The Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol 4 (of 4), Part 1 (of 2)Valmiki
Religion
The Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol 4 (of 4), Part 1 (of 2)
Valmiki
Hinduism -- Doctrines -- Early works to 1800; Religious life -- Hinduism -- Early works to 1800
42. He is as full of cool composure in himself, as a gladsome lake
reposing with its limpid waters; and he gladdens also all others about
him, as the fair face of the fullmoon, cheers the spirits of all
around.
43. The Mandara groves of Paradise, with their woodlands strewn over
with the dust of their blossoms, do not delight the soul so much, as the
wise sayings of _pandits_ cheer the spirit.
44. The disc of the moon diffuses its cooling beams, and the vernal
season scatters its fragrance around; but the pithy sayings of the wise
and great, scatter their sound wisdom all about, which serve to ennoble
and enrich all mankind.
45. The substance of their sayings, proves the erroneous conception of
the world to be as false as a magic show; and inculcates the prudence of
wearing out the worldly cares day by day.
46. The wise saint is as indifferent, to the suffering of heat and cold
in his own person; as if they are disturbances in the bodies of other
men. (Or that he feels the pain of others as his own).
47. In his virtues of compassion and charity, he resembles the fruitful
tree, which yields its fruits, flowers, shed and all to common use, and
subsists itself only upon the water, it sucks from the ground or
receives from heaven.
48. It deals out to every body, whatever it is possest of in its own
body; and it is by virtue of its unsparing munificence to all creatures,
that it lifts its lofty head above them all (or stretches its roots in
air).
49. One seated in the edifice of knowledge, has thaught of sorrow for
himself; but pities the sorrows of others, as a man seated on a rock,
takes pity for the miserable men, grovelling in the earth below.
50. The wise man is tossed about like a flower, by the rolling waves in
the eventful ocean of this world; and is set at rest, no sooner he gets
over it, and reaches the beach on the other side (_i.e._ his way to
bliss).
51. He laughs with the calmness of his soul, at the same unvaried course
of the world and its people; and smiles to think on the persistence of
men, in their habitual error and folly. (The laughing philosopher).
52. I am amazed to see these aberrant men, wandering in the mazes of
error; and fascinated by the false appearances of the phenomenal world,
as if they are spell-bound to the visibles.
53. Seeing the eight kinds of prosperity to be of no real good, but
rather as causes of evil to mankind, I have learnt to spurn them as
straws; and though I am inclined to laugh at them, yet I forbear to do
so from my habitual disposition of tolerance and forbearance.
54. I see some men abiding in mountain caves, and others resorting to
holy places; some living at home amidst their families, and others
travelling as pilgrims to distant shrines and countries.
55. Some roving about as vagrants and mendicants, and others remaining
in their solitary hermitage; some continuing as silent sages, and
observant of their vow of taciturnity; and others sitting absorbed in
their meditation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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