34. The wise man that knows all what is knowable, manages to live in this world as an ignorant simpleton; he is as firm and fearless as a rock, and reckons his life and death as rotten and worthless straws. CHAPTER CII. EXPOSITION OF BUDDHISM AND DISPROVING OF DEATH. Argument:—Showing the utility of _Buddhistic doctrines_ in strengthening the Mind to cool apathy. Ráma rejoined:—Tell me sir, the perfection which a holy man attains to, after he is acquainted with the supreme essence, which is without its beginning and end. 2. Vasishtha replied:—Hear the high state to which the holy man arrives, after he has known the knowable; and the mode of his life and conduct, throughout the whole course of his existence. 3. He lives apart from human society, in his solitary retreat in the woods, and there has the stones of the dales, the trees of the forest, and the young antelopes, for his friends, kindred and associates. 4. The most populous city, is deemed as a lonely desert by him; his calamities are his blessings, and all his dangers are festivities to him. 5. His pains are his pleasure, and his meditations are as musings to him; he is silent in all his dealings, and quiet in all his conduct through life. 6. He is somnolent in his waking hours, and remains as dead to himself while he is living; he manages all his affairs with a coolness, as if he was engaged in nothing. 7. He is pleasant without tasting any pleasure, and is friendly to his fellow beings without any selfish interest of his own; he is strict to himself but ever kind to others, and is undesirous of everything, with his full desire for common weal. 8. He is pleased with the conduct of others, without having any course of action for himself; and devoid of sorrow, fear and care, yet he is seen always to wear a melancholy appearance. (A heavily pensive melancholy). 9. He afflicts nobody, nor is afflicted by any body; and though full with his private afflictions and privations, he is ever pleasant in company. (Pleased with himself, he pleases all). 10. He is neither delighted with his gain, nor depressed at his loss, nor desirous to get any thing; and though there may be causes, for his feeling joy as well as sorrow, yet they are never visible in his face. 11. He sympathises with the unhappy, and congratulates with happy people; but his collected mind is always invincible, in every circumstance of life. 12. His mind is not inclined to acts, beside those of righteousness; as it is the wont of noble-minded men by their nature, and not any effort on their part. 13. He is not fond of pleasantry, nor is he addicted to dulness either; he does not hanker after wealth, but is inappetent and impossible with all his appetites and sensibleness. 14. He abides by law and acts accordingly, whether he is pinched by poverty, or rolling in riches; nor is he ever dejected or elated, at the unforeseen good or bad events of life.