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CHAPTER XX, 12.
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pupil, O terror of your foes! asked a Brahmana preceptor of rigid vows, (when he was) seated, something about the highest good. 'I' (he said), whose goal is the highest good, am come to you (who are) venerable; I pray of you with (bowed) head, O Brahmana! that you should explain to me what I ask.' The preceptor, O son of Prithål said to the pupil who spoke thus: 'I will explain to you everything, O twice-born one! on which you verily have any doubt.' Thus addressed by the preceptor, O best of the Kauravas! he who was devoted to the preceptor, put (his) questions with joined hands. Listen to that, O you of great intelligence !
The pupil said : Whence am I', and whence are you? Explain that which is the highest truth. From what were the movable and immovable entities born ? By what do entities live, and what is the limit of their life? What is truth, what penance, O Brahmana ? What are called the qualities by the good? And what paths are happy? What is pleasure, and what sin ? These questions of mine, O venerable Brahmana sagel O you of excellent vows ! do you be pleased to explain correctly, truly, and accurately. There is none else here who can explain these questions. Speak, O best of those who understand piety! I feel the highest curiosity (in this matter). You are celebrated in the worlds as skilled in topics connected with the piety (required for) final emancipation. And there exists none else but you who can destroy all
Compare the questions at the beginning of the Svetâsvatara - upanishad.
"A similar expression to that in the Sanatsugåtfya, p. 149, and elsewhere.
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