s will never be untrue.' While
he was thinking in this way, Kundadhara, induced by his friendship for
the Brahmana and no less by the ascetic success which the Brahmana had
achieved, showed himself, O Bharata (unto his friend and devotee).
Meeting with him the Brahmana offered him worship according to the
observances ordained. The Brahmana, however, felt some surprise, O king.
Then Kundadhara addressed the Brahmana, saying, 'Thou hast now got an
excellent and spiritual eye. Behold with this vision of thine the end
that is attained by kings, and survey all the worlds besides.' The
Brahmana then, with his spiritual vision, beheld from a distance
thousands of kings sunk in hell.

"'"Kundadhara said, 'After having worshipped me with devotion thou didst
get sorrow for thy share, what then would have been the good done to thee
by me, and what the value of my favour? Look, look for what end men
desire the gratification of carnal enjoyments. The door of heaven is
closed unto men.'"

"'Bhishma continued, "The Brahmana then beheld many men living in this
world, embracing lust, and wrath, and cupidity, and fear, and pride, and
sleep and procrastination, and inactivity.

"'"Kundadhara said, 'With these (vices) all human beings are enchained. The
gods are afraid of men. These vices, at the command of the gods, mar and
disconcert on every side.[1282] No man can become virtuous unless
permitted by the gods. (In consequence of their permission) thou hast
become competent to give away kingdoms and wealth through thy penances.'"

"'Bhishma continued, "Thus addressed, the righteous-souled Brahmana,
bending his head unto that Cloud, prostrated himself on the ground, and
said, 'Thou hast, indeed, done me a great favour. Unconscious of the
great affection shown by thee towards me, I had through the influence of
desire and cupidity, failed to display good will towards thee.' Then
Kundadhara said unto that foremost of regenerate persons, 'I have
forgiven thee,' and having embraced him with his arms disappeared there
and then. The Brahmana then roamed through all the worlds, having
attained to ascetic success through the grace of Kundadhara. Through the
puissance gained from virtue and penances, one acquires competence to
sail through the skies and to fructify all one's wishes and purposes, and
finally attain to the highest end. The gods and Brahmanas and Yakshas and
all good men and Charanas always adore those that are virtuous but never
t