[1010] Ahovirya Kavya, Tandya, the learned
Medhatithi, Karmanirvaka of mighty energy, and Sunyapala who had exerted
himself greatly (for acquiring ascetic puissance) were the authors of
this course of duties, and themselves observing them have all proceeded
to heaven. Many great Rishis, O son, who had the puissance to behold
immediately the fruits of their ascetic merit,[1011] those numerous
ascetics who are known by the name of Yayavaras, many Rishis of very
austere penances and possessed of accurate knowledge in respect of
distinctions of duty, and many other Brahmanas too numerous to mention,
adopted the forest mode of life. The Vaikhanasas, the Valikhilyas, the
Saikatas, all of whom were devoted to austere penances,[1012] who were
steadfast in virtue, who had subdued their senses, and who used to behold
the fruits of their penances immediately, adopted this mode of life and
finally ascended to heaven. Freed from fear and not counted among the
stars and planets, these have become visible in the firmament as luminous
bodies.[1013] When the fourth or last part of life is reached, and when
one is weakened by decrepitude and afflicted by disease, one should
abandon the forest mode of life (for the fourth mode called
Renunciation). Performing a sacrifice that is capable of being completed
in a single day and in which the Dakshina should be everything of which
he may be possessed, he should himself perform his own Sraddha. Withdrawn
from every other object, he should devote himself to his own self, taking
pleasure in himself, and resting also on his own self.
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