3.17.1 When one hungers and thirsts and does not enjoy himself, that is a time of fasting and self-denial.

3.17.2 When one eats and drinks and enjoys himself, that is a time of the gifts of God's bounty.

3.17.3 When one laughs and eats and is glad, that is a time of praise and recitation.

3.17.4 Austerity, almsgiving, uprightness, harmlessness, truthfulness: these are one's gifts in the cause of God.

3.17.5 Therefore they say: "He will bring forth! He has brought forth!" That is the renewal of a family. Death is the washing after the work of this life is done.

3.17.6 When Ghora Angirasa explained this to Krishna, the son of Devaki, he also explained, for he had become free from desire: "In the final hour one should take refuge in these three thoughts: 'You are the Imperishable; You are the Unshaken; You are the source of all life.'" On this point there are these two verses:

3.17.7 Proceeding from the primeval creation,

The early morning light they see,

That gleams higher than the heaven.

From out of darkness all around,

We, gazing on the higher light,

Yea, gazing on the higher light,

Have attained to God, the Light-giver, the Highest,

The highest light!

Yea, the highest light!