full, which is perfect felicity,
which is without duality, which is the foremost of all things, which is
Brahma, which is Unmanifest and the cause also, whence the Unmanifest has
sprung, and which is without deterioration of any kind.[1276] Ability to
subdue the senses, forgiveness, and abstention from work in consequence
of the absence of desire,--these three are the cause of perfect felicity.
With the aid of these three qualities, men having understanding for their
eyes succeed in reaching that Brahma which is uncreate, which is the
prime cause of the universe, which is unchangeable and which is beyond
destruction. I bow to that Brahma, which is identical with him that knows
it.'"'"[1277]

SECTION CCLXXI

"'Yudhishthira said, "The Vedas, O Bharata, discourse of Religion, Profit,
and Pleasure. Tell me, however, O grandsire, the attainment of which
(amongst these three) is regarded as superior."

"'Bhishma said, "I shall, in this connection, recite to thee the ancient
narrative of the benefit that Kundadhara in days of old had conferred
upon one who was devoted to him. Once on a time a Brahmana destitute of
wealth sought to acquire virtue, induced by the desire of fruit. He
continually set his heart upon wealth for employing it in the celebration
of sacrifices. For achieving his purpose he set himself to the practice
of the austerest penances. Resolved to accomplish his purpose, he began
to worship the deities with great devotion. But he failed to obtain
wealth by such worship of the deities. He thereupon began to reflect,
saying unto himself, 'What is that deity, hitherto unadored by men, who
may be favourably disposed towards me without delay?' While reflecting in
this strain with a cool mind, he beheld stationed before him that
retainer of the deities, viz., the Cloud called Kundadhara. As soon as he
beheld that mighty-armed being, the Brahmana's feelings of devotion were
excited, and he said unto himself, 'This one will surely bestow
prosperity upon me. Indeed, his form indicates as much. He lives in close
proximity to the deities. He has not as yet been adored by other men. He
will verily give me abundant wealth without any delay.' The Brahmana,
then, having concluded thus, worshipped that Cloud with dhupas and
perfumes and garlands of flowers of the most superior kind, and with
diverse kinds of offerings. Thus worshipped, the Cloud became very soon
pleased with his worshipper and uttered these words fraught