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Yudhishthira said.
What kind of character, conduct, knowledge, and ultimate aim must one possess to attain the supreme, eternal state of Brahman beyond nature?
Bhīṣma said.
One who is engaged in the duties of liberation, eats lightly, and has mastered the senses attains the highest, eternal state that transcends nature.
Having left his own home, the sage, remaining equal in gain and loss and indifferent to desires already experienced, should wander as a renunciant.
One should not defame others by sight, thought, or speech, nor should one ever speak ill of anyone, whether directly or indirectly.
One should not harm any living being and should act with friendliness. Having attained this life, one should not create enmity with anyone.
One should patiently endure harsh words and never become proud in any situation; when provoked, speak kindly, and when insulted, wish for the welfare of others.
One should not perform rightwise or leftwise circumambulation in the middle of the village; unless engaged in the mendicant's way of life, one should not proceed by the previously marked route.
One should remain composed and self-controlled, never uttering unpleasant words. One should be gentle, never retaliate with cruelty, be confident, and free from anger.
A sage should seek alms only after the smoke has cleared, the pestle has been set aside, the fire is out, and food has already been distributed in the house.
A companion of wealth should remain indifferent to the measures of gain, not be distressed by loss, and not be elated by gain.
One should not seek ordinary gains, nor should a respected person partake in them. Truly, a person of such character should always reject gains acquired through honor.
One should neither criticize the faults of food nor overly praise its qualities. In a secluded place, whether on a bed or seat, one should always show due respect.
He should go to an empty house, the root of a tree, a forest, or a cave; after practicing in secrecy, he should then lie down elsewhere.
One should remain steady and impartial in both agreement and opposition; one should not be attached to actions, whether they are good or bad.
An ascetic should restrain the impulses of speech, mind, anger, desire for knowledge, belly, and genitals; and criticism should not wound his heart.
One should always remain impartial, treating praise and blame alike. This is the highest purity in the hermitage of a wandering ascetic.
He is great-souled, steadfast in good vows, self-restrained, independent everywhere; of unprecedented conduct, gentle, homeless, and collected in mind.
One should never associate with forest-dwellers or householders; one should not desire the unknown, nor should delight enter him.
Hārita said: For the wise, liberation is attained through effort; for the ignorant, the entire vehicle of liberation is for the wise.
He who renounces home after granting fearlessness to all beings becomes fit for worlds of endless brilliance.
