54. The result of the desired actions of the unwise, is their stretching out of the world before them; while that of the acts done without desire by the wise, serves to put an end to the world before them. (The acts of desire produce repeated births in the world, while the other puts an end to the future transmigrations of the soul). 55. All visibles are destructible, and those that are destroyed come to be renewed to life; but that which is neither destroyed nor resuscitated, is thyself—thy very soul. 56. The knowledge of existence (of the world), is without its foundation; and though it is thought to be existent, it is not found to be so in reality; it is as the water in the mirage, which does not grow the germ of the world. 57. The right knowledge of things, removes the thought of egoism from the mind; and though it may be thought of in the mind, yet it takes no deep root in the heart, as the burnt seed or grain does not sprout forth in the ground. 58. The man that does his duties or not, but remains passionless and thoughtless and free from frailty; has his rest in the soul, and his _nirvána_ is always attendant upon him. 59. Those who are saintly calm and quiet by the controul of their mind, and by suppression of the bonds (appetites) for enjoyments; but not having weakened (governed) their natures, have in their hearts a mine of evils. 60. The wise soul is full of light like the cloudless sky, and is distinguished from others by its brightness; but the same soul which is alike in all, appears as dim as the evening twilight in the ignorant. 61. As a man seated in this place, sees the light of heaven (heavenly bodies), as coming to him from a great distance, and filling the intermediate space; so the light of the Supreme soul fills and reaches to all. 62. The infinite and invisible intellect, which is as wondrous as the clear vacuum of the sky; conceives and displays this wonderful world, within the infinitude of its own vacuity. 63. The world appears to the learned and unerring, and those who have got rid of the error of the world, and rest in their everlasting tranquility, as a consumed and extinguished lamp; while it seems to all common people, to be placed in the air, by the will of God and for the enjoyment of all. (The two opposite views of the world with the learned and ignorant). CHAPTER XXIII. STORY OF A PIOUS BRÁHMANA AND HIS NIRVÁNA EXTINCTION. Argument:—Account of Vasishtha’s meeting a hermit named Manki in a desert land; and their mutual conversation with regard to self-resignation and liberation. Vasishtha said:—(I have delivered to you my lectures) on dispassionateness, inappetence and resignation of worldly desires; rise therefore and go beyond the material world after the example of one Manki (as related herein—below). 2. There lived once on a time before a Bráhmana named Manki, who was applauded for his devotion and steadfastness to holy vows.