Knowledge, having ascertained the visible universe to be illusory instantly realise the Supreme Spirit as the sole existent independent essence. While they that devote themselves to Yoga meditation take time to acquire the same knowledge, for it is by practice alone that these latter divest themselves of the consciousness of duality. Hence the wise attain to salvation first. Then again if the person devoted to yoga findeth not sufficient time in one life to attain to success, being led astray by the attractions of the world, in his next life he is benefited by the progress he hath already made, for regretfully he devoteth himself to the pursuit of success. But the man of Knowledge ever beholdeth the indestructible Unity, and therefore, though immersed in worldly enjoyments, never affecteth them at heart. Therefore there is nothing to impede his salvation. He, however, who faileth to attain to Knowledge, should yet devote himself to piety as dependent on action (sacrifices, &c.) But he that devoteth himself to such piety, moved thereto by desire of salvation, can never achieve success. His sacrifices bear no fruit and partake of the nature of cruelty. Piety as dependent on action that proceedeth not from the desire of gain, is, in the case of such men, yoga itself.'
"Ashtaka said, O king, thou lookest like a youth; thou art handsome and decked with a celestial garland. Thy splendour is great! Whence dost thou come and where dost thou go? Whose messenger art thou? Art thou going into the Earth?'
"Yayati said, 'Fallen from heaven upon the loss of all my religious merit, I am destined to enter the Earth-hell. Indeed, I shall go there after I have finished my discourse with ye! Even now the deities of the ten points of the Universe command me to hasten thither. And, O king, I have obtained it as a boon from Indra that though fall I must upon the Earth yet I should fall amidst the wise and the virtuous. Ye are all wise and virtuous that are assembled here!'
"Ashtaka said, 'Thou art acquainted with everything. I ask thee, O king, are there any regions for myself to enjoy in heaven or in the firmament? If there be, then, thou shalt not fall though falling!'
