[54] Instead of îshatpâr_s_vâpav_ri_ttabimba_m_, the reading of the MSS., I think we should read ºâpak_ri_ttabimba_m_. In the evening before full-moon's day the disc of the moon is not completely round, presenting one side so as to seem a little flattened. 6. 'See! The moon by the beauty of its almost complete orb is announcing with a laughing face as it were the holyday of sabbath (poshadha) to the pious. 'Surely, to-morrow is the fifteenth. Ye must perform accordingly the religious duties which are prescribed for the sabbath, and not satisfy the want of sustaining your body before honouring some guest at the time appearing with excellent food obtained in a right manner. Ye must consider thus: 7, 8. 'Every union has separation at its end, of high rank the conclusion is dreary downfall; life is as frail and fickle as a flash of lightning. It is for this very reason, that ye must be upon your guard against carelessness (in the fulfilment of your duties), and also endeavour to increase your merit by charity, which has good conduct (_s_îla) for its ornament. Meritorious actions, indeed, are the strongest support for the creatures moving round in the troublesome succession of births. 9, 10. 'That the moon by its lovely brightness outdoes the lustre of the host of stars, that the sun's splendour overpowers the (other) luminaries, is due to the sublimity of the qualities produced by merit. It is also by the power of their merit that mighty kings cause presumptuous high officials and princes to bear, like excellent horses, willingly and with abated pride the yoke of their command. 11. 'But if they are devoid of merit, misfortune goes after them, be they ever moving about on the road of political wisdom (nîti)[55]. For that unhappiness, being rebuffed by the excess of merit, hovers, as if moved by wrath, round the possessors of demerit. [55] The political wisdom, which aims at attaining worldly ends by worldly means, and makes morals subordinate to self-interest, is taught in such books as Kâmandaki's Nîti_s_âstra, _S_ukra's Nîtisâra, in the Pa_ñ_katantra and the Hitopade_s_a. It is considered sinful by Buddhistic lore. The _G_âtakamâlâ often reproves it, see for instance, IX, 10; XXIII, 51. 12. 'Leave then that path of demerit; suffering is underlying it, and it is connected with dishonour. But merit being the illustrious source and instrument of happiness, ye must keep your mind intent on all opportunities of gathering it.' The others, after listening to his teaching, said amen, and saluting him with respect circumambulated him from left to right, then they went off each to his dwelling. When his comrades were not far off, the Great-minded One entered upon this reflection: