Verses 990–999

990. Him that we call the Teacher is unknown to these men; in a thousand ways is Brahma the ruler. He is Lord of Earth and Teacher of all. Thus esteemed, who is his equal, where shall we see him?

991. If thou view and look close thou shalt know that after thou hast put on a mortal body and provided the seven sons (i.e., the seven chief good deeds) and afforded protections to thy kith and kin, thou shalt derive no advantage from them.

992. Is a man now able himself to alter that writing of fate that Brahma originally wrote on his forehead; who on earth is now able to know the cupidity of the avaricious soul?

993. Brahma is the writer of destiny, Vishnu is the Minister (counsellor). Siva is the original agent. View this distinctly. If thou understand the conduct of these three and likewise their original (i.e., the supreme spirit) then shalt thou become a worshipper of the chief of beings.

994. Among those three Hara, Hari and Aja (Brahma) which is scaler (lit., seat), That is creator which is the chief (Vishnu who as Krishna turned thief) which is the original? Who can name each of these appropriately and without confusion?

995. Behold there are three (Trimoorties) Images. There are also three fools (Ravanasura in the Ramayana, Duryodhana in the Bharata, Kansa in Bhagavata), Those who have excelled their equals are three (Rama over Ravanasura, Bheemudu over Duryodhana, Krishna over Kansa). Of these which is most glorious, which the inglorious, estimate their worth and explain it, O Vema!

996. Looking upon all creatures as equal knowing the course of that pair, birth and death; finally thus shall not. He punishes several. Then is there a more righteous judge than Yama?

997. All men consider Yama as a great sinner, and reproach him well and greatly, What does Yama commit even the smallest evil?

998. However often we talk of that day or once upon a time (i.e., a former birth) it is no nearer to the present. Talking of the present does not make it the past. Then know the difference of these, do not become a jest. But know that the three a. e one. This shall gain the heaven. (Possibly the three are the Trimoorties).

999. These aching (teasing) bones are the rafters. The entwined nerves are the laths. The strong skin may be considered the covering ail. The doors are the nine apertures. With pride the five (senses or pranas) if we go to look at them have exceeded through cause of hungers and thirst. In the body, like to a vest, the strong family of consanguinity dwells. His acts are the covering cast over all. In this house imbued with the nature of dung and urine and in such a dwelling how shall we dwell? The firm sage alone knows that which is fixed and permanent.