Rites and the paraphernalia of religion are essential till one learns that they are unessential.

Desire will be gratified till one learns that the most desirable thing is lack of desire.

But so long as one desires even the lack of desire he is still in the fetters of desire.

The way is long to the extinction of emotion, but its attainment results in happiness that is greater than delight; in peace that surpasses joy.
In the exposition of this doctrine the old gods are retained as figures.

They are not real gods.