One frees
oneself from one's debt to the great Rishis by studying the Vedas. One
pays off one's debts to the gods by performing sacrifices. By performing
the rites of the Sraddha one is freed from one's debts to the Pitris. One
pays off one's debt to one's fellowmen by doing good offices to them. One
pays off the debts one owes to one's own self by listening to Vedic
recitations and reflecting on their import, by eating the remnants of
sacrifices, and by supporting one's body. One should duty discharge all
the acts, from the beginning, that one owes to one's servants. Though
destitute of wealth, men are seen to attain to success by great
exertions.[1519] Munis by duly adoring the deities and by duty pouring
libations of clarified butter on the sacred fire, have been seen to
attain to ascetic success. Richika's son became the son of Vishwamitra.
By adoring the deities who have shares in sacrificial offerings, with
Richs (he attained to success in after life). Usanas became Sukra by
having gratified the god of gods. Indeed., by hymning the praises of the
goddess (Uma), he sports in the firmament, endued with great
splendour.[1520] Then, again, Asita and Devala, and Narada and Parvata,
and Karkshivat, and Jamadagni's son Rama, and Tandya possessed of
cleansed soul, and Vasishtha, and Jamadagni, and Viswamitra and Atri, and
Bharadwaja, and Harismasru, and Kundadhara, and Srutasravas,--these great
Rishis, by adoring Vishnu with concentrated minds with the aid of Richs,
and by penances, succeeded in attaining to success through the grace of
that great deity endued with intelligence.
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