'
"Yayati answered, 'The wise say that for men there are seven gates through
which admission may be gained into Heaven. There are asceticism,
benevolence, tranquillity of mind, self-command, modesty, simplicity, and
kindness to all creatures. The wise also say that a person loseth all
these in consequence of vanity. That man who having acquired knowledge
regardeth himself as learned, and with his learning destroyed the
reputation of others, never attaineth to regions of indestructible
felicity. That knowledge also doth not make its possessor competent to
attain to Brahma. Study, taciturnity, worship before fire, and sacrifices,
these four remove all fear. When, however, these are mixed with vanity,
instead of removing it, they cause fear. The wise should never exult at
(receiving) honours nor should they grieve at insults. For it is the wise
alone that honour the wise; the wicked never act like the virtuous. I have
given away so much--I have performed so many sacrifices,--I have studied
so much,--I have observed these vows,--such vanity is the root of fear.
Therefore, thou must not indulge in such feelings. Those learned men who
accept as their support the unchangeable, inconceivable Brahma alone that
ever showereth blessings on persons virtuous like thee, enjoy perfect
peace here and hereafter.'"
SECTION XCI
(Sambhava Parva continued)
"Ashtaka said, 'Those cognisant of the Vedas differ in opinion as to how
the followers of each of the four modes of life, viz.
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