wise. Of those, the former are superior in consequence of their
discrimination in respect of what should be done and what should not.
Those conversant with duties are said to be of two kinds, viz., those
that are acquainted with the Vedas and those that are otherwise. Of these
the former are superior, for the Vedas are said to dwell in them.[930]
Those that are acquainted with the Vedas are said to be of two kinds,
viz., those that lecture on the Vedas and those that are otherwise. Of
these, the former, who are fully conversant with the Vedas, with the
duties and the rites laid down in them, and the fruits of those duties
and rites, are superior in consequence of their publishing all those
duties and rites. Indeed, all the Vedas with the duties laid down in them
are said to flow from them. Preceptors of the Vedas are of two kinds,
viz., those that are conversant with the Soul and those that are
otherwise. Of these, the former are superior in consequence of their
knowledge of what is meant by Birth and Death.[931] As regards duties,
they are, again, of two kinds (viz., Pravritti and Nivritti). He who is
conversant with duties is said to be omniscient or possessed of universal
knowledge. Such a man is a Renouncer. Such a man is firm in the
accomplishment of his purposes. Such a man is truthful, pure (both
outwardly and inwardly), and possessed of puissance.[932] The gods know
him for a Brahmana who is devoted to knowledge of Brahma (and not him who
is conversant with only the duties of Pravritti). Such a man is versed
also in the Vedas and earnestly devoted to the study of the Soul.[933]
They that have true knowledge behold their own Soul as existing both in
and out. Such men, O child, are truly regenerate and such men are
gods.[934] Upon these rests this world of Beings, in them dwell this
whole universe. There is nothing that is equal to their greatness.
Transcending birth and death and distinctions and acts of every kind,
they are the lords of the four kinds of creatures and are the equals of
the Self-born himself.'"'"[935]

SECTION CCXXXVIII

"'"Vyasa said, 'These, then, are the obligatory acts ordained for
Brahmanas. One possessed of knowledge always attains to success by going
through (the prescribed) acts. If no doubt arises in respect of acts,
then acts done are sure to lead to success. The doubt to which we refer
is this: whether acts are obligatory or whether they are optional.[936]
As regards this (doubt a