13.122
Bhishma said.
Thus addressed, Maitreya, devoted to duty and worship, who was born in a very prosperous family and was wise and well-learned, replied. (13-122-1)
O greatly wise one, what you say is indeed so, without any doubt. With your permission, O master, may I also say something? (13-122-2)
Vyāsa said.
Maitreya, whatever you wish, in whatever manner and as much as you wish, speak thus. O great wise one, I will listen attentively to your words. (13-122-3)
Maitreya said.
Your words are faultless, pure, and indeed accompanied by charity; through knowledge and austerity, you have become a purified soul—there is no doubt about it. (13-122-4)
Owing to your state of purified self, this very great share is mine; again, I see (it) with my intellect, as if it were the share of one whose austerity is perfected. (13-122-5)
Indeed, by seeing you alone, I have gained great prosperity. I think this is your favor, for that is action by nature. (13-122-6)
Austerity, Vedic learning, and birth are the causes of becoming a Brāhmaṇa. When one is endowed with these three qualities, then indeed he becomes a twice-born. (13-122-7)
When he is satisfied, the ancestors and the gods are also satisfied; indeed, for those who have mastered the Vedas, nothing is greater than a brāhmaṇa. (13-122-8)
Just as a person obtains fruit in a well-prepared field, so too the giver, having given to one who is learned, attains reward. (13-122-9)
If a Brāhmaṇa endowed with scriptural knowledge and proper conduct cannot be found, the receiver of the gift is rendered useless and the wealth of the donors is wasted. (13-122-10)
Indeed, the ignorant person, by eating food, kills the food being eaten and also kills its owner; and he, having killed, is in turn killed—such is the fate of the foolish. (13-122-11)
Indeed, the lord, who is wise and partakes of food, generates (the world) again; the supreme lord. Yet he is not born from food; therefore the deviation is only subtle. (13-122-12)
The merit that belongs to the giver is indeed the same for the receiver. For a single wheel cannot turn—thus the sages have taught. (13-122-13)
Wherever there are Brāhmaṇas possessed of Vedic conduct and recitation, there the merit and fruit of giving is enjoyed, both here and in the hereafter. (13-122-14)
Those who are pure in birth, consistently devoted to austerities, and endowed with charity and learning, such people are always most worthy of honor. (13-122-15)
The good indeed have made the path; one who follows it does not go astray. They are the eternal leaders of heaven, the bearers of sacrifice. (13-122-16)
