15. My fickle and fluctuating desires, have led me to do many acts of foolishness, in this world of odds and trifles, which now fill me with remorse and regret. (Remembrance of the past, is fraught with regret). 16. But it is in vain to be overwhelmed with the sad thoughts of the past, while I should use my manly exertions to improve the present. (The present time is in our hand, but who the past can recall, or the future command). 17. It is by reflecting on the eternal cause of the endless infinity of souls in the soul, that one can attain his perfect felicity; as the gods got the ambrosia from the Milky ocean. (True bliss is to be derived from the blissful Deity). 18. I most consult my preceptor Sukra, concerning the Ego and the soul and spiritual vision, of the soul of souls in order to expel my ignorance in these matters. 19. I must refer these questions to the most venerable Sukra, who is always complacent to his favorites; and then it is possible that by his advice I shall be settled in the highest perfection of seeing the supreme spirit, in my spirit, because the words of the wise, are ever fraught with full meaning and are fruitful of the desired object. CHAPTER XXVI. ADMONITION OF SUKRA TO BALI. Argument. Sukra’s appearance at the call of Bali; and his advice to him on the attainment of divine knowledge. Vasishtha said:—So saying the mighty Bali closed his eyes, and thought upon the lotus-eyed Sukra, abiding in his heavenly abode. (Sukra the planet Venus represented as the preceptor of demons, as Vrihaspati the planet Jupiter is said to be the Spiritual guide of the deities). 2. Sukra, who sat intently meditating on the all pervading spirit of God, came to know in his mind, that he was remembered by his disciple Bali in his city. 3. Then Sukra the son of Bhrigu, whose soul was united with the all pervading infinite and omniscient spirit, descended with his heavenly body at the gemming window of Bali (decorated with glass doors). 4. Bali knew the body of his guide by its lustre, as the lotus-flower perceives the rising sun by his dawning beams. 5. He then honoured his _guru_ or guide, by adoring his feet on a seat decked with gems, and with offering of _mandára_ flowers upon him. 6. As Sukra took his rest on the gemming seat from the labour of his journey, he was strewn over with offerings of gems on his body, and heaps of mandára flowers upon his head; after which Bali addressed him thus:— 7. Venerable sir, this illustrious presence of thy grace before me, emboldens me to address to thee, as the morning sun-beams send all mankind to their daily work. 8. I have come to feel an aversion, Sir, to all kinds of worldly enjoyments, which are productive of the delusion of our souls; and want to know the truth relating to it, in order to dispel my ignorance of myself.