Therefore, O lion
among kings, do not grieve for thy son. Thy son has attained to heaven
and is enjoying great happiness there! It was thus, O monarch, that Death
was created by the Self-born and it is in this way that she cuts off duly
all living creatures when their hours come. The tears she had shed become
diseases, which, when their last hours come, snatch away all beings
endued with life.'"
SECTION CCLIX
"Yudhishthira said, 'All men that inhabit this earth are filled with
doubts in respect of the nature of righteousness. Who is this that is
called Righteousness? Whence also does Righteousness come? Tell me this,
O Grandsire! Is Righteousness for service in this world or is it for
service in the next world? Or, is it for service both here and hereafter?
Tell me this, O grandsire!'
"Bhishma said, 'The practices of the good, the Smritis, and the Vedas,
are the three indications (sources) of righteousness. Besides these, the
learned have declared that the purpose (for which an act is accomplished)
is the fourth indication of righteousness.[1116] The Rishis of old have
declared what acts are righteous and also classified them as superior or
inferior in point of merit. The rules of righteousness have been laid
down for the conduct of the affairs of the world. In both the worlds,
that is, here and hereafter, righteousness produces happiness as its
fruits. A sinful person unable to acquire merit by subtile ways, becomes
stained with sin only.
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