01.086
Aṣṭaka said.
How does the householder who lives in the world attain the gods? Indeed, how does the mendicant? How the one engaged in the teacher's duties? The forest-dweller established on the true path—many now explain these things. (01-86-1)
Yayati said.
A student who studies when called upon, helps his teacher in duties, rises early and retires last, is gentle, self-controlled, steady, attentive, and devoted to self-study—such a brahmacārin succeeds. (01-86-2)
After obtaining wealth acquired by righteousness, one should perform sacrifices; always give and feed guests, and not accept what is not given by others. This is the ancient householder's upanishad. (01-86-3)
One who lives by his own strength, avoids sin, gives to others without causing harm, and dwells in the forest with regulated food and conduct—such a sage attains the highest perfection. (01-86-4)
A mendicant is one who does not live by skilled crafts, who is always without a house; who has mastered his senses and is fully liberated everywhere. He is unattached to any dwelling, moves lightly and sparingly, wanders, and roams through many regions. (01-86-5)
The wise man, self-restrained and living in the forest, should strive for that very night (spiritual discipline) by which worlds are conquered, desires and pleasures are subdued, and happiness arises. (01-86-6)
The forest-dweller, having already offered ten former and ten latter relatives along with himself, thus making twenty-one, ultimately renounces the elements of his own body in the forest for the sake of merit. (01-86-7)
Aṣṭaka said.
How many kinds of silence do sages observe, and how many are there? Please declare that to us, for we wish to hear. (01-86-8)
King Yayāti said.
One for whom, dwelling in the forest, the village lies behind, or dwelling in the village, the forest lies behind—that person may be either a sage or a ruler of people. (01-86-9)
Aṣṭaka said.
How can the village be behind for someone dwelling in the forest? Or, when dwelling in the village, how can the forest be behind? (01-86-10)
King Yayati said.
One who is to be a sage living in the forest should not make use of anything associated with the town. Thus, for him living in the forest, the village remains behind. (01-86-11)
The sage who keeps no sacred fire, has no fixed dwelling, who wanders without family ties—so long as he wears only a loincloth, may wish for a robe. (01-86-12)
As long as one is intent on sustaining life, so long should one desire food; likewise, for one residing in the village, the forest remains behind. (01-86-13)
But he who, having abandoned desires, has renounced actions and controlled his senses, the sage who observes silence—he attains perfection in this world. (01-86-14)
Who does not deserve to worship him who has cleansed teeth, trimmed nails, is always bathed and adorned, is black in color, and engaged in pure deeds? (01-86-15)
When, by austerity, the sage becomes emaciated, lean, with flesh, bones, and blood diminished, and is freed from dualities, he attains silence. (01-86-16)
Now, after conquering this world, he attains victory over the higher world. (01-86-16)
But the food which the sage seeks by the mouth, the former world of his becomes fit for immortality. (01-86-17)
