s in this way succeeds in
controlling them. One, O Bharata, by oneself directing one's mind and
senses to the path of meditation, succeeds in bringing them under perfect
control by steadfast yoga. The felicity that he feels who has succeeded
in controlling his mind and senses is such that its like can never be
obtained through Exertion or Destiny.[620] United with such felicity, he
continues to take a pleasure in the act of meditation. Even in this way
yogins attain to Nirvana which is highly blessed."'"

SECTION CXCVI

"'Yudhishthira said, "Thou hast discoursed on the four modes of life and
their duties. Thou hast also spoken of the duties of kings. Thou hast
recited many histories of diverse kinds and connected with diverse
topics. I have also heard from thee, O thou of great intelligence, many
discourses connected with morality. I have, however, one doubt. It
behoveth thee to resolve it. I wish, O Bharata, to hear of the fruits
that silent Reciters of sacred mantras acquire (by their practice). What
are the fruits that have been indicated for such men? What is that region
to which they go after death? It behoveth thee also, O sinless one, to
tell me all the rules that have been laid down in respect of such silent
recitation. When the word Reciter is uttered, what shall I understand by
it? Is such a man to be regarded as following the ordinances of Sankhya
or yoga or work?[621] Or, is such a man to be regarded as observing the
ordinances about (mental) sacrifices? How is the path of the Reciters to
be called? Thou art, as I think, of universal knowledge. Tell me all
this."

"'Bhishma said, "In this connection is cited the old history of what
transpired between Yama, Time, and a certain Brahmana. Sages conversant
with the means of attaining to Emancipation have spoken of two methods,
viz., the Sankhya and the yoga. Amongst these, in the former, which is
otherwise called the Vedanta, Renunciation has been preached with respect
to silent recitation. The declarations of the Vedas preach Abstention
(from rites), are fraught with tranquillity, and are concerned with
Brahma.[622] Indeed, the two paths spoken of by sages bent on achieving
what is for their good, viz., Sankhya and yoga, are such that they are
both concerned and again unconcerned (with silent recitations).[623] The
manner in which silent recitation is connected (with each of the two
paths) and the cause I shall now explain. In both as in the case of
sile