38. When it is doubtful (to know the nature of the innate propensity), do you incline to what is good, and as you thrive in this, you shall have no evil to fear. 39. Whatever one practices, he becomes perfect in that in time; as studying from childhood makes the learned free from error. 40. When you have the good will in you, you must accomplish your purpose, by means of your activity and subjection of the organs of your body. 41. So long as your mind is imperfect and unacquainted with the state of divine truth, you must attend to your teacher, books and reasoning, and act according to their directions (in the paths of truth). 42. Having first finished your acts and known the truth, you must abandon even your meritorious deeds, and all your desires with them. 43. Having known by your good understanding, that the virtuous course led by honorable men is truly good, give particular attention to know the nature of God, then forsake even that (enquiry), and remain (silent) as a saint (_muni_). CHAPTER X. DESCENSION OF KNOWLEDGE. Vasistha resumed:— This thing called destiny is as true as the reality of God. It is the cause of causes and effect of effects. (It is an attribute of God). 2. Now attend to my words and depend on your exertions, and intently apply your ever confident mind to the attainment of your chief good. 3. Try your exertions to turn to your subjection the misleading senses from pursuing their objects. 4. I will now propound to you a code containing of the essence of the best means of liberation, which will confer the fruits of your exertions and lead you to your welfare in both worlds. 5. Let them that have great minds, forsake their worldly desires in order to avoid their future births, and attend to these lectures with calm contentment (in their minds). 6. Weigh well the meanings of the antecedent and subsequent propositions, repress your mind from its worldly cares, and dispose your self to equanimity for its inquiry after truth. 7. Hear me relate to you Ráma, the way to emancipation, which will remove your feelings of pain and pleasure, and become the surest means to lead you to supreme happiness. 8. On hearing this lecture on liberation in the company of all those reasonable men, you will know that highest state which is free from pain, and of which there is no termination. 9. This was spoken of old in a former _Kalpa_ age by Brahmá abiding in the Supreme spirit. It is the remover of all anxiety and giver of all comfort to the soul. 10. Ráma asked saying:—Say O Bráhman—that art my guide, what cause moved Brahmá himself of old to reveal this knowledge, and in what manner was it obtained by you. 11. Vasishtha replied:—The supreme soul of infinite manifestations exists by itself; it passes through and supports the whole in the form of vacuity and understanding, and as light to all living beings.