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Mahãbhãrat shãnti Parva (Adhyãya 314)

Once, while Vasumãn, son of king Janaka, was returning after hunting in the forest, he met a Sage called Bhãrgava. He went up to the sage, prostrated to him and asked "Swãmi! What is that which would elevate the man, who is amorally in love with this decaying body?"
The sage blessed him and said, "Oh! Vasumãn! Be victorious and hold on to Dharma (righteousness). Never harm any creature. Dharma is always beneficial to everyone. It is the premise for saints. Dharma supports the world. You are searching for comforts. Why have you not developed distaste for it? You are craving for the honey at the top. But, why don't you see the pain in falling down from such a height?

Just as the one who wants to attain the fruits of knowledge treads on the path of knowledge, the one who wants to reap the fruits of Dharma must tread on the path of Dharma. If he develops a taste for unhealthy matters, even if he is a lover of Dharma, he will not be able to practice pure dharma. But, a Sãdhu, who has denounced worldly pleasures can follow even the toughest of Dharmãs. If a man interested in sensual pleasures lives in a forest, it is akin to living in the city. A renunciate though living in the city is as good as living in the jungle. Understand the sum and substance of each and every thing and tread on dharma in mind, speech and body. Donate your righteous earnings to worthy people - One who does not inflict pain, one who is modest and well behaved, one who is truthful, righteous and pure by thought, speech and action, the learned - such persons are worthy of receiving. Once donated, do not repent. Do not indulge in self-praise either. Just like cleansing our body, we should try to get rid of all our sins.

All the creatures contain good as well as bad qualities. Turn your mind away from the bad and be steady. Be intelligent. Remain in peace by not letting your mind wander. Live with elevated souls. Never lose faith in dharma and be sincere. The Raja rishi (Royal Sage) Yayãti, even while falling from the heaven to the earth as a man of sins, attained good worlds in lieu of his steadfastness in Dharma. Hence, by staying in the company of Sages, Jnãnis and Dharmavãns and helping them, and thereby practicing the highest Dharma, you will attain the highest Jnana and fame".

Hearing the Sage's teaching, Vasumãn renounced worldly pleasures and concentrated his mind on Dharma.

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