13.147
Decision regarding dharma;
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, after Kṛṣṇa, the son of Devakī, had spoken, Yudhiṣṭhira again asked Bhīṣma, the descendant of Śantanu. (13-147-1)
In making a decision, O great intellect, best of all upholders of dharma, which among direct perception and scripture should be the basis? (13-147-2)
Bhishma said.
There is no doubt here in my mind; listen, I shall tell you, O wise one, because you inquire correctly. (13-147-3)
Doubt arises easily, O king, but here a definite conclusion is difficult. What is seen and heard is truly endless wherever there is doubt. (13-147-4)
Those who rely on reasoning and consider themselves wise see only directly perceived causes. They conclude, 'It does not exist,' and regard truth and doubt as the same. Such a determination is improper; it is made by childish people who are conceited as learned. (13-147-5)
Then, if you think, "What could be the single cause?"—it is indeed possible, with continual effort and diligence over a long period, to sustain various means of life by many methods, O Bhārata. (13-147-6)
This cause is possible only by that means, not by any other. Upon reaching the end of all causes and attaining the highest extensive knowledge, the light of the whole world becomes most expansive. (13-147-7)
O king, the coming in truth, and the going based on causality; the avoidance of words that are inappropriate, unrestrained, and unconnected—these should be completely shunned. (13-147-8)
Yudhishthira said.
O grandfather, tell me about the various kinds of established direct perception, traditions based on authoritative texts, and the practices of the virtuous people; (please) explain that to me. (13-147-9)
Bhīṣma said.
When dharma is being seized by the strong and wicked, even a foundation established with efforts is destroyed in time. (13-147-10)
Just as wells are covered with grass, unrighteous acts disguised as righteousness can ruin one’s conduct; therefore, listen well, Yudhiṣṭhira. (13-147-11)
Those who break (rules) by non-observance, who are devoted to forsaking the Veda, who are haters of dharma, and are dull—thus it is said; there is doubt concerning them. (13-147-12)
But serve and inquire from those virtuous ones, who are never satisfied, whose intellect is rooted in scripture, and who are content only with what is deemed 'supreme'. (13-147-13)
Having put desire and wealth—which follow greed and delusion—behind, and recognizing only those (people) as devoted to dharma, approach them and ask (your questions) as well. (13-147-14)
Their conduct is not distinguished through sacrifices, Vedic study, or actions; conduct, its cause, and righteousness—these three (are) again (the real basis). (13-147-15)
Yudhishthira said.
Once again here, my understanding, in doubt, is utterly confused; like one seeking a path in the boundless, who cannot see the further shore. (13-147-16)
If the Vedas, direct perception, and tradition are the three means of valid knowledge, and if separateness among them is found while dharma is one, then how can that one dharma be three? (13-147-17)
Bhishma said.
O king, if you think that dharma is being taken away by the powerful evil-minded, then the investigation of dharma is of three kinds. (13-147-18)
Know this as one only; its demonstration is threefold. In separation too, my understanding of all three is just so. (13-147-19)
The prescribed path for the three (orders) has been stated; act accordingly. But inquiry into dharma should not be undertaken because of excessive reasoning. (13-147-20)
O best of Bharatas, always let there be no doubt for you here. Like a blind and dull person without doubt, do whatever I say. (13-147-21)
O Ajātaśatru, practice non-injury, truth, absence of anger, and charity — this set of four is the eternal duty. (13-147-22)
O mighty-armed one, pursue among the brāhmaṇas that conduct which is proper for fathers and grandfathers; for these indeed are the guides to heaven. (13-147-23)
A foolish man who turns authority into non-authority is not worthy of being considered an authority, for he is truly a cause of quarrel. (13-147-24)
Serve only the Brāhmaṇas, showing them honor and great respect. Know that in these alone exist all these worlds. (13-147-25)
