Hear, then, the teachings as they were spoken, woven together as a tapestry of wisdom and observation. It is said that certain people—those of wicked nature, artisans, slaves, evil drummers, and women—may become gentle when chastened, yet they are not considered worthy of reverence. In this world, one’s true nature is revealed by circumstances: a servant is known by his work, relatives are tested in adversity, friends are proven in times of trouble, and a wife’s character is seen when wealth is lost. Of women, it is observed that they possess twice the appetite, four times the intelligence, six times the energy, and eight times the desire compared to men. Yet, just as sleep cannot be conquered by dreaming, nor can a woman be subdued by desire; fire is not satisfied by adding fuel, nor is thirst quenched by wine. Desire in women is awakened by nourishing foods that contain meat, by rich drinks, by sweet perfumes and ointments, by beautiful garments, and by charming garlands. Even among those who are chaste, the stirrings of passion must be acknowledged; for when a woman sees a handsome man, her womb is moved. Indeed, when women behold a well-dressed man—be he brother or son—their wombs are stirred; this is a truth, O Shaunaka, that cannot be denied. Rivers and women are alike in their nature: both are independent in their movements. Just as a river, through its waters, brings down its banks, so too can a woman, through her faults, bring down her family. Rivers destroy their banks, women their families; both move freely and with playful abandon. Fire is never satisfied with wood, the mighty ocean never with the waters of rivers, Death never with all living beings, nor are women ever satisfied with men. In this world, there is no true satisfaction for the learned, for those who are honored, for those who speak sweetly, for those who seek pleasure, for sons, for life, or for desires. A king is never content with his wealth, the ocean never with the rivers’ waters, a scholar never with speaking, nor is the eye ever satisfied by seeing the king. Yet, for those who live by their own righteous duties, who are ever devoted to scripture and to their wives, who have mastered their senses and honor their guests, liberation is found even within the home, O best of men. For the one whose mind delights in beautiful, well-adorned women, who dwells on palace terraces, heaven is attained through virtuous deeds. Yet, women are difficult to master—not by gifts, not by respect, not by honesty, not by age, not by weapons, nor by scriptures. Certain things are gained only step by step: knowledge, wealth, the climbing of a mountain, desire, and righteousness—all these must be attained gradually, with patience and perseverance. Some things are eternal: the worship of the gods, giving to Brahmins, knowledge joined with virtue, and a true friend. But those who, in childhood, do not study, and in youth are poor—lacking in wealth and wives—such people are to be pitied, for they wander this world like beasts in human form. A student of scripture should not fix his mind only on eating or on mere recitation; he should pursue knowledge tirelessly, even to distant lands, swift as Garuda himself. Those who, in childhood, do not study, and in youth are overcome by desire and lose their wealth—when old, they are scorned and tormented, like a lotus withered in winter. Reasoning has no firm foundation, the scriptures are divided, and there is no sage whose doctrine is not contradicted. The truth of dharma lies hidden in a cave; therefore, follow the path taken by the great. By a person’s appearance, gestures, gait, actions, speech, and by changes in the eyes and face, the inner mind is discerned. Even when nothing is spoken, a wise person perceives the meaning; intelligence is the fruit of understanding gestures. The meaning that is spoken can be grasped even by animals—horses and elephants respond to what is shown to them. If one strays from wealth, he should go on pilgrimage; if from truth, he should go to Raurava hell. If one strays from yoga, he should seek steadfastness in truth; if a kingdom is lost, one should go hunting. Sūta continued: If, abandoning what is lasting, one chases after what is fleeting, then what is lasting is lost, and the fleeting is already gone. For a man lacking the power of speech and expression, knowledge is like a weapon in the hands of a coward; it does not bring satisfaction, just as a beautiful wife brings no joy to a blind man. The power to eat lies in food, the power of enjoyment in a worthy woman, the power to give in wealth; there is no fruit of austerity for one who is insignificant. The Vedas yield fruit through the fire sacrifice; good conduct brings auspicious results; a wife brings the fruit of pleasure and sons; wealth brings the fruit of what is given and enjoyed. A wise man should choose a girl from a good family, even if she is unattractive, but never a beautiful, well-shaped girl from a bad family. What use is wealth that is joined to misfortune? Who would take the jewel from the crest of a snake? One should accept sacrificial offerings, a bride from a good family, good speech even from a child, gold even from something impure, and a gem of a woman even from a bad family. Indeed, one should accept nectar even from poison, gold even from something impure, excellent knowledge even from a lowly person, and a gem of a woman even from a bad family. Never should one befriend a king, nor trust a snake without venom; there is no family entirely pure where women are born. In the family, one should appoint a devoted son; in learning, the learned; in adversity, an enemy; in righteousness, the beloved. Servants and ornaments should be used only in their proper places; for a crest-jewel never looks beautiful on the foot. A crest-jewel, the ocean, fire, the unbroken sky, or a king of the earth—if placed on the foot instead of the head, it is due to ignorance. Just as a cluster of flowers has only two destinies—either to rest on the head of all people or to fall to the ground in the forest—so too for the high-minded. If a jewel fit for a golden ornament is set in lead, it neither cries out nor shines; it is subject to the will of the one who sets it. There is a great difference between horses, elephants, and iron, and between wood, stone, and cloth; so too, there are differences between women, men, and water. Even when harassed, the nature of one who is steadfast cannot be destroyed by all faults; just as the flame of fire, even when pressed down by the wicked, never goes downward. Thus are the teachings, profound and subtle, for those who seek understanding in this world.