f what I say) has been furnished by even those
that are well conversant with the scriptures themselves, for it has been
heard by us that the ordinances of the Vedas disappear gradually in every
successive age. The duties in the Krita age are of one kind. Those in the
Treta are of another kind, and those in the Dwapara are again different.
The duties in the Kali age, again, are entirely of another kind. It
seems, therefore, that duties have been laid down for the respective ages
according to the powers of human beings in the respective ages. When,
therefore, all the declarations in the Vedas do not apply equally to all
the ages, the saying that the declarations of the Vedas are true is only
a popular form of speech indulged in for popular satisfaction. From the
Srutis have originated the Smritis whose scope again is very wide. If the
Vedas be authority for everything, then authority would attach to the
Smritis also for the latter are based on the former. When, however, the
Srutis and the Smritis contradict each other, how can either be
authoritative? Then again, it is seen that when some wicked persons of
great might cause certain portions of certain courses of righteous acts
to be stopped, these are destroyed for ever.[1131] Whether we know it or
know it not, whether we are able to ascertain it or not to ascertain it,
the course of duty is finer than the edge of a razor and grosser than
even a mountain. Righteousness (in the form of sacrifices and other
religious acts) at first appears in the form of the romantic edifices of
vapour seen in the distant sky. When, however, it is examined by the
learned, it disappears and becomes invisible.[1132] Like the small ponds
at which the cattle drink or the shallow aqueducts along cultivated
fields that dry up very soon, the eternal practices inculcated in the
Smritis, falling into discontinuance, at last disappear totally (in the
Kali age). Amongst men that are not good some are seen to become
hypocrites (in respect of the acquisition of righteousness) by suffering
themselves to be urged by desire. Some become so, urged by the wishes of
others. Others, numbering many, tread in the same path, influenced by
diverse other motives of a similar character.[1133] It cannot be denied
that such acts (though accomplished by persons under the influence of
evil passions) are righteous. Fools, again, say that righteousness is an
empty sound among those called good. They ridicule such persons and