Yudhisthira said The Vedas, O Bharata, describe Religion, Profit, and Pleasure. Tell me, however, O grand-father, the attainment of which is considered as superior.

Bhishma said About it I shall recite to you the ancient discourse of the benefit which Kundadhara in days of yore had conferred upon one who was devoted to him.

Once on a time a Brahmana shorn of riches tried to win virtue, actuated by the desire of fruit. He continually thought of riches for employing it in the celebration of sacrifices. For gaining his end he engaged in the practice of the austerest penances.

Determined to achieve his object, he began to adore the gods with great devotion. But he failed to acquire riches by such adoration of the gods.

He thereupon began to think aside, What is that god, hitherto not worshipped by men, who may be forthwith favourably disposed towards me?

While thinking thus with a cool mind, he saw stationed before him that retainer of the gods, viz., the Cloud called Kundadhara.

As soon as he saw that mighty-armed being, the Brahmana's feelings of devotion were excited, and he said to himself,-This one will surely give me prosperity! Indeed, his form indicates it.

He lives near the gods. He has not as yet been worshipped by other man. He will surely give me profuse riches without any delay!

The Brahmana then, having determined thus, adored that Cloud with incense, perfumes and garlands of flowers of the most superior kind, and with various sorts of offerings.

Thus adored, the Cloud became very soon pleased with his worshipper, and uttered these words of benefit to that Brahmana:

The wise have laid down expiation for one guilty of Brahmanicide, or of drinking alcohol, or of stealing, or of neglecting all meritorious vows. There is no expiation, however, for one who is ungrateful.

Expectation has a child named Sin. Anger, again, is considered to be a child of Envy. Cupidity is the child of Deceit. Ingratitude, however, is barnen.

After this, that Brahmana, stretched on a bed of Kusha grass, and penetrated with the energy of Kundadhara, saw all living beings in a dream.

Indeed, on account of his absence of passion, penances, and devotion, that Brahmana of purified soul and standing aloof from all enjoyments saw in the night that effect of his devotion to Kundadhara.

Indeed, O Yudhishthira, he saw the great and highly effulgent Manibhadra stationed in the midst of the gods, engaged in giving his orders.

There the gods seemed to be engaged in granting kingdoms and riches to men, induced by their good deeds, and in taking them away when men deviated from goodness.

Then, O foremost of Bharata's race, the highly effulgent Kundadhara, bending himself low, laid himself down on the ground before the gods in the presences of all the Yakshas.

At the command of the gods the Manibhadra said to the prostrate Kundadhara,-What does Kundadhara want?

Thereupon Kundadhara replied,-If, indeed, the gods are gratified with me, there, that Brahmana respects me greatly. I pray for some favour being shown to him, something, that may bring him happiness.

Hearing this, Manibhadra, ordered by the gods, once more said to the highly intelligent Kundadhara.

Rise, Rise up, O Kundadhara; Your prayer has borne success! Be you happy! If this Brahmana seeks riches, let as much wealth be given to him, as he wishes. at the command of the gods I shall give him immeasurable riches.

Then, thinking upon the fieeting and unreal character of the humanity, Kundadhara set his heart, O Yudhisthira, upon inclining the Brahmana to penances.

Indeed, Kundadhara said,-I do not, O giver of riches, beg for wealth on behalf of this Brahmana. I desire the bestowed of another favour upon him.

I do not pray for this devotee of mine mountains of pearls and gems, or even the whole Earth with all her riches. I wish, however, that he should be virtuous.

Let his heart find pleasure in virtue! Let him have virtue for his support. Let virtue be the foremost of all his objects. This is the favour which I am inclined to give my support. Manibhadra said

The fruits of virtue are always kingdom and happiness of various sorts. Let this one enjoy those fruits, always freed from all sorts of physical sufferings.

Thus addressed, the highly illustrious Kundadhara, repeatedly prayed for virtue alone for that Brahmana. The gods were highly pleased at it.

Then Manibhadra said The gods are all pleased with you as also with this Brahmana. This one shall become a virtuous man. He shall devote his mind to virtue.

The Cloud, Kundadhara, became pleased,O Yudhishthira, at thus having been successful in gaining his wish. The boon that he had got was one that could not be acquired by anybody else.

The Brahinana then saw scattered around him many fine fabrics of cloth. Without caring for them at all, the Brahmana came to disrelish the world.

When this one does not attach any value to good deeds, who else will? I had better go to the forest for leading a life of righteousness.

Bhishma said as Cherishing a distaste for the world, and through the grace also of the gods, that foremost of Brahmanas entered the forest and began to practise the austerest of penances.

Living upon such fruits and roots remained after serving the gods and guests, the mind of that twice-born one, O king, was firmly set upon virtue.

By and bye the Brahmana, leaving off fruits and roots, began to use leaves of trees as his food. Then leaving off leaves, he took to water only as his subsistence.

Thereafter he passed many years by living upon air only. All this time, however, his strength did not decrease. This seemed highly wonderful.

Devoted to virtue and engaged in the practice of the severest austerities, after a long time he gained spiritual vision.

He then thought, saying to himself,-If, being pleased with anybody I give him riches, my speech would never be untrue.

With a face lighted up by smiles, he once more began to practise severer austerities.

And once more, having gained (higher) success, he thought that he could by his-will force, then create the very highest objects. If, pleased with any person whatsoever I give him even sovereignty, he will immediately become a king, for my words will never be falsified.

While he was thinking thus, kundadhara, actuated by his friendship for the Brahmana and no less by the ascetic success which the Brahmana had gained, appeared before him, O Bharata.

Meeting with him the Brahmana offered him adorations according to the observances ordained. The Brahmana, however, felt some surprise, O king.

Then Kundadhara addressed the Brahmana, saying, you have now got an excellent and spiritual eye! See with this vision of yours the end which is attained by kings, and see all the worlds besides.

The Brahmana then, then, his spiritual vision, saw from a distance thousands of kings sunk in hell.

Kundadhara said After having adored me with devotion you had got sorrow for your share, what then would have been the good done to you by me, and what the value of my favour.

Look, look, for what end do men seek the gratification of carnal enjoyments! The door of heaven is closed to men.

Bhishma said The Brahmana then saw many men living in this world, embracing lust, anger, avarice, fear, pride, sheep, procrastination, and activity.

All human beings are enchained with these. The gods are afraid of men. These vices, at the order of the gods, mar and disconcert on all sides.

No man can become virtuous unless allowed by the gods. You have become competent to give away kingdoms and riches through your penances!

Bhishma said Thus addressed, the pious Brahmana, bending his head to that Cloud, laid himself low on the ground, and said,-You have, indeed, done me a great favour!

Unconscious of the great love shown by you towards me,I through the influency of desire and avarice, could not show good will towards you.

Then Kundadhara said That foremost of twice-born ones,-I have forgiven you!-and having embraced him with his arms disappeared there and then.

The Brahmana then travelled through all the worlds, having acquired ascetic through the favour of Kundadhara.

Through the power gained from virtue and penances, one acquires power to pass through the skies and to fructify all his wishes and purposes, and finally attain to the highest end.

Thë gods, Brahmanas, Yakshas, and all good men and Charanas always adore the virtuous but never the rich given up to the indulgence of their desires. success

The gods are truly placed with you since your mind is devoted to virtue. In riches there may be a very little happiness but in virtue the extent of happiness is very great.