13.123
Bhīṣma said;
When thus spoken to, the Blessed One addressed Maitreya: "It is fortunate you understand thus; it is fortunate your intelligence is like this. For it is generally only qualities that this world mostly praises." (13-123-1)
Your form, your youth, and your prosperity—all these, O one, undoubtedly; fortunately fate does not overcome you—this is your blessing. That which is much greater for you than charity, I will narrate to you—listen. (13-123-2)
All those āgama-śāstra scriptures found here, and any particular practices, all these have originated by placing the Veda at the forefront, according to proper order. (13-123-3)
I praise generosity; you too, O knower of austerity. Austerity is the purity of the Veda; austerity is the means to heaven. (13-123-4)
It is heard by us that one obtains greatness through austerity and knowledge. Indeed, by austerity alone, one should remove whatever other evil deed (there may be). (13-123-5)
Whatever penance any man performs with some intent, all of that is attained by a Brāhmaṇa who has mastered the Veda. (13-123-6)
Whatever is difficult to comprehend, hard to assault, difficult to obtain, or hard to surpass—one attains all that through austerity; for austerity is indeed the strongest. (13-123-7)
A drinker of liquor, one who gives what is not sanctioned, a slayer of a fetus, and one who lies with his teacher's wife—all these are freed from every sin by performing austerity. (13-123-8)
But he who is all-knowing and also possesses vision, such as they are—those two ascetics—they have been called so; to those two, reverence should always be offered. (13-123-9)
All who are worthy of honor, rich in learning, ascetics, and givers of gifts attain happiness after death and prosperity here. (13-123-10)
Worldly people who perform meritorious acts attain this world, the Brahma-world, and worlds even greater in strength through gifts of food. (13-123-11)
Those who are honored honor these; those who are respected respect them, but wherever the non-giver goes, he is driven away from everywhere. (13-123-12)
Both the non-doer and doer each obtain as is due to them. Whichever world—higher or lower—you shall approach, to that very world you will go. (13-123-13)
You will attain certain drinks as you give them; you are intelligent, born in a noble family, learned, and compassionate. (13-123-14)
O Maitreya, having embraced both the vow of student (brahmachārin) and married householder, remain engaged in this. Accept this as the foremost and praiseworthy among householders. (13-123-15)
In that family where the husband is pleased with the wife and the wife is pleased with her husband, there all prosperity exists. (13-123-16)
Just as water washes away dirt from the body and the radiance of fire removes darkness, in the same way, all sin is removed by charity and austerity. (13-123-17)
May you attain welfare, O Maitreya; I go to your house. Let this be kept in mind, for thus the best will happen. (13-123-18)
Then, having bowed to him and walked around him, Maitreya, with joined palms, said, "May the Lord be well." (13-123-19)
