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258
SÚTRAKRITÂNGA.
be annihilated through control. The wise reach (perfection) getting rid of death. (1)
Those who resist the seductions are placed on a line with those who have crossed the Samsara. Therefore look up (at beatitude as the end in view). Those (virtuous men) regard pleasures as equal to diseases. (2)
Men of princely rank wear precious things imported by merchants; likened (to these precious things) are the excellent great vows together with (the prohibition of) eating at night. (3)
Pleasure-seeking men who are greedy and are absorbed by amusements, are reckless and like the wretched; they do not know that meditation (has been enjoined as) a duty. (4)
As a bullock which is hurt and urged on by the driver becomes weak, and at last, when its strength is exhausted and it is unable to move, sinks down; (5)
So he who knows the pursuit of pleasures, must sooner or later give up their enjoyment (lest they drag him down 3). He who is still surrounded by pleasant things 4, should not love pleasures, whether he obtains them, or for some reason or other does not obtain them. (6)
Lest the lot of the wicked should fall to you, escape (the influence of the senses), and discipline yourself! The wicked will much and strongly grieve, groan, and wail. (7)
Vinnavanâ = vigñâpanâ, explained striyah. * Instead of driver and bullock' we might translate 'hunter' and deer.'
3 He should not be engrossed by them as the bullock sinks down beneath its burden.
+ To render kâm î.