8. The mind cooled by calm contentment, and purified by the light of philosophy, is always in its full bloom as the lotus under sun-beams. 9. The ungoverned mind which is under the subjection of desires and devoid of contentment, does not receive the light of knowledge, as a soiled mirror takes no reflection of the face. 10. The man whose mind is always bright with the sunshine of contentment, does not shrivel itself like the lotus in the dark night of ignorance (or adversity). 11. A man though poor, enjoys the happiness of sovereignty, who is devoid of diseases and anxieties, and whose mind is contented. 12. He is called a contented man, who does not long after what he is not possessed of, and enjoys what he has in its right manner, and is always graceful in his manners. 13. There is a beauty shining in the face of one, whose mind has the satisfaction of contentment, the fulness of magnanimity and the purity of thoughts like that of the milky ocean in it. 14. Let a man entertain his self-possession within himself, and abandon his craving of all things, by reliance on his manly exertions. 15. He whose mind is full with the ambrosia of contentment and a calm and cool understanding, acquires a perpetual composure within himself, as it were by the cooling beams of the moon. 16. All great fortunes wait on him whose mind is strengthened by contentment, as if they were his servants, and as they remain in attendance upon a king. 17. One remaining content and composed in himself, quells all his anxieties and cares, as the rains set down the dust of the earth. 18. Ráma! a man shines by the contentment of his mind and the purity of his conduct, as the cooling and spotless moon when she is full. 19. No one receives so much delight from his accumulation of wealth, as he derives from the sight of the beautiful placid countenance (of a contented person). 20. Know, O thou delight of Raghu’s race! that the best of men who are decorated with grace of equanimity (the only quality that adorns the wise), are more honoured both by gods and sages than any. CHAPTER XVI. ON GOOD CONDUCT. Vasishtha resumed saying:— Know, O highly intelligent Ráma! that the company of the virtuous is everywhere of the greatest benefit to men for their crossing over the ocean of the world. 2. It is the arbour of virtuous company that produces the fresh blossom of discrimination; which being cherished by high-souled men, yields to them its fruits of prosperity. 3. The society of the learned makes solitude appear as company, and the evil of death as good as a festivity; and converts a difficulty to ease. 4. It is the society of the virtuous which wards off all disasters, that like the frost, invade the lotus beds of our hearts; and baffle the icy breath of ignorance (which deadens our souls).