18. Who is that great man that has got over the great ocean of the world, whose exemplary conduct (if followed) exempts one from misery. 19. What is the best of things that ought to be pursued after, and what is that fruit which is worth obtaining? Which is the best course of life in this inconsistent world. 20. Tell me the manner by which I may have a knowledge of the past and future events of the world, and the nature of the unsteady works of its creator. 21. Do so, that my mind which is as the moon in the sky of my heart, may be cleared of its impurities. 22. Tell me what thing is most delectable to the mind, and what most abominable to it; as also how this fickle and inconstant mind may get its fixedness like that of a rock. 23. Tell me what is that holy charm, which can remove this cholic pain of worldliness, that is attended with numberless troubles. 24. Tell me how can I entertain within my heart, the blossoms of the arbor of heavenly happiness, that sheds about it the coolness of the full-moon beams. 25. Oh ye good men! that are present and learned in divine knowledge, teach me so that I may obtain the fullness of my heart, and may not come to grief and sorrow any more. 26. My mind is devoid of that tranquility which results chiefly from holy happiness, and is perplexed with endless doubts, that disturb my peace as the dogs molest smaller animals in the desert. CHAPTER XXXI. QUERIES OF RÁMA. Ráma said:—I have no reliance on the durability of life, which is as transient as a drop of water that sticks to the point of a shaking leaf on a lofty tree; and as short as the cusp of the moon on Siva’s forehead. 2. I have no credit in the durability of life, which is transient as the swelling that take place in the pouch of a frog while it croaks in the meadow. Nor have I any trust in the company of friends, which are as dangerous as the treacherous snare of hunters. 3. What can we do under the misty cloud of error (overhanging our minds), and raising our tempestuous desires which flash forth in lightnings of ambition, and burst out in the thunder claps of selfishness? 4. How shall we save ourselves from the temptations of our desires dancing like peacocks (and displaying their gaudy train) around us; and from the bustle of the world breaking in upon us as thickly as the blossoms of the _Kurchi_ plant. 5. How can we fly from the clutches of cruel Fate, who like a cat kills the living as poor mice, and falls unwearied and unexpectedly upon his prey in the twinkling of an eye. 6. What expedient, what course, what reflections, and what refuge must we have recourse to, in order to avoid the unknown tracks of future lives? 7. There is nothing so trifling in this earth below, or in the heavens above, which ye gifted men cannot raise to consequence. 8. How can this accursed, troublesome and vapid world, be relished by one unless he is infatuated by ignorance?