Himself conversant with the religion of Emancipation, the, son
one day asked his father who was not conversant with that religion and
who was engaged in following the precepts of the Vedas, this question.'
"The son said, 'What should a man of intelligence do, O sire, knowing
that the period of existence allotted to men runs fast away? Tell me this
truly and in proper order, O father, so that, guided by thy instructions
I may set myself to the acquisition of virtue.'
"The sire said, 'Having studied the Vedas all the while observing the
duties of Brahmacharya, O son, one should then desire for offspring for
the sake of rescuing one's sires. Having established one's fire then and
performing the sacrifices that are ordained, one should then retire into
the woods and (having lived as a forest-recluse) one should then become a
Muni (by casting off everything and calmly waiting for dissolution).'
"The son said, 'When the world is thus assailed and thus besieged on all
sides, and when such irresistible (bolts) are falling in every direction,
how can you speak so calmly?'
"The sire said, 'How is the world assailed? By what is it besieged? What
are those irresistible bolts that are falling on every side? Dost thou
frighten me with thy words?'
"The son said, 'The world is assailed by Death. It is besieged by what is
it besieged? What are those irresistible bolts that are falling on every
side? Dost thou frighten me with thy words?'
"The son said, 'The world is assailed by Death.
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