________________
-891
8. DISCREET CONDUCT
283
82) What is the use of mentioning (and discussing) the real and unreal faults (shortcomings) of others? Neither money nor fame is thereby obtained. (The only result is that) those persons. are turned into enemies.
83) One should promote one's own interest and if possible the interest of others also. But if there is a clash between one's own interest and that of others, one should mind one's. Own interest.
84) In the case of a person, who is truthful, devoid of duplicity and contented by nature and who attaches the greatestimportance to penance, piety and the rules of proper conduct (or who is devoted to penance and the rules of piety), even adversity turns into good fortune.
85) Character is far better than birth in a high family, poverty is far superior to (chronic) ill-health; learning is far better than royalty (or mastery over a kingdom) and forgiveness is preferable to the rigorous practice of austerities.
86) Character is far better than birth in a high family. What is the good of birth in a high family, if it is divorced from chara- . cter? Lotuses grow in mud and still they are not soiled (by it).
87) That a strong person should be patient and forgiving... that a rich person should be free from vanity (conceit) and that a learned person should be full of humility -well, these three are the ornaments--the pride and glory of the world.
88) He who follows the inclination (of his master), preserves (from disclosure) his (master's) weak points (defects) and pub-. licises his (master's) good qualities, becomes a favourite not only of men, but of gods too.
89) The charm of the whole year is spoiled by the missing: of a festival (sud qutot), the pleasure of a whole day is spoiled by the eating of a bad meal, an entire life-time is ruined by an unworthy wife; righteousness is frustrated by the practice of unrighteousness (sinful acts).
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