12.342
The brāhmaṇa said.
O sinless one, I am called 'Arisen' because of the sweetness of your speech; having attained your friendship, I will say something to you—listen to that. (12-342-1)
O best of Brāhmaṇas, having fulfilled the duties of a householder and passed them on to my son, what supreme duty should I now perform? O twice-born, which indeed is the path I should follow? (12-342-2)
I, being one, established in the self and situated in the self, desire to act but do not wish, being bound by common qualities. (12-342-3)
As long as my life, which is still dependent on the results of having a son, continues, I wish to acquire provisions for the journey to the next world. (12-342-4)
Indeed, in this succession of worlds, as I desire to reach the highest shore, this thought has arisen in me: from where is the raft made of dharma? (12-342-5)
Having heard in the world of those being gathered together and the pure ones being sent out, and having seen the garland of dharma banners being scattered above the people. (12-342-6)
My mind does not delight in times of enjoyment, having seen ascetics praying for the hereafter. Therefore, O guest, with the support of intellectual strength, engage me in the essence of dharma and artha. (12-342-7)
Bhishma said.
The guest, upon hearing the words of the one who desired righteousness, the wise man spoke gentle words in a sweet voice. (12-342-8)
Even I am confused here; this desire is also mine; I do not attain certainty in the heaven with many doors. (12-342-9)
Some praise liberation, some of the twice-born praise the fruit of sacrifice; some have adopted the hermitage stage, while others have taken to the life of a householder. (12-342-10)
Some rely on royal duties, some on the fruits of the self; some follow the conduct of the teacher, and some rely on words based on restraint. (12-342-11)
Some, by serving their mother and father, have attained heaven; others, by non-violence; others, by truth, and likewise others. (12-342-12)
Some, facing the enemy in battle, were slain and perhaps have gone to heaven; others, perfected by the vow of gleaning, have resorted to the path to heaven. (12-342-13)
Some, engaged in study and devoted to Vedic vows, being auspicious and wise, have attained heaven, being content in themselves and having conquered their senses. (12-342-14)
Others, through honesty, are overcome by honest people. The truly honest, with pure souls, are established in the highest heaven. (12-342-15)
In this way, though there are many unobstructed doors of dharma in the world, even my mind is disturbed, like a streak of cloud by the wind. (12-342-16)
