13.111
enquiry regarding purity
Yudhishthira said.
O Grandsire, tell me which is the best of all sacred places. Where the highest purity is found, please explain that to me. (13-111-1)
Bhishma said.
All holy places are indeed virtuous for the wise; but listen attentively as I tell you which holy place and purity are meant. (13-111-2)
One should bathe in the unfathomable, pure, immaculate water of truth, in the lake of steadfastness, at the mental holy place, relying upon eternal steadfastness. (13-111-3)
Purity at holy places, freedom from meaningless acts, gentleness, truth, straightforwardness, non-injury to all beings, compassion, self-restraint, and tranquility. (13-111-4)
Those who are free from possessiveness, ego, and dualities, who are without possessions, pure, and have become like sacred fords—those who partake of alms—are such as these. (13-111-5)
The highest holy place is said to be the state where one knows reality and has no sense of ego. This, for you, is the sign of purity: to examine everywhere. (13-111-6)
Those whose self has been cleansed of passion, darkness, and purity are not attached to purity or impurity; they are seekers of their own work. (13-111-7)
Devoted to all forms of renunciation, all-knowing, all-seeing; by purity, whose conduct seeks purity, they are the truly holy and pure individuals. (13-111-8)
One is not called bathed merely by having his body moistened with water, but he is called bathed who is bathed in self-restraint; he is pure both externally and internally. (13-111-9)
For those who have no expectation for things past and are free from possessiveness regarding obtained objects—purity alone is supreme for them, since no longing arises in them. (13-111-10)
Above all, higher knowledge and purity are especially characteristic of the body here; likewise, freedom from attachments and serenity belong to the mind. (13-111-11)
Purity of conduct, of mind, and of pilgrimage are greatly beneficial; but purity arising from knowledge is considered to be the highest. (13-111-12)
Those who, with the mind, with the lamp, and with the strength of the knowledge of Brahman, have bathed in the sacred ford of the mind are knowers of that and seers of the knower of the field. (13-111-13)
But although a person may have only apparent purity and is always accompanied by true intent, only a virtuous man is truly ever pure. (13-111-14)
These sacred places situated in the body have been described, O Bhārata. Now, hear also about those sacred and meritorious places on the earth. (13-111-15)
Just as pure regions are formed in the body, so also are auspicious places and waters on the earth. (13-111-16)
Through prayer, bathing at holy places, and offerings to the ancestors, people are purified of sin; at holy pilgrimages, the purified go happily to heaven. (13-111-17)
The portions of the virtuous, as well as of the earth by its splendor, and the portions of water by its brilliance, are extremely meritorious. (13-111-18)
Whoever bathes in the sacred bathing places both of the mind and of the earth, indeed, he may quickly attain success. (13-111-19)
Just as strength without action, or action without strength, does not accomplish the task here; but one who possesses both succeeds. (13-111-20)
Thus, being endowed with bodily purity and sacred-place purity, thereafter he attains the highest twofold purity. (13-111-21)
