तावद्विमानमापन्नं सक्वणत्किंकिणीगणम् 4.1.34.
Meanwhile, a celestial chariot arrived, adorned with ringing clusters of bells.
पठित्वा पाठयित्वा वा श्रुत्वा वा श्रद्धयान्वितः
Whoever recites, causes to be recited, or hears this with faith,
क्षेत्राणां परमं क्षेत्रं मंगलानां च मंगलम्
Among fields, this is the supreme field; among auspicious things, the most auspicious.
श्मशानानां च सर्वेषां श्मशानं परमं महत्
Among all cremation grounds, this cremation ground is the highest and greatest.
धर्माभिलाषिबुद्धीनां धर्मराशिकरं परम्
For those desiring righteousness and possessing wisdom, it is the supreme source of virtue.
कामिनां कामजननं मुमुक्षूणां च मोक्षदम्
For those who desire pleasure, it generates pleasure; for seekers of liberation, it grants release.
क्षेत्रैकदेशवर्तिन्या ज्ञानवाप्याः कथां पराम्
Of the stories concerning the well of knowledge situated in a part of this field, this is the highest.
अणुप्रमाणमपि या मध्ये काशिविकासिनी
Even if it is minute in size, the light of Kashi shines in its midst.
कियंति संति तीर्थानि नेह क्षोणीतलेऽखिले
How many sacred places exist on this entire earth?
कियंत्यो न स्रवंत्योत्र रत्नाकर मुदावहाः
How many do not flow here, bringing joy like the ocean of jewels?
कियंति संति नो भूम्यां मोक्षक्षेत्राणि षण्मुख
How many fields of liberation exist upon the earth, O Six-faced One?
गंगा विश्वेश्वरः काशी जागर्ति त्रितयं यतः 4.1.35.
The Ganga, Vishveshvara, and Kashi—these three are ever awake, for which reason—
कथमेषा त्रयी स्कंद प्राप्यते नियतं नरैः
How, O Skanda, are these three certainly attained by men?
तपस्तादृक्क्व वा तिष्ये तिष्ये योगः क्व तादृशः
Where is such austerity, and where is such yoga, O Tiṣya?
विनापि तपसा स्कंद विनायोगेन षण्मुख
Even without austerity, Skanda, and even without yoga, O Six-faced One—
किं किमाचरता स्कंद काशी प्राप्येत तद्वद
By what conduct, O Skanda, may Kashi be attained? Tell that.
आचारः परमो धर्म आचारः परमं तपः
Conduct is the highest dharma; conduct is the supreme austerity.
आचारमेव प्रथमं तस्मादाचक्ष्व षण्मुख
Therefore, speak first about conduct, O Six-faced One.
यदाचरन्नरो नित्यं सर्वान्कामानवाप्नुयात्
By practicing which conduct does a man always obtain all desires?
स्थावराः कृमयोऽब्जाश्च पक्षिणः पशवो नराः
Immovable beings, worms, aquatic creatures, birds, animals, and men—
सहस्रभागः प्रथमा द्वितीयोनुक्रमात्तथा
The first has a thousandth part, the second likewise in order—
चतुर्णामपि भूतानां प्राणिनोऽतीव चोत्तमाः 4.1.35.
Among all four kinds of beings, those with life are indeed the highest.
मतिमद्भ्यो नराः श्रेष्ठास्तेभ्यः श्रेष्ठास्तु वाडवाः
Among the intelligent, men are the best; among them, horses are superior.
कृतधीभ्योपि कर्तारः कर्तृभ्यो ब्रह्मतत्पराः
Even among those of firm intellect, the doers are higher; among the doers, those devoted to Brahman.
अन्योन्यमर्चकास्ते वै तपोविद्याऽविशेषतः
They honor one another, being equal in austerity and knowledge.
अतो जगत्स्थितं सर्वं ब्राह्मणोऽर्हति नापरः तस्माद्विप्रेण सततं भाव्यमाचारशीलिना
Therefore, all this world exists for the sake of the Brahmin, not for another; thus, the Brahmin must always cultivate conduct.
विद्वेष रागरहिता अनुतिष्ठंति यं मुने
Those who are free from hatred and attachment, O sage, practice that conduct.
लक्षणैः परिहीनोपि सम्यगाचारतत्परः
Even one lacking in marks, if wholly devoted to right conduct—
श्रुतिस्मृतिभ्यामुदितं स्वेषु स्वेषु च कर्मसु
The duties prescribed for each person are declared by the Vedas and the Smṛtis.
दुराचाररतो लोके गर्हणीयः पुमान्भवेत्
A man who delights in wicked conduct is to be condemned in the world.