13.121
The alms given to Maitreya.
Yudhishthira said.
Knowledge, austerity, and charity—which among these is the best? I ask you, O best of the virtuous; tell that to me, O Grandfather. (13-121-1)
Bhishma said;
Here too, they narrate this ancient history and the conversation between Maitreya and Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana. (13-121-2)
O King, Kr̥ṣṇa Dvaipāyana, while traveling incognito, came to Vārāṇasī and attended upon Maitreya in the household of an independent woman. (13-121-3)
Having perceived that the best of sages had arrived and was seated, Maitreya worshipped him and then offered him excellent food. (13-121-4)
Having eaten that excellent and virtuous food which fulfills all desires, Kṛṣṇa, greatly pleased and honored, smiled with a great mind. (13-121-5)
Seeing him smiling, Maitreya said to Kṛṣṇa: "Tell the reason, O virtuous one—why have you smiled, and from where has this joy come to you, ascetic and steadfast?" (13-121-6)
After saluting and bowing to you, O wise one, I ask you this: about your own merits of austerity and your great fortune as well. (13-121-7)
O dear, between the one who acts separately and the separate self, I think there is little difference, or even any distinction, according to you. (13-121-8)
Vyāsa said.
Because of excessive rebuttal and argument, this pride has arisen. Why would the Veda speak falsehood—how can the Vedic statement be untrue? (13-121-9)
There are three principles, regarded as the highest vow of a man: he should not harm, he should give, and he should always speak the supreme truth. Now, our duty—both present and forthcoming—is understood thus. (13-121-10)
Even a small gift of such kind indeed brings great results; and whatever is given to the thirsty with heartfelt sincerity and without envy yields great benefit. (13-121-11)
Being thirsty, you gave this food to me, who was thirsty; by this (act), O master, you have conquered great worlds just as by great sacrifices. Therefore, I am pleased by the purity of your gift, and indeed also by your austerity. (13-121-12)
Truly, your fragrance is only due to merit; your appearance also is only due to merit. I think even the fragrance that comes from you is because of deeds arranged by destiny. (13-121-13)
O dear, giving a gift is indeed greater than cleansing, greater even than smearing with unguents; among all purifications, giving alone is the highest and most auspicious. (13-121-14)
Of these excellent acts here, which you praise as declared in the Vedas, among them the gift (charity) is the highest—about this I have no doubt. (13-121-15)
The path made by those who give is followed by the wise. They are truly the givers of life; in them, righteousness is firmly established. (13-121-16)
Just as the Vedas being well-studied, restraint of the senses, and complete renunciation here are considered supreme, so also is unsurpassed the act of giving. (13-121-17)
Indeed, dear one, you will attain the best happiness from happiness alone. An intelligent man obtains even greater happiness from happiness. (13-121-18)
This is directly evident to us and ascertained without doubt: gifts, sacrifice, and happiness, as well as wealth, are attained by the prosperous. (13-121-19)
From pleasure, indeed, comes greater pain; from pain, in turn, greater pleasure. This is always seen by nature, O wise one. (13-121-20)
The wise say that the conduct of a man here is threefold: one is meritorious, another is sinful, and the third is neither meritorious nor sinful. (13-121-21)
He does not consider the conduct of another, nor does he think another’s actions are sinful. Likewise, having accomplished his own deed, he regards it as neither meritorious nor sinful. (13-121-22)
Rejoice, be happy, take delight, give, and also perform sacrifices. Neither the learned nor the ascetics shall overpower you. (13-121-23)
