[513] One day, the son, well
conversant with the truths of the religion of Emancipation, and
acquainted also with the affairs of the world, addressed his sire devoted
to the study of the Vedas.'
"The son said, 'What should a wise man do, O father, seeing that the
period of human life is passing away so very quickly? O father, tell me
the course of duties that one should perform, without omitting to mention
the fruits. Having listened to thee, I desire to observe those duties.'
"The sire said, 'O son, observing the Brahmacharya mode of life, one
should first study the Vedas. He should then wish for children for
rescuing his ancestors. Setting up his fire next, he should seek to
perform the (prescribed) sacrifices according to due rites. At last, he
should enter the forest for devoting himself to contemplation.'
"The son said, 'When the world is thus surrounded on all sides and is
thus assailed, and when such irresistible things of fatal consequences
fall upon it, how can you say these words so calmly?'
"The sire said, How is the world assailed? What is that by which it is
surrounded? What, again, are those irresistible things of fatal
consequences that fall upon it? Why dost thou frighten me thus?'
"The son said, 'Death is that by which the world is assailed. Decrepitude
encompasses it. Those irresistible things that come and go away are the
nights (that are continually lessening the period of human life). When I
know that Death tarries for none (but approaches steadily towards every
creature), how can I pass my time without covering myself with the garb
of knowledge?[514] When each succeeding night, passing away lessens the
allotted period of one's existence, the man of wisdom should regard the
day to be fruitless.
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