^135:3 Viz. of mind (20, 21), of speech (22, 23), and of the body (24, 25).

^135:4 See part i, p. 150, note 2.

^135:5 Samrambha.

^135:6 Samarambha.

^135:7 Arambha.

TWENTY-FIFTH LECTURE.

THE TRUE SACRIFICE.

There was a famous Brahmana, Gayaghosha by name, who was born in a Brahmanical family, but who was pledged to the performing of the yamas . (1)

This great sage, who subdued all his senses, and who walked on the right road, came, on his wandering from village to village, to the town of Benares. (2)

There outside of Benares he took up his lodgings in a pleasant park; there he took up his abode in a pure place to live and sleep in. (3)

At the same time a Brahmana, versed in the Vedas, Vigayaghosha by name, offered a sacrifice in that town. (4)

Now this houseless (monk) at the end of a fast of a month's duration, went to the sacrifice of Vigayaghosha to beg alms. (5)

The priest wanted to turn the approaching monk off: 'I shall not give you alms, mendicant, beg somewhere else. (6)

'Priests who are versed in the Vedas and are chaste as behoves offerers, who are versed in the Gyotishanga and are well grounded in the sacrificial science, who are able to save themselves. and others, such priests ought to be presented with food and all they desire.' (7, 8)

When the great sage was thus refused by the priest, he was neither angry nor pleased, as he always strove for the highest good. (9)

Not to obtain food, or drink, or whatever else he wanted, but to save these people he spoke the following words: (10)

"You do not know what is most essential in the Vedas, nor in sacrifices, nor in the heavenly bodies , nor in duties . (11)

"Nor do you know those who are able to save themselves and others; but if you do, then speak out!" (12)

The priest did not make a reply to defend himself against his insinuation; but he and all there assembled joined their hands and questioned the great sage: (13)

'Tell us the most essential subject in the Vedas, and tell us what is most essential in the sacrifice;

tell us the first of the heavenly bodies, and tell us the best of dharmas. (14)

'Who are able to save themselves and others (viz. tell me). I ask you to solve this my doubt, O saint.' (15)

"The most essential subject in the Vedas is the agnihotra, and that of the sacrifice is the purpose of the sacrifice ; the first of the heavenly bodies is the moon, and the best of dharmas is that of Kasyapa (i.e. Rishabha). (16)

"The beautiful (gods) with joined hands praise and worship the highest Lord (i.e. the Tirthakara) as the planets, &c., (praise) the moon. (17)