His religious
observances, O king, had reference to the customs of his own
family.[1926] The Brahmana reflected that three kinds of duties have been
laid down for observances. There were first, the duties ordained in the
Vedas in respect of the order in which he was born and the mode of life
he was leading (viz., a Brahmana in the observance of domesticity). There
were secondly, the duties prescribed in the scriptures, viz., those
especially called the Dharmasastras. And, thirdly, there were those
duties that eminent and revered men of former times have followed though
not occurring either in the Vedas or the scriptures.[1927] Which of these
duties should I follow? Which of them, again, followed by me, are likely
to lead to my benefit? Which, indeed, should be my refuge?--Thoughts like
these always troubled him. He could not solve his doubts. While troubled
with such reflections, a Brahmana of concentrated soul and observant of a
very superior religion, came to his house as a guest. The house-holder
duly honoured his guest according to those ordinances of worship that are
laid down in the scriptures. Beholding his guest refreshed and seated at
ease, the host addressed him in the following words."
"The Brahmana said, 'O sinless one, I have become exceedingly attached to
thee in consequence of the sweetness of thy conversation. Thou hast
become my friend. Listen to me, for I wish to say something unto thee. O
foremost of Brahmanas, after making over the duties of a householder to
my son, I wish to discharge the highest duties of man.
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