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BOOK 1, LECTURE 15.
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subdues his senses, and has reached the incomparable cession of Karman 1. (12)
Knowing the incomparable (control), he should not be hostile towards anybody, in thoughts, words, or deeds, having eyes (to see everything). (13)
He truly is the eye of men who (dwells so to speak) on the end 2 of desire ; on its end (i. e. edge) glides the razor, on its end (i. e. rim) rolls the wheel. (14)
Because the wise use the ends (of things, i.e. bad food, &c.), they are called 'makers of an end' here. Here in the world of men we are men to fulfil the Law. (15)
In this creed which surpasses the world, (men) become perfected saints or gods, as I have heard ; and I have heard that outside the rank of men this is not so 3. (16)
Some (heretics) have said that they (viz. the gods) put an end to misery 4; but others (Gainas) have repeatedly said that this (human body is not easily obtained. (17)
To one whose soul has left (human life), it is not easy again to obtain instruction in the Law), nor is such a mental disposition which they declare appropriate for adopting the Law . (18)
How can it even be imagined that he should
Sandhipattê. Sandhi is explained Karmavivaralakshanam bhâvasandhim.
2 There is a play on the word "end' in this and the next verse which to a modern mind savours more of the absurd than the profound.
s Perfection cannot be obtained by other creatures than men. * I. e. reach final beatitude.
5 The words as they are preserved do not construe; the meaning, however, must have been about what I have given in the translation.