CHAPTER VII.
ON ATTAINMENT OF DIVINE KNOWLEDGE.
Argument. Attainment of knowledge by Intuition, compared to the falling of a fruit from heaven.
Vasishtha continued:—I have told you Ráma, the usual way to knowledge for mankind in general; I will now tell you of another method distinct from the other.
2. Now Ráma! we have two ways which are best calculated for the salvation of souls, born in human bodies on earth: the one is by their attainment of heavenly bliss, and the other by that of their final beatitude (apavarga).
3. And there are two methods of gaining these objects; the one being the observance of the instructions of the preceptor, which gradually leads one to his perfection in the course of one or reiterated births.
4. The second is the attainment of knowledge by intuition, or by self culture of a partly intelligent being; and this is as the obtaining of a fruit falling from heaven.
5. Hear now of the attainment of intuitive knowledge, as that of getting a fruit fallen from the sky, from the old tale which I will now recite to you.
6. Hear the happy and holy story, which removes the fetters of our good and evil deeds, and which the last born men (now living), must taste with a zest for their enlightenment, as others relish a fruit fallen from heaven for their entertainment.