212 - The Awakening 

Närada said: 

1. “Well, well, O great king, the great knower of all dharma, you have now told me about this important matter of dharma. 

2. Remaining in the path of dharma spoken of by you, I am very much satisfied on hearing what you have said. 

3. I feel particularly honoured by you. I shall now go to whichever world I wish to go. 

4. May good befall you; O great king, be free from fear.” 

5. So saying, the great sage Nārada left, illumining the sky with his lustre like the sun and freely moved about in the celestial region. 

6-7. When he was gone, that king (Yama), turned towards. me, honoured me with his sweet words and let me off very much pleased. 

8. Thus have I told you, O Brahmins, about what I saw and heard in that city of Yama and how I have returned here. Vaišhampāyana said: 

9. Hearing his words, the sages became very much delight cd. Some jumped up from their seats. 

10. The eyes of some were filled with wonder and they gave out exclamations in appreciation. 

11. Even old ascetics and those living in forest and those among them living on scattered grain, proclaimed the greatness of compassion for all beings. 

12. Those lying on rocks, those lying on wood, those eating uncooked food or partly cooked food. 

13. Those following prescribed rules, those who had over come themselves, those observing full silence, those lying in water. 

14. Those who were lying high up, those moving like ani mals, those sitting in the midst of five fires, those feeding on fallen leaves and fruits. 

15. Those living on water, those living on air, those living on vegetables, all these began to do severe penance, being convinced that there is nothing greater than penance. 

16. Some bold sages, being not afraid of birth or death, gave up dharma and adharma (merit and demerit) and resorted to continuous concentration of mind. 

17. Hearing the narration (of Naciketas), the divine sages resorted to follow such of the rules as are commended. 

18. (The father of) Naciketas, seeing his ascetic son, was immensely pleased and began to think of dharma alone. 

19. Remaining in penance, he always contemplated on the great lord Vishnu extolled by the Vedas. 

20-21. He who listens to this great narrative which generates devotion to the Lord, or makes others listen to it, attains his desires.