Listen, dear one, to the wisdom of contentment and the company of the virtuous, as it is revealed in these sacred teachings. Even a person who possesses nothing in this world can taste the happiness of a king if his mind is content, untroubled by sorrow or illness. Such a person does not yearn for what he does not have; instead, he accepts with grace whatever life brings, partaking of it as it comes. This gentle and well-conducted soul is truly called content. On the face of one who is fully satisfied and whose mind is pure, prosperity shines forth, just as it glitters upon the flawless ocean of milk. Relying completely on this sense of fullness, abiding in one’s own true self, and applying effort and strength, one should strive everywhere to abandon all craving. For the heart filled with the nectar of contentment, a natural coolness arises within. The one free from want finds a steadfastness that endures, like the cool and gentle light of the moon. Great riches themselves become servants to the person whose mind is nourished by contentment, just as attendants serve a king. When a person rests in the pure, contented Self within, all afflictions quickly subside, just as dust settles swiftly in the rainy season. One endowed with pure conduct, always tranquil and free from blemish, radiates fullness like the spotless moon. Beholding the serene face of equanimity in such a person, others feel a satisfaction that wealth and possessions cannot bring. Even the great sages and celestial beings bow in reverence to that pure one who is adorned with equanimity and a noble mind, O descendant of Raghu. O great intellect, especially for those seeking to cross the ocean of worldly existence, the company of the virtuous is always supremely beneficial. Those great souls who cherish the auspicious flower of discernment, blossoming from the tree of noble association, become vessels of the wealth that is its fruit. In the company of the wise, what is empty becomes abundant, even death is transformed into a festival, and adversity shines as if it were prosperity. In this world, only the company of the virtuous conquers the frost of misfortune, the winds of delusion, and the darkness of ignorance, triumphing like the radiant sun. Know that association with the virtuous is the supreme enhancer of intelligence, the destroyer of ignorance, and the remover of suffering. From such company, the highest lamp of discernment arises—bright and delightful, like a cluster of flowers from the sorrowless tree. The powers gained from the association with the virtuous bestow a happiness that is free from danger and disturbance, ever abundant and unsurpassed. Even in the most difficult and helpless circumstances, one should never abandon the company of the good, not even in the slightest. In this world, the virtuous are auspicious lamps along the path of righteousness, dispelling the darkness of the heart with the light of knowledge. He who has bathed in the cool, pure Ganges of noble company needs no gifts, no holy places, no austerities, nor sacrifices. If there exist virtuous ones—free from passion, with all doubts and knots dissolved—what need is there for further austerities or pilgrimages, O sinless one? Those whose minds are at rest are truly worthy of reverence and should be sought out with the greatest effort; the virtuous are treasures to the poor, like precious jewels. The intellect of the wise, adorned by the beauty of noble company, shines always, like a lotus among celestial nymphs. And the noble one who has attained the pure state of play never abandons the exalted association with the virtuous. Such saints, whose knots of ignorance are severed and who are esteemed by all, should be served by every means, for they are the means to cross the ocean of worldly existence. Those who have looked upon saints with indifference become like dry fuel for the fires of hell, while the saints themselves are rainclouds that quench those flames. Poverty, death, suffering, and other distressing delusions are completely pacified by the medicine of association with the virtuous. Indeed, contentment, association with the virtuous, inquiry, and tranquility—these alone are the means for people to cross the ocean of worldly existence. Contentment is the highest gain; noble company is the supreme path; inquiry is the highest knowledge; and tranquility is the greatest happiness. Practicing these four pure means leads to the dissolution of worldly bondage, and those who have mastered them have crossed the ocean of delusion. When even one of these is practiced and pure awakening arises, all four are said to be mastered by the wise. Even a single one among these serves as the source of all; therefore, for complete attainment, one should diligently cultivate at least one. Association with the good, contentment, inquiry, and tranquility arise naturally in a mind made clear, like streams flowing into the ocean. Inquiry, contentment, and tranquility flourish in one who delights in the company of the good, just as riches flourish for one sheltered by the wish-fulfilling tree. Likewise, inquiry, tranquility, and association with the good arise in a person who possesses contentment, just as beauty and other virtues blossom when the moon is full. And association with the good, contentment, and tranquility manifest in one who values inquiry, just as victory and prosperity come to a king with a wise minister. Therefore, O descendant of Raghu, always conquer the mind with steadfast effort, and cultivate at least one of these virtues. Relying on supreme effort and having subdued the wild elephant of the mind, remember that until even one virtue is firmly attained, the highest goal remains out of reach. With determined effort, grit your teeth, O Rama, and set your mind firmly on acquiring virtue. Whether you are a god, a yaksha, a human, or even a tree, mighty-armed one, there is no other means here for you. This is the eternal way.