If
thou thinkest, O king, that this world is nothing and that the next world
is the shadow of a shadow, the myrmidons of Yama in the infernal regions
will convince thee, dispelling thy unbelief.'"
SECTION CLI
"Bhishma said, 'Thus addressed, Janamejaya replied unto the sage, saying,
'Thou rebukest one that deserves to be rebuked. Thou censurest one that
is deserving of censure. Thou upbraidest me and my acts. I implore thee
to be graceful towards me. All my acts have been sinful. I burn, however,
with repentance as if I am in the midst of blazing fire! My mind, in
remembrance of my deeds, is exceedingly cheerless. Verily, I am much
afraid of Yama. How can I bear to live without extracting that dart from
my heart? O Saunaka, suppressing all thy wrath, instruct me now. Formerly
I used to show regard for Brahmanas. I solemnly declare that I shall once
more show the same regard for thee. Let not my line be extinct. Let not
the race in which I am born sink into the dust. It is not proper that
they who have wronged Brahmanas and have for that, in consequence of the
injunctions of the Vedas, forfeited all claim to the respect of the world
and to social intercourse with their fellowmen, should have any bearer of
their names for continuing their races. I am overwhelmed with despair. I,
therefore, repeat my resolves (about mending my conduct). I pray you to
protect me like sages that do not accept gifts protecting the poor.
Sinful wights abstaining from sacrifices never attain to heaven.
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