortlived, and what the reason is for which one becomes endued with longevity.  I shall also explain to thee the reason for which one succeeds in acquiring the fame that rests on great achievements, and the reason for which one succeeds in acquiring wealth and prosperity.  Indeed, I shall enlighten thee as to the manner in which one must live in order to be endued with all that is beneficial for him.  It is by conduct that one acquires longevity, and it is by conduct that one acquires wealth and prosperity.  Indeed, it is by conduct that one acquires the fame that rests upon great achievements both here and hereafter.  The man whose conduct is improper or wicked never acquires a long life.  All creatures become afraid of such a man and are oppressed by him.  If, therefore, one wishes one’s own advancement and prosperity, one should, in this world, betake to conduct that is proper and good.  Good conduct succeeds in dispelling the inauspiciousness and misery of even one that is sinful.[457] Righteousness has conduct for its indication.  They that are good and righteous are so in consequence