An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s1.441.1

c5.s1.441.1

After birth Jīva receives woe and death from the messengers of Yama; if imbued with unrighteousness, Jīva has to undergo rebirth as an animal, or as some other form, as declared in the Vedas and the scriptures and the histories (setihāse). In the regions of Yama there are the beings the abodes even of the deities, and also of Brahmaloka, but also such as are destined for hell. Different forms in which Jīva is born in consequence of different acts (e.g. killing, etc.). [The periods that the soul stays there are generally mentioned.] I heard all this in the midst of the surarṣis" (XIII, 111). Asked by Yudhiṣṭhira, Bṛhaspati explained by what acts people, having committed sin, attain to an auspicious end in this world and in heaven, especially recommending gifts of food (praised by D., R., P., and men), citing Rantideva (b) (XIII, 112). Asked by Yudhiṣṭhira, Bṛhaspati discoursed on the six doors of righteousness (abstention from injury, the observance of the Vedic ritual, meditation, restraining the senses, penances, and obedience to preceptors), saying that the man who practises the religion of universal compassion achieves the highest good, etc. Vaiśampāyana said: Then Bṛhaspati ascended to heaven. (XIII, 111-113 are called Saṃsāra-cakra) (XIII, 113).—§ 761: Vaiśampāyana said: After this Yudhiṣṭhira, addressing Bhīṣma (lying on his bed of arrows), said: R., D., and brahmans, led by the authority of the Vedas, praise the religion of compassion;