great
Rishi, Vrihaspati. In days of old, the foremost of celestial Rishis,
viz., Vrihaspati, who was a disciple of Manu, bowed to his preceptor and
addressing that lord and first of all creatures, said, 'What is the cause
(of the universe)? Whence have the ordinances (about sacrifices and other
pious observances) flowed? What are those fruits which the learned say
are attached to Knowledge? Tell me also truly, O illustrious one, what is
that which the very Vedas have not been able to reveal? What are those
fruits which are adored by eminent personages conversant with the science
of Artha, with the Vedas, and with the Mantras, through sacrifices and
plentiful gifts of kine? Whence do those fruits arise? Where are they to
be found? Tell me also this old history, viz., whence have the earth, all
earthly objects, wind, sky, aquatic creatures, water, heaven, and the
denizens of heaven, all sprung? Man's inclinations tend towards that
object about which he seeks knowledge. I have no knowledge of that
Ancient and Supreme one. How shall I rescue myself from a false display
of inclinations towards Him?[650] The Riks, all the Samanas, all the
Yajuses, the Chhandas, Astronomy, Nirukta, Grammar, Sankalpa, and Siksha,
I have studied. But I have no knowledge of the nature of the great
creatures (the five primal elements) that enter into the composition of
everything.[651] Tell me all I have asked thee, by using only simple
assertions and distinguishing adjectives or attributes. Tell me what the
fruits are of Knowledge and what those fruits that are attached to
sacrifices and other religious rites. Explain to me how also an embodied
being departs from his body and how he attains to another body.'

"'"Manu said, 'That which is agreeable to one is said to constitute one's
happiness. Similarly, that which is disagreeable to one is said to
constitute one's misery.--By this I shall obtain happiness and keep off
misery--from a sentiment like this flow all religious acts. The efforts
for the acquisition of Knowledge, however, arise from a sentiment for
avoiding both happiness and misery.[652] The ordinances about sacrifices
and other observances, that occur in the Vedas, are all connected with
desire. He, however, who liberates himself from desire, succeeds in
attaining to Brahma. That man who, from desire of winning happiness,
walks in the path of acts which are of diverse kinds, has to go to
hell.'[653]

"'"Vrihaspati said, 'Men's aspira