For the Rudras with
the Vasus and the Adityas, O scorcher of foes, and the Sadhyas and hosts
of kings adopt this religion. Practising without heedlessness the duties
inculcated by that religion, they attain to heaven through those acts of
theirs.'"
SECTION XXII
Vaisampayana said, "After this, Arjuna once more addressed his eldest
brother of unfading glory, viz., king Yudhishthira of cheerless heart,
and said these words: 'O thou that art conversant with every kind of
duty, having by the practice of Kshatriya duties obtained sovereignty
that is so very difficult of acquisition, and having conquered all thy
foes, why dost thou burn in grief? O king, as regards Kshatriyas, death
in battle is regarded more meritorious for them than the performance of
diverse sacrifices. It is so declared in the ordinance that lays down the
duties of Kshatriyas. Penances and Renunciation are the duties of
Brahmanas. Even this is the ordinance (affecting the two orders) about
the next world. Indeed, O puissant one, death in battle is laid down for
Kshatriyas. The duties of Kshatriyas are exceedingly fierce and are
always connected with the use of weapons, and it has been laid down, O
chief of the Bharatas, that they should, when the time comes, perish by
weapons on the field of battle. The life of even a Brahmana, O king, that
lives in the observance of Kshatriya duties, is not censurable, for
Kshatriyas also have sprung from Brahmana. Neither Renunciation, nor
Sacrifice, nor Penances, nor dependence on the wealth of others, O ruler
of men, has been ordained for Kshatriyas.
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