Listen, O wise one, to these teachings that illuminate the path of discernment and righteous living. In this world, one should accept what is good wherever it is found: sacrificial offerings when they are given, a bride from a virtuous family, and good words—even if spoken by a child. Gold may be taken even if it comes from something impure, and a woman of noble qualities is to be cherished, even if she arises from a family of lesser repute. Nectar itself may be drawn from poison, and gold again from the impure; so too, excellent knowledge may be accepted from those of humble birth, and a gem among women, even from a family considered base. Yet, one should never seek friendship with a king, nor trust a snake that lacks venom; for there is no family entirely pure where women are born. Within the family, appoint a son who is devoted; in learning, choose one who is truly learned; in adversity, even an enemy may be employed; and in righteousness, let the beloved take the lead. Servants and ornaments each have their proper place, for just as a crest-jewel does not shine beautifully on the foot, so too must all things be set rightly. If a crest-jewel, the ocean, fire, the unbroken sky, or the king of the earth is placed at the feet instead of the head, it is only out of ignorance. The high-minded are like a cluster of flowers, destined either to rest upon the heads of all or to fall to the forest floor. A jewel fit for a golden ornament, if set in lead, cannot protest or shine as it ought; it simply endures the will of its setter. There are great differences among horses, elephants, and iron, just as there are among wood, stone, and cloth—and so too among women, men, and water. The steadfast nature of a virtuous person cannot be destroyed by faults, just as the flame of fire, even when pressed by the wicked, never turns downward. A noble horse will not tolerate the lash, a lion will not bear the roar of an elephant, and a hero will never accept fearful cries hurled at him by others. Even when deprived of wealth or cast down by fate, one should not stoop to serve the wicked—just as a hungry lion would rather drink the warm blood of elephants than eat grass. To reconcile with a friend who has once betrayed you is to embrace death itself, like taking the embryo of a mule. Wise people should not ignore the sweet words of an enemy’s children, for at the right time, these can become causes of misfortune—like vessels of poison, dreadful in truth. An enemy won over by favors may be used to defeat another enemy, just as a thorn in the foot is removed by another thorn held in the hand. Those who constantly seek to harm others will ultimately bring about their own downfall, like trees that grow on the riverbank and collapse into the water. Sometimes misfortune appears in the guise of wealth, and wealth in the guise of misfortune; such things always lead to ruin for one whose destiny is governed by fate. The mind generates sin according to the needs of the moment, but when fortune is favorable, auspiciousness springs up everywhere. In spending money, acquiring knowledge, seeking food, and conducting business, one should never be hindered by shame. One should not remain in a place where there is no wealthy person, no learned one, no king, no river, and no physician. Nor should one stay even a day where there is no livelihood, no fear, no modesty, no courtesy, or no generosity. A place that lacks a learned person, a king, a river, a virtuous soul, and a fifth essential (left unspecified) is not fit for residence. Nowhere is knowledge perfected, no one knows everything, and there is nowhere a person who is all-knowing. In this world, none are entirely wise nor wholly ignorant; the truly wise are those who discern using whatever knowledge—superior, average, or inferior—they possess. Now, hear of the qualities of a king and his servants. A ruler should always examine these matters thoroughly. A king devoted to truth and righteousness governs his realm well, conquering enemy armies and ruling by the principles of dharma. He should gather the resources of his land as a garland-maker gathers flowers, one by one, without harming the roots—not like a charcoal-burner who destroys the forest. Just as those who milk cows take only the milk and not what is spoiled, kings too should enjoy the resources of other lands without ruining them. One who seeks salt from a cow by cutting its udder gains neither salt nor milk; likewise, a kingdom oppressed by improper means will not prosper. Therefore, a ruler must strive with all his might to protect the earth, for the land brings him fame, long life, honor, and strength. By worshipping Viṣṇu, upholding righteousness, and caring for cows and Brāhmaṇas, a king who has mastered his senses is able to protect his people. Even when he attains wealth and power, a king should set his mind on righteousness, for prosperity can vanish in an instant, and possessions are never truly one’s own. Though desires and possessions may delight, life itself is as fickle as the sidelong glance of a woman. Old age stands threatening like a tigress, and diseases assail the body like enemies; life slips away like water from a broken pot, and in this world, none truly act for their own good. Why do people not freely do good for others, or even for themselves, when they are so enraptured by the pleasures of the senses? Do not commit sin; always honor the Brāhmaṇas and Viṣṇu, for life comes to its end, faltering at the surge of death, like water flowing from a clock. He is wise who sees the wives of others as mothers, others’ wealth as mere clods of earth, and all beings as himself. For this reason, O best of Brāhmaṇas, kings desire sovereignty: so that their word is unopposed in all matters. Kings gather wealth for this purpose, but after securing their own safety, they should give it to the twice-born. By the sound of Oṃ uttered by Brāhmaṇas, the kingdom prospers; such a king flourishes through discipline and is not afflicted by disease. Even sages, though powerless, accumulate wealth; how much more so should a king, who protects his subjects as his own children. Thus, these teachings guide the wise in the art of living, ruling, and seeking the true good, both for themselves and for all beings.