In former time, Yajnavalkya did that good to king Janaka
which is derivable from a study of the Upanishads. The Eternal and
Immutable Supreme was the topic about which the great Rishi had
discoursed to the king of Mithila. It enabled him to attain to that
Brahma which is auspicious, and immortal, and which transcends all kinds
of sorrow."
SECTION CCCXX
"Yudhishthira said, 'Having acquired great power and great wealth, and
having obtained a long period of life, how may one succeed in avoiding
death? By which of these means, viz., penances, or the accomplishment of
the diverse acts (laid down in the Vedas), or by knowledge of the Srutis,
or the application of medicines, can one succeed in avoiding decrepitude
and death?'
"Bhishma said, 'In this connection is cited the old narrative of
Panchasikha who was a Bhikshu in his practices and Janaka. Once on a time
Janaka, the ruler of the Videhas, questioned the great Rishi Panchasikha,
who was the foremost of all persons conversant with the Vedas and who had
all his doubts removed in respect of the purpose and import of all
duties. The King said,--By what conduct, O holy one may one transcend
decrepitude and death? It is by penances, or by the understanding, or by
religious acts (like sacrifices, and vows), or by study and knowledge of
the scriptures?--Thus addressed by the ruler of the Vedas the learned
Panchasikha, conversant with all invisible things, answered,
saying,--There is no prevention of these two (viz.
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