Those men who do not pour libations on the blazing
fire find that the fire, when they do ignite it for such rites as they
wish to perform, refuses to eat their libations[544]. Those men who drink
the milk of kine whose calves are very young, never get children for
perpetuating their races.[545] Such men see their children, die and their
races shrink. Even these are the consequences of the acts referred to, as
observed by regenerate persons venerable for age in their respective
races. Hence, one should always avoid that which has been interdicted,
and do only that which has been directed to be done, if one is desirous
of achieving prosperity. This that I say unto thee is very true.' After
the celestial preceptor had said this, the highly blessed deities, with
the Maruts, and the highly blessed Rishis questioned the Pitris, saying,
'Ye Pitris, at what acts of human beings, who are generally endued with
little understanding, do ye become gratified? What gifts, made in course
of such rites as are gone through for improving the position of deceased
persons in the other world, become inexhaustible in respect of their
efficacy?[546] By performing what acts can men become freed from the debt
they owe to the Pitris? We desire to hear this. Great is the curiosity we
feel.'
"The Pitris said, 'Ye highly blessed ones, the doubt existing in your
minds has been properly propounded.
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