"Neither ponder on kingly dignity, nor listen to the smooth words of flatterers. 20 "There is no profit in vexing oneself by austerities, but meditate on the Buddha and weigh his righteous law. 21 "We are encompassed on all sides by the rocks of birth, old age, disease, and death, and only by considering and practising the true law can we escape from this sorrow-piled mountain. 22 "What profit, then, in practising iniquity? 23 "All who are wise spurn the pleasures of the body. They loathe lust and seek to promote their spiritual existence. 24 "When a tree is burning with fierce flames, how can the birds congregate therein? Truth cannot dwell where passion lives. He who does not know this, though he be a learned man and be praised by others as a sage, is beclouded with ignorance. 25 "To him who has this knowledge true wisdom dawns, and he will beware of hankering after pleasure. To acquire this state of mind, wisdom is the one thing needful. To neglect wisdom will lead to failure in life. 26 "The teachings of all religions should center here, for without wisdom there is no reason. 27 "This truth is not for the hermit alone; it concerns every human being, priest and layman alike. There is no distinction between the monk who has taken the vows, and the man of the world living with his family. There are hermits who fall into perdition, and there are humble householders who mount to the rank of rishis. 28 "Hankering after pleasure is a danger common to all; it carries away the world. He who is involved in its eddies finds no escape. But wisdom is the handy boat, reflection is the rudder. The slogan of religion calls you to overcome the assaults of Māra, the enemy. 29 "Since it is impossible to escape the result of our deeds, let us practise good works. 30 "Let us guard our thoughts that we do no evil, for as we sow so shall we reap.; 31 "There are ways from light into darkness and from darkness into light. There are ways, also, from the gloom into deeper darkness, and from the dawn into brighter light. The wise man will use the light he has to receive more fight. He will constantly advance in the knowledge of truth. 32 "Exhibit true superiority by virtuous conduct and the exercise of reason; meditate deeply on the vanity of earthly things, and understand the fickleness of life. 33