Chapter 259
“Yudhishthira said, ‘All men that inhabit this earth are filled withdoubts in respect of the nature of righteousness.
Chapter 260
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thou sayest that righteousness or duty depends upondelicate considerations, that is indicated by the conduct of those thatare called good, that it is fraught with restraints (from numerous acts),and that its indications are also contained in the Vedas.
Chapter 261
“Bhishma said, ‘In this connection is cited the old narrative of theconversation of Tuladhara with Jajali on the topic of righteousness.
Chapter 262
“Bhishma said, ‘Thus addressed by the intelligent Tuladhara on thatoccasion, Jajali of great intelligence, that foremost of ascetics, saidthese words unto him.’
Chapter 263
“Jajali said, ‘This course of duty that thou, O holder of scales,preachest, closes the door of heaven against all creatures and puts astop to the very means of their subsistence.
Chapter 264
“Tuladhara said, ‘See with thy own eyes, O Jajali, who, viz., those thatare good or those that are otherwise, have adopted this path of duty thatI have spoken of.
Chapter 265
“Bhishma said, ‘In this connection is cited an old narrative of what wasrecited by king Vichakhy through compassion for all creatures.
Chapter 266
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thou, O grandsire, art our highest preceptor in thematter of all acts that are difficult of accomplishment (in consequenceof the commands of superiors on the one hand and the cruelty that isinvolved in them on the other). I ask, how should one judge of an act inrespect of either one’s obligation to do it or of abstaining from it? Isit to be judged speedily or with delay?’
Chapter 267
“Yudhishthira said, ‘How, indeed, should the king protect his subjectswithout injuring anybody. I ask thee this, O grandsire, tell me, Oforemost of good men!’
Chapter 268
“Yudhishthira said, ‘Thou hast already explained to me, O grandsire, howthe religion of Yoga, which leads to the six well-known attributes, maybe adopted and practised without injuring any creature.