There is nothing
superior to food. Therefore, food is regarded as the first and foremost
of all things (to be given away). It hath been said that food itself is
_Prajapati_. And _Prajapati_ is regarded as the Year. And the Year is
sacrifice. And everything is established in sacrifice, for it is from
sacrifice that all creatures, mobile and immobile, take their origin.
For this reason, it hath been heard by us, food is the foremost of all
things. They that give away lakes and large pieces of water, and tanks
and wells, and shelter and food and they that have sweet words for all,
have not to hear the admonitions of Yama. With him who gives rice, and
wealth earned by his labour, unto Brahmana of good behaviour, the earth
is satisfied. And she poureth upon him showers of wealth. The giver of
food walketh first, after him the speaker of truth and he that giveth
unto persons that do not solicit. But the three go to the same place.'"
[13] _Japa_ is the silent recitation of particular _Mantras_.
[14] _Mantras_ are particular formulae of worship. They are for
the most part rhythmic compositions, believed to be of great
efficacy.
[15] The _Homa_ is that sacrificial rite which consists of
pouring libations of clarified butter into fire.
[16] _Vedamayi nou_. Lit, a boat made of the Vedas.
Vaisampayana continued, "Hearing all this, Yudhishthira, along with his
younger brothers, impelled by curiosity, again addressed the high-souled
Markandeya, saying, 'O great _Muni_, what is the distance of Yama's
region from that of men? What is its measurement? How also do men pass
it over? And by what means? O, tell me all this!'
"Markandeya said, 'O king, O them foremost of virtuous men, this
question of thine appertains to a great mystery.
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