________________
VI. 39.
HERMIT IN THE FOREST; THE ASCETIC.
205
man's natural term of) life in the forest, he may live as an ascetic during the fourth part of his existence, after abandoning all attachment to worldly objects. V
34. He who after passing from order to order, after offering sacrifices and subduing his senses, becomes, tired with (giving) alms and offerings of food, an ascetic, gains bliss after death.
35. When he has paid the three debts, let him apply his mind to the attainment of) final liberation; he who seeks it without having paid (his debts) sinks downwards.
36. Having studied the Vedas in accordance with the rule, having begat sons according to the sacred law, and having offered sacrifices according to his ability, he may direct his mind to (the attainment of) final liberation.
37. A twice-born man who seeks final liberation, without having studied the Vedas, without having begotten sons, and without having offered sacrifices, sinks downwards.
38. Having performed the Ishti, sacred to the Lord of creatures (Pragâpati), where (he gives) all his property as the sacrificial fee, having reposited the sacred fires in himself, a Brâhmana may depart from his house (as an ascetic).
39. Worlds, radiant in brilliancy, become (the portion) of him who recites (the texts regarding) Brahman and departs from his house (as an ascetic), after giving a promise of safety to all created beings. Baudh. II, 11, 16–36; 17, 1-18, 27; Vi. XCVI-XCVII; Yagñ. III, 56–65.
33. Når. takes asanga, 'attachment' (Gov., Kull.), in the sense of possessions.
38. The description of the rites to be performed on entering the order of ascetics is given in detail in Baudh. II, 17.
Digitized by Google
