12.340
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
The auspicious duties spoken by the grandsire, which are based on the duties leading to liberation; you are worthy to tell me the best duty of the dwellers in the āśrama. (12-340-1)
Bhishma said.
Duty, enjoined everywhere, leads to heaven and brings about true results. For the many-doored duty, here there is no fruitless action. (12-340-2)
O best of the Bharatas, in whichever matter a person attains certainty, he knows only that and not another. (12-340-3)
And indeed, O tiger among men, you are worthy to hear from me the story that was formerly told to Śakra by Nārada, the sage of the gods. (12-340-4)
O king, the divine sage Nārada, a perfected being respected throughout the three worlds, moves freely among the worlds in order, just like the unobstructed wind. (12-340-5)
Once, he, the great archer, went to the abode of the king of gods. There, having approached, he was honored by Mahendra. (12-340-6)
The lord of Śacī (Indra) asked him, who was seated after performing the rite: "O Brahmarṣi, O sinless one, have you seen anything wonderful?" (12-340-7)
Just as you, O sage among Brāhmaṇas, always roam the three worlds of moving and unmoving beings, ever curious and accomplished, like a witness. (12-340-8)
O sage among the gods, there is nothing in the world unknown to you; whether it is heard, experienced, or seen, please tell me about it. (12-340-9)
O king, to the lord of the gods, Nārada, the best of speakers, while he was seated and deserving, narrated an extensive story. (12-340-10)
Just as the best of the twice-born told the story by the method he was asked, so now you also listen to me. (12-340-11)
