13.113
Yudhishthira said.
O Brahman, you have explained to me the path of adharma, O sinless one. But I wish to hear the path of dharma from you, O best of speakers. How do those who have performed sinful actions attain an auspicious path? (13-113-1)
Bṛhaspati said.
Having committed evil deeds and fallen under the control of unrighteousness, with a perverted mind, he goes to hell. (13-113-2)
He who, having acted unrighteously out of delusion, later regrets it, being endowed with concentration of mind, should not again commit evil action. (13-113-3)
Just as, as a man, whenever he properly speaks about dharma with a concentrated mind, is released each time—so, just as a serpent is released from its old, aged skin that it previously inhabited. (13-113-4)
Even without offering various gifts, a composed person endowed with mental concentration attains a good state. (13-113-5)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, I will now state the types of gifts which, when given, even if a man has committed improper acts, he is then joined with righteousness. (13-113-6)
Among all gifts, food is considered to be the best. Food should be given first by one who is upright and desirous of righteousness. (13-113-7)
The life-forces are indeed the food of humans; therefore, a creature is born. The worlds are established in food; therefore, food shines forth. (13-113-8)
The gods, seers, ancestors, and men all praise only food; by giving food, Kauśika indeed attains heaven. (13-113-9)
One should give excellent, rightful food to Brāhmaṇas engaged in self-study with a joyful heart. (13-113-10)
He whose food is eaten by a thousand brāhmaṇas, which is given with a delighted mind, does not attain an animal birth. (13-113-11)
O best of men, a man who is always engaged in sins may be freed from unrighteousness by feeding ten thousand Brāhmaṇas. (13-113-12)
A Brāhmaṇa who, having collected food as alms and guided by the Veda, gives it here to a Brāhmaṇa engaged in self-study attains happiness. (13-113-13)
A Kṣatriya, having always protected a Brāhmaṇa by justice and without harming him, who indeed gives food obtained by force. (13-113-14)
O Pāṇḍava, a righteous person removes evil acts by approaching the twice-born and the venerable Vedic elders with self-restraint and sincere attentiveness. (13-113-15)
The vaiśya, giving the portion purified by a sixth part and the share acquired from farming to the twice-born, is released from sins. (13-113-16)
If a śūdra, having acquired food with hardship and at the risk of his life, gives that food to the twice-born, he is freed from sin. (13-113-17)
Who, having obtained food by his own strength without harming others and being non-injurious, gives to Brahmins—that person does not resort to fortresses or hardships. (13-113-18)
A man who, free from greed, obtains food through just means and gives it to the twice-born who are versed in the Veda, is released from sin. (13-113-19)
By giving food that bestows strength in the world, a man may become vigorous; having followed the path of the virtuous, he is freed from all sins. (13-113-20)
The path made by the givers of gifts, by which the wise go, those indeed are the givers of life; the eternal duty is greater than them. (13-113-21)
Food acquired justly by a person in all circumstances should always be kept in a proper vessel; indeed, food is the supreme attainment. (13-113-22)
Indeed, by giving food, a man does not encounter danger. Therefore, food should be given free from injustice. (13-113-23)
A householder should always, before he himself eats, offer food first to a Brāhmaṇa; in this way, by giving food, a man makes his day fruitful. (13-113-24)
O king, having fed a thousand knowers of the Veda, and likewise those versed in law, dharma, and history.
He does not go to terrible hell nor experience the cycles of rebirth; being endowed with all desires, after death he also attains the result. (13-113-26)
Thus, endowed with happiness, one who is free from distress enjoys; he attains beauty, fame, and wealth. (13-113-27)
All this has been told to you—the great fruit of offering food. This is indeed the very root of virtues and of giving, O Bhārata. (13-113-28)
