lives in the
midst of relatives, this course of conduct is exceedingly difficult to
follow. Gift, study of the Vedas, sacrifices, begetting offspring,
simplicity of dealing, when by practising even these no one succeeds in
attaining to Emancipation, fie on him who seeks to attain to it, and on
Emancipation itself that is sought! It seems that the labour spent upon
attaining to it is all fruitless. One becomes chargeable with atheism if
one disregards the Vedas by not doing the acts they direct. O illustrious
one, I desire to hear without delay about that (Emancipation) which comes
in the Vedas after the declarations in favour of acts. Do tell me the
truth, O Brahmana! I sit at thy feet as a disciple. Teach me kindly! I
wish to know as much about Emancipation as is known to thee, O learned
one!'"'"

SECTION CCLXX

"'"Kapila said, 'The Vedas are regarded as authoritative by all. People
never disregard them. Brahma is of two kinds, viz., Brahma as represented
by sound, and Brahma as Supreme (and intangible).[1256] One conversant
with Brahma represented by sound succeeds in attaining to Supreme Brahma.
Commencing with the rites of Garbhadhana, that body which the sire
creates with the aid of Vedic mantras is cleansed (after birth) by Vedic
mantras.[1257] When the body has been cleansed with purificatory rites
(performed with the aid of Vedic mantras), the owner thereof comes to be
called a Brahmana and becomes a vessel fit for receiving knowledge of
Brahma. Know that the reward of acts is purity of heart which only leads
to Emancipation. I shall presently speak to thee of that. Whether purity
of heart has been attained or not (by performance of acts) is what can be
known to the person himself who has attained it. It can never be known
with the aid of either the Vedas or inference. They that cherish no
expectation, that discard every kind of wealth by not storing anything
for future use, that are not covetous, and that are free from every kind
of affection and aversion, perform sacrifices because of the conviction
that their performance is a duty. To make gifts unto deserving persons is
the end (right use) of all wealth. Never addicted at any time to sinful
acts, observant of those rites that have been laid down in the Vedas,
capable of crowning all their wishes with fruition, endued with certain
conclusions through pure knowledge, never giving way to wrath,--never
indulging in envy, free from pride and malice, firm in