12.080
Yudhishthira said:
O grandsire, where do the priests arise from, and what is their character? O king, of what kind are they and how are they to be? Please tell that, O best of speakers.
Bhīṣma said:
The counter-action, that is the ancient practice of the priests, is indeed prescribed. First, one should understand the metres and the Veda of the twice-born.
But those who are always steadfast, engaged in one pursuit, do not speak unpleasant words, are well-wishers of each other, respected, and impartial.
Those in whom non-cruelty, truthfulness, non-violence, austerity, straightforwardness, absence of malice, lack of pride, modesty, forbearance, self-restraint, and tranquility are found.
He is modest, steadfast in truth, self-restrained, harmless to all beings, free from desire and hatred, and endowed with three pure qualities.
He who is non-violent and satisfied with knowledge deserves the seat of Brahman. All these great priests, dear one, are worthy of respect in every way.
Yudhiṣṭhira said:
Whatever Vedic injunction is prescribed regarding gifts, "This should be given, this should be given," it does not remain established anywhere.
This scripture is not for the pursuit of wealth, nor is emergency-duty to be done contrary to scripture. The command of scripture, even if terrible, does not consider one's power.
The Vedic scripture declares: "One should perform sacrifice beginning with faith." If a sacrifice is undertaken with falsehood, what can faith possibly achieve?
Bhīṣma said:
No one attains greatness by disrespecting the Vedas, by deceit, or by illusion; let not your understanding be of this kind.
O dear, offerings are an essential part of sacrifice and serve to augment the Vedas. Mantras that lack offerings never bring about deliverance in any way.
But the power should be measured with a full vessel, not inferior. Certainly, O dear, it must be offered with three colors as prescribed.
"Soma is the king of the Brāhmaṇas"—this is a Vedic revelation. They wish to sell him, but a livelihood is not accepted in vain. By what is righteously bought with that, the sacrifice is performed.
Thus, as declared by sages who speak of dharma, a man, sacrifice, and Soma should act justly. A man who acts unjustly benefits neither others nor himself.
The Veda declares: "The body is like sacrificial vessels." Those bodies, when properly maintained, belong to Brāhmaṇas of great soul.
Austerity is declared to be even superior to sacrifice; this is the highest scriptural teaching. Now, O learned one, I will explain that austerity to you—listen to it from me.
The wise know that non-injury, truthful speech, non-cruelty, self-restraint, and compassion constitute austerity, not the emaciation of the body.
Invalidity of the Vedas and śāstras, excessive transgression, and disorder everywhere—these indeed lead to one's own destruction.
O Pārtha, understand the arrangement of the ten priests: thought, ladle, mind, clarified butter, purifier, and supreme knowledge.
Everything is crooked; straightforwardness is the state of death, but the state of Brahman is beyond. This is the extent of knowledge. What use is idle talk?
