| 12. They who
long after success in actions sacrifice here to the Gods: for, soon in this
world of man accrues success from action.They who long after success in
action sacrifice to the Gods, such as Indra and Agni. The sruti says:He
who, on the other hand, worships a separate God, thinking, He is separate
from me and I am separate from Him he knows not. He is to the Devas as cattle
(to men)For, quickly is the fruit of action reaped in this world of men
by those who, with selfish ends in view, sacrifice to eternal Gods, performing
the works enjoined on them according to their caste (varna) and order (asrama).
lt. is for this world of men that Vedic injunctions are meant by the expression
soon in this world of man the Lord implies that even in other worlds actions
produce results: the only difference being that it is only to this world
of men that injunctions based upon castes and religious orders apply: Caste,
A Divinely ordered human institution. What is the foundation of the law
that the respective duties of the several castes and religious orders obtain
only in this world of men, but not in other worlds for the question may
be put thus: It has been said that men, split up into the communities of
several castes and orders (varnas and asramas), should follow Thy path in
all things. why should they necessarily follow Thy path only, but not that
of any other ?The answer follows: |
