Equal to
ten butchers is one oilman. Equal to ten oilmen is one drinker of
alcohol. Equal to ten drinkers of alcohol is one courtezan. Equal to ten
courtezans is a single (territorial) chief.[540] A great king is said to
be equal to half of these all. Hence, one should not accept, gifts from
these. On the other hand, one should attend to the science, that is
sacred and that has righteousness for its indications, of the aggregate
of three (viz., Religion, Wealth, and Pleasure). Amongst these, Wealth
and Pleasure are naturally attractive. Hence, one should, with
concentrated attention, listen to the sacred expositions of Religion (in
particular), for the fruits are very great of listening to the mysteries
of Religion. One should certainly hear every topic connected with
Religion as ordained by the deities themselves. In it is contained the
ritual in respect of the Sraddha in which have been declared the
mysteries connected with the Pitris. The mysteries connected with all the
deities have also been explained there. It comprehends the duties and
practices, productive of great merit, of the Rishis also, together with
the mysteries attaching to them. It contains an exposition of the merits
o f great sacrifices and those that attach to all kinds of gifts. Those
men who always read the scriptures bearing on these topics, those who
bear them properly in their mind, and he who, having listened to them,
follows them in practice, are all regarded to be as holy and sinless as
the puissant Narayana himself.
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