Listen, O best of men, to the wisdom passed down through the ages. In this world, there is no end to desire or satisfaction—not for the learned, nor for those honored by others, nor for those who speak sweet words, nor for those who seek pleasure, nor for sons, nor for life itself, nor for the cravings of the heart. A king is never content, no matter how much wealth he amasses, just as the vast ocean is never filled by the rivers that pour into it. The scholar finds no end to speaking, and even the eye never tires of beholding the king. Yet, for those who live by their own righteous duties—devoted always to the scriptures, to their wives, who have mastered their senses and honor guests—liberation can be found even at home. For one whose mind delights in the company of beautiful, well-adorned women and who dwells on palace terraces, heaven is attained through virtuous deeds. But know this: women are, in every way, difficult to master—not by gifts, not by respect, not by honesty, not by age, not by weapons, nor even by scriptures. Just as knowledge, wealth, the climbing of a mountain, desire, and righteousness are all gained gradually, step by step, so too must one have patience in all pursuits. Some things, however, are eternal: the worship of the gods, giving to Brahmins, knowledge joined with virtue, and a true friend. But those who do not study in childhood and who, in youth, are poor and lack both wealth and wives—such people are to be pitied, for they wander in this world like beasts in human form. A student of scripture should not fix his mind on eating or merely reciting, but should seek knowledge even in distant lands, swift as Garuda. Those who neglect learning in childhood and are overcome by desire in youth, squandering their wealth, find themselves scorned and tormented in old age, like a lotus withered in the winter. Reasoning has no firm foundation, for the scriptures are divided, and every sage’s doctrine is contradicted by another. The truth of dharma lies hidden, deep in a cave—so follow the path taken by the great ones who came before. By a person’s appearance, gestures, gait, actions, speech, and the changes in their eyes and face, the inner mind is revealed. Even without words, the wise can discern meaning, for intelligence is the fruit of understanding gestures. The meaning of spoken words can be grasped even by animals, and horses and elephants act according to what is shown them. If one strays from wealth, a pilgrimage is the remedy; if one strays from truth, Raurava hell awaits. If one loses the way of yoga, let him seek steadfastness in truth; if a kingdom is lost, let him go hunting. Now hear further, as Sūta spoke: If a person abandons what is lasting and chases after the fleeting, he loses what endures and fails to gain what is temporary. For a man who lacks the power of speech and expression, knowledge is like a weapon in the hand of a coward—it brings no satisfaction, just as a beautiful wife brings no joy to a blind man. The power to eat is in food, the power of enjoyment is in a worthy woman, the power to give is in wealth; but for one who is insignificant, austerity bears no fruit. The Vedas yield fruit through fire sacrifice, good conduct brings auspicious results, a wife brings pleasure and sons, and wealth brings the joy of giving and enjoyment. A wise man should choose a girl from a good family, even if she is unattractive, but never a beautiful and well-formed girl from a bad family. What use is wealth joined to misfortune? Who would take a 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. Nectar can be taken even from poison, gold from impurity, excellent knowledge from a lowly person, and a gem of a woman from a bad family. Never befriend a king, nor trust a snake without venom, and know that there is no family entirely pure where women are born. Within the family, 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—a crest-jewel never looks beautiful on the foot. If a crest-jewel, the ocean, fire, the sky, or a king is placed at the foot instead of the head, it is due to ignorance. Just as a cluster of flowers has only two destinies—either to be worn on the head of all people or to fall to the ground in the forest—so it is for the high-minded. If a jewel meant for gold is set in lead, it neither cries out nor shines; it is subject to the will of the one who sets it. There are great differences between horses, elephants, and iron, and between wood, stone, and cloth; so too between women, men, and water. Even when harassed, the steadfast nature of a noble soul cannot be destroyed by any faults, just as the flame of fire, even when pressed down by the wicked, never goes downward. A noble horse does not tolerate the lash, a lion does not endure the roar of an elephant, nor does a hero accept the fearful cries of others. Even if deprived of wealth or cast down by fate, one should never desire to serve the wicked, just as a hungry lion does not eat grass but seeks the blood of elephants. One who seeks reconciliation with a friend who has betrayed him is as if embracing death, like taking the embryo of a mule. Wise people should not ignore the affectionate words of the enemy’s children, for at the right time, they may become causes of misfortune, like dreadful vessels of poison. An enemy won over by favors should be used to defeat another enemy, just as a thorn in the foot is removed by another thorn. Those who are always intent on harming others will inevitably fall by themselves, like trees growing on a riverbank. Misfortune may sometimes appear as wealth, and wealth may sometimes take the form of misfortune; both lead to destruction for one whose fate is governed by destiny. The mind gives rise to sin according to the demands of the moment, but when fate is favorable, auspiciousness arises everywhere. In the spending of money, acquiring knowledge, seeking food, and conducting business, one should always be free from shame. And wherever there is no wealthy person, no learned one, no king, no river, and no physician, one should not remain in such a place. Thus is the wisdom of the ancients, to be cherished and reflected upon by all who seek the good path.