13.059
Sacrifice offered to a guest.
Yudhishthira said.
Of two persons: one who is endowed with proper conduct, and one who is equal in knowledge and by birth—which of these two deserves a superior gift from me: the one who has performed ācamana, or the one who requests? (13-59-1)
Bhishma said.
O Pārtha, they say that a gift given to a supplicant is truly better than to one who does not ask. The steadfast person is considered most worthy, more than a miser or one lacking firmness. (13-59-2)
A kṣatriya is steadfast in protection, while a brāhmaṇa is steadfast without seeking gain. The brāhmaṇa, firm and wise, pleases the gods and is content. (13-59-3)
O Bhārata, they say begging is the resort of the powerless; for a beggar always disturbs living beings, just like a thief. (13-59-4)
The beggar dies indeed; after him, the giver dies. The giver, O Yudhiṣṭhira, revives both the beggar and himself. (13-59-5)
Compassion is the supreme duty that requests what is given; invite by all means those who are not asking and are in distress. (13-59-6)
If indeed such excellent brāhmaṇas dwell in the kingdom, you should recognize them, like fires covered with ashes, with effort. (13-59-7)
They shine with austerity and could burn even the earth; indeed, those endowed with knowledge, wisdom, asceticism, and spiritual discipline are worthy of worship. (13-59-8)
O scorcher of foes, to those Brāhmaṇas you should offer worship, giving many kinds of gifts and supplementary gifts to those who ask. (13-59-9)
Whatever fruit arises from the well-offered Agnihotra in the evening and morning, in one who possesses knowledge, the Veda, and a vow, that is declared to be the fruit of giving. (13-59-10)
Brāhmaṇas endowed with knowledge, Veda, vows, who have been initiated, who live independently, whose austerities and self-study are concealed, steadfast in their vows. (13-59-11)
O son of Kuntī, you should invite the foremost Brāhmaṇas together with others, providing delightful prepared residences attended by servants and furnished with equipment for their satisfaction. (13-59-12)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, the knowers of dharma endowed with subtle insight would indeed accept your gift purified by faith, thinking it alone as something that must be done. (13-59-13)
Have those Brāhmaṇas, after eating and taking their shares, gone home—those whose wives wait for them as farmers wait for the rain-cloud? (13-59-14)
O dear, let the self-restrained celibate Brāhmaṇas, eating the foods at the morning soma-pressing, please the three sacred fires. (13-59-15)
O dear, may your midday Soma offering be performed; may cows, gold, and garments be given, and by this may Indra be pleased with you. (13-59-16)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, the third oblation, that Vaiśvadeva, you offer to the gods, ancestors, and brāhmaṇas. (13-59-17)
Let non-injury towards all beings, sharing in every way, self-restraint, renunciation, steadfastness, and truth be present for you at the avabhṛtha ceremony. (13-59-18)
May this sacrifice, which is spread for you, purified by faith, with appropriate gifts, and distinguished above all other sacrifices, always proceed, dear one. (13-59-19)
