ise diverse kinds of rites according to the dictates of the
scriptures. They do not, however, succeed in attaining to Emancipation,
all that they gain being those good qualities of which I shall presently
speak.[748] Purity of speech, of body, and of mind, forgiveness, truth,
steadiness, and intelligence,--these good qualities are displayed by
righteous persons observant of both kinds of religion. That which is
called Brahmacharya (religion of abstention or yoga) is regarded as the
means of attaining to Brahma. That is the foremost of all religions. It
is by the practice of that religion that one obtains the highest end
(viz., Emancipation). Brahmacharya is divested of all connection with the
five vital breaths, mind, understanding, the five senses of perception,
and the five senses of action. It is on that account free from all the
perceptions that the senses give. It is heard only as a word, and its
form, without being seen, can only be conceived. It is a state of
existence depending only on the mind. It is free from all connection with
the senses. That sinless state should be attained to by the understanding
alone. He that practises it duly attains to Brahma; he that practises it
half and half, attains to the condition of the gods; while he that
practises it indifferently, takes birth among Brahmanas and possessed of
learning attains to eminence. Brahmacharya is exceedingly difficult to
practise. Listen now to the means (by which one may practise it). That
regenerate person who betakes himself to it should subdue the quality of
Passion as soon as it begins to manifest itself or as soon as it begins
to be powerful. One that has betaken oneself to that vow should not speak
with women. He should never cast his eyes on an undressed woman. The
sight of women, under even indifferent circumstances, fills all
weak-minded men with Passion. If a person (while observing this vow)
feels a desire for woman rising in his heart, he should (as an expiation)
observe the vow called Krichcchra and also pass three days in water.[749]
If desire is entertained in course of a dream, one should, diving in
water, mentally repeat for three times the three Riks by
Aghamarshana.[750] That wise man who has betaken himself to the practice
of this vow should, with an extended and enlightened mind, burn the sins
in his mind which are all due to the quality of Passion. As the duct that
bears away the refuse of the body is very closely connected with th