Those who
somehow perform sacrifices, doubting the while their efficacy take birth
in their next lives as dishonest, wily, and greedy men exceedingly
covetous of wealth. That man who by the aid of false reasoning holds up
all the authoritative scriptures as fraught with evil, is certain to go,
for such sinful act of his, into the regions of the sinful. Such a man is
certainly possessed of a sinful soul, O foremost of Brahmanas, and always
remains here, bereft of wisdom.[1168] That man who regards those acts
obligatory which have been laid down in the Vedas and directed to be
accomplished every day, who is penetrated with fear if he fails to
accomplish them any day, who takes all the essentials of Sacrifice as
identical with Brahma, and who never regards himself as the actor, is
truly a Brahmana.[1169] If the acts of such a person become incomplete,
or if their completion be obstructed by all unclean animals, even then
those acts are, as heard by us, of superior efficacy. If, however, those
acts are done from desire of fruit (and their completion be obstructed by
such impediments), then expiation would become necessary. They who covet
the acquisition of the highest object of life (viz., Emancipation), who
are bereft of cupidity in respect of all kinds of worldly wealth, who
discard all provision for the future, and who are freed from envy, betake
themselves to practice of truth and self-restraint as their
Sacrifice.[1170] They that are conversant with the distinction between
body and soul, that are devoted to Yoga, and that meditate on the
Pranava, always succeed in gratifying others.
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