19. Mind not his fault but respect his merit, and learn to scan the good and bad qualities of men from thy youth with all diligence. 20. First of all and by all means improve your understanding, by the company of the good and careful study of the sástras; and serve all good people without minding their faults. 21. Shun the society of men (whether friends or relatives), who are conspicuous for some great and incorrigible crime; otherwise it will change the sweet composure of your mind, to bitterness and disquiet. (So in Raghuvansa:—The society of wicked friend, is to be cut off as an ulcerous limb). 22. This I know from my observation, of the righteous turning to unrighteousness; this is the greatest of all evils (and must be feared), when the honest turn to be dishonest. 23. This change and falling off of good men, from their moral rectitude, have been seen in many places and at different times; wherefore it is necessary to choose the company of the good only, for one’s safety in this and salvation in the next world. 24. Therefore no one should live afar from the society of the good and great; who are ever to be regarded with respect and esteem; because the company of the good though slightly courted, is sure to purify the newcomer with the flying fragrance of their virtues. CHAPTER LXXXXIX. A DISCOURSE ON ESOTERIC OR SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE. Argument:—The share of the _Brute creation_ in the enjoyments of life, and its varieties in various grades of Beings. Ráma rejoined:—Verily we (rational beings), have a great many means, for relieving our pains. Such as our reason, the precepts of the sástras, the advices of our friends and the society of the wise and good; beside the applications of mantras and medicines, the giving of charities, performances of religious austerities, going to pilgrimages and resorting to holy places (all which have the efficacy of removing our calamities and rendering us happy). 2. But tell me what is the state of the brute creation such as of the worms and insects, birds and flies, and the other creeping, crawling and bending animals; whether they are not alike susceptible with ourselves of pain and pleasure, and what means they have to remedy their pains and evils. 3. Vasishtha replied:—All creatures whether animals or vegetables, are destined to partake of the particular enjoyments, which are allotted to their respective shares; and are ever tending towards that end. 4. All living beings from the noble and great to the mean and minute, have their appetites and desires like ourselves; but the difference consists in their lesser or greater proportion in us and themselves. (_i.e._ Mankind is actuated in a lesser degree by their passions and appetites than their violence in the brute tribes).