13.067
Praise of gifts such as sesame
Yudhishthira said.
Please tell me again, what kind of gift of sesame seeds, and also of lamps, as well as of food grains and clothes. (13-67-1)
Bhīṣma said.
Here too, O Yudhiṣṭhira, an ancient story is cited—the dialogue between the Brāhmaṇa and Yama. (13-67-2)
In the region of Madhyadeśa, there was indeed a great village of Brāhmaṇas, situated between the Gaṅgā and Yamunā rivers, below the hill of Yamunā. (13-67-3)
O king, the place known as the Parṇaśālā was charming and well-known. There, mostly brāhmaṇas and other learned ones resided at that time. (13-67-4)
Then Yama spoke to a certain man who was clothed in black, had red eyes, hair standing on end, legs like those of a crow, and eyes and nose resembling those of a crow. (13-67-5)
Go to the village of brāhmaṇas; after going there, bring him: Agastya by lineage and Śarmiṇa by name. (13-67-6)
Do not bring another teacher of the same lineage to sit beside a learned teacher who is settled in composure but not respected. (13-67-7)
For he, having such qualities, is equal by virtue of birth and study; likewise among children, and by all means in conduct according to the wise. Bring him as specified; worship must indeed be performed for him by me. (13-67-8)
He went and did that which was contrary to Yama's command. Having overpowered him, he brought (him), though forbidden by Yama. (13-67-9)
To him, Yama—the powerful one—rose, performed honour, and said, "Let this one be taken away; let another be brought." (13-67-10)
When thus addressed by Dharmarāja, that twice-born said to Dharmarāja—disenchanted with study, indeed—"O Acyuta, let me spend whatever time remains to me here." (13-67-11)
Yama said.
I do not in any way attain what is ordained by time here; but I know only the one who indeed practices dharma. (13-67-12)
O brāhmaṇa, go at once today to your own home, O greatly radiant one. Or else, tell me: what shall I do as you wish? (13-67-13)
The brāhmaṇa said.
Tell me that act there by which very great merit may arise. For you are the authority for all, O best among the three worlds. (13-67-14)
Yama said.
Hear, O sage among Brāhmaṇas, the supreme method of charity. The gift of sesame seeds is the highest gift, and its merit here is indeed eternal. (13-67-15)
O best of the twice-born, sesame seeds should also be given according to one's ability. By regularly giving them, sesame seeds indeed fulfill all desires. (13-67-16)
The gift during the sesame śrāddha is indeed praised as the highest. Therefore, give these (sesame seeds) to Brāhmaṇas, following the prescribed procedure. (13-67-17)
Sesame seeds must always be eaten, and your food also, by those who wish for the greatest good; this should always be done with full devotion at home. (13-67-18)
Thus, water should always be given and made available for drinking—there is no doubt about it. Here, one should dig ponds, lakes, and wells. (13-67-19)
This (act) is even more very rare here in the world, O best of twice-born. You should always give water; this is indeed unsurpassed merit. (13-67-20)
O best of the twice-born, drinking places should always be made by you for the purpose of drinking. Even after someone has eaten, you should especially give water. (13-67-21)
When thus addressed, he was then indeed led to the houses by that messenger of Yama and performed all of Yama's commands accordingly. (13-67-22)
Having carried him away, the messenger of Yama, having seized Śarmiṇa at that time, went to Dharmarāja and also reported him. (13-67-23)
The glorious king of dharma, who knows dharma, honored him and, after making an agreement with him, dismissed him as he had come. (13-67-24)
Yama also gave all instruction to him; and, having approached, he did all that which was spoken by Yama. (13-67-25)
Thus, Yama praises lamps out of the desire for the welfare of the ancestors; therefore, the one who gives lamps always indeed delivers the ancestors. (13-67-26)
Therefore, O best of the Bharatas, lamps should always be given; these are considered pleasing to the eyes of the gods and ancestors, O lord. (13-67-27)
O lord of people, the gift of jewels is said to be of very great merit. The Brāhmaṇa, having sold those (jewels), indeed performs sacrifices and becomes a remover of fear. (13-67-28)
Whatever a Brāhmaṇa gives to priests, having duly received, that becomes imperishable for both — for the giver and for the receiver alike. (13-67-29)
Manu, the knower of dharma, said that the act in which one situated in his livelihood gives and another of the same kind accepts is a righteous act imperishable for both. (13-67-30)
We have heard that when a man, devoted to his own wife, gives garments, he himself becomes well clothed and well adorned. (13-67-31)
Cows, gold, and sesame seeds are repeatedly praised; they are often mentioned, O tiger among men, because of the authority established in the Veda. (13-67-32)
You should indeed arrange marriages and produce sons; the acquisition of a son, O Kauravya, is superior to all other gains. (13-67-33)
