re is
no doubt in this. Asked by the Supreme Ordainer of all things, I have
duly expounded the merits of the vow of fast. In my opinion, there is no
penance higher than fast. I vow to thee, O foremost of all the deities!
Be thou propitious unto me!'"

"'Bhishma continued, "King Bhagiratha, who had said so and who deserved
every honour was on the conclusion of his speech, honoured by Brahman
according to the rites ordained for that purpose. Do thou, therefore, O
Yudhishthira, observe the vow of fast and worship the Brahmanas every
day. The words uttered by Brahmanas can accomplish everything both here
and hereafter. Indeed, the Brahmanas should ever be gratified with gifts
of robes, food and white complexioned kine and good dwelling houses and
mansions. The very deities should gratify the Brahmanas. Freeing thyself
from cupidity, do thou practise this vow of very superior merit that is
not known to all!"'"

SECTION CIV

"'Yudhishthira said, "Man, it is said, is endued with a period of life
extending for a hundred years, and with energy and might that are
considerable. Why then, O grandsire, do human beings die even when they
are very young? By what does a man become endued with longevity, and by
what is his life shortened? Through what does a man acquire the fame that
rests upon great achievements? Through what does one attain to wealth and
prosperity? Is it by penances, or Brahmacharya, or silent recitation of
sacred Mantras, or drugs? Is it by his acts, or speech? Do thou explain
to me this, O grandsire!"

"'Bhishma said, "I shall tell thee what thou askest me. In fact, I shall
tell thee what the reason is for which one becomes shortlived, and what
the reason is for which one becomes endued with longevity. I shall also
explain to thee the reason for which one succeeds in acquiring the fame
that rests on great achievements, and the reason for which one succeeds
in acquiring wealth and prosperity. Indeed, I shall enlighten thee as to
the manner in which one must live in order to be endued with all that is
beneficial for him. It is by conduct that one acquires longevity, and it
is by conduct that one acquires wealth and prosperity. Indeed, it is by
conduct that one acquires the fame that rests upon great achievements
both here and hereafter. The man whose conduct is improper or wicked
never acquires a long life. All creatures become afraid of such a man and
are oppressed by him. If, therefore, one wishes one's own