ct of all destructible objects and of a life of
Renunciation (by comparing the two together). Devoted to Brahma, already
become like unto Brahma, they have taken refuge in Brahma. Transcending
grief, and freed from (the equality of) Rajas, theirs are acquisitions
that are eternal. When the high end that is these men's is within reach
of attainment, what need has one for practising the duties of the
domestic mode of life?'[1240]

"'"Syumarasmi said, 'If, indeed, that be the highest object of acquisition,
if that be truly the highest end (which is attained by practising
Renunciation) then the importance of the domestic mode of life becomes
manifest, because without the domestic mode no other mode of life ever
becomes possible. Indeed, as all living creatures are able to live in
consequence of their dependence on their respective mothers, after the
same manner the three other modes of life exist in consequence of their
dependence upon the domestic mode. The householder who leads the life of
domesticity, performs sacrifices, and practises penances. Whatever is
done by anybody from desire of happiness has for its root the domestic
mode of life. All living creatures regard the procreation of offspring as
a source of great happiness. The procreation of offspring, however,
becomes impossible in any other mode of life (than domesticity). Every
kind of grass and straw, all plants and herbs (that yield corn or grain),
and others of the same class that grow on hills and mountains, have the
domestic mode of life for their root. Upon those depend the life of
living creatures. And since nothing else is seen (in the universe) than
life, domesticity may be looked upon as the refuge of the entire
universe.[1241] Who then speaks the truth that says that domesticity
cannot lead to the acquisition of Emancipation? Only those that are
destitute of faith and wisdom and penetration, only those that are
destitute of reputation that are idle and toil-worn, that have misery for
their share in consequence of their past acts, only those that are
destitute of learning, behold the plenitude of tranquillity in a life of
mendicancy. The eternal and certain distinctions (laid down in the Vedas)
are the causes that sustain the three worlds. That illustrious person of
the highest order who is conversant with the Vedas, is worshipped from
the very date of his birth. Besides the performance of Garbhadhana, Vedic
mantras become necessary for enabling persons