5. Fortune and exertions contend with each other like two rams of unequal strength, wherein the mightier overcomes the other. 6. Therefore should man apply himself diligently (to his duties), and employ his skill and promptness after them in such a way, as his to-day may overcome the morrow (_i.e._, do the works of to-morrow to-day). 7. When two unequal forces (of two persons) contend with one another like two rams, the stronger force whether of this or that man, overcomes the other. 8. When one incurs a failure or danger even by his lawful exertions, he should know it to be the result of his misapplied exertions. 9. One by his utmost exertion in the right way, as by the gnashing of his teeth (and the like), can overcome his misfortune and so does his bad luck sometimes baffle his exertions. 10. When one finds himself to be led astray by the demerit of his acts of a former state of existence, he must attempt to subdue the same by greater energy of his present state. 11. So far should one diligently endeavour to exercise his exertions, as he may be able to beat down the evils resulting from his bad fortune (or predestination). 12. The evils of bad fortune are undoubtedly removed by the meritorious acts of the present life, as the bad consequence of an act of yesterday is averted by its remedy of today. 13. Having trampled over an unfavorable fortune by one’s reliance on his continuous energy, he must attempt to secure to himself every good for his well-being in his present life. 14. Know that tranquility is not to be found by the effortlessness of dull ass-like men; it is the lawful energy of men which is said to secure his welfare in both worlds. 15. And that one should make his way out of the pit of this world by force of his energy and diligence, just as the lion breaks out from his cage. 16. One must ponder in himself every day that his body is subject to corruption, his beastly acts must be kept backward and man like acts put forward. 17. It is our good exertions that are attended by good results as the bad ones are followed by bad consequences. Chance is a mere meaningless word. 18. Do not make your bloom of youth useless as ashes by sitting idly at home and enjoying the bliss of the harem like a worm in the sore. 19. He who has no reliance on present objects, but depends upon suppositions of the past, is as a man flying for fear of his own hands supposing them as snakes. 20. It is a pleasure to men of perverted understandings to think themselves guided by their fortunes, prosperity flies away far off from such men who depend on their fortunes. 21. Therefore let a man diligently apply himself first to (the cultivation of) his reason, and then investigate into the works of abstruse spiritual knowledge. 22. Those who do not set their hearts to acts according to the dictates of the sástras, but exert themselves otherwise to gain (their ends), are accursed as mad men for their vain attempts.