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--731 ]
84. SECTION ON THE SANDAL TREE
377
725) (In its separation from its consort) the Cakravāka bird "was comforted by the prospect of being able to look at its own image reflected in the water of the lotus-pond (and thinking it to be its own consort). But even that image was robbed (destroyed) by the ripples of water. Mark the (wicked) cleverness of Providence (Destiny).
726) The Cakravāka birds live in the hope of eventually meeting each other (at the end of the night) and pass the night easily (909). But the days are not apprehensive of separation. How then are they able to pass them ?
727) It is a lie uttered by people when they say that love is prompted by the desire for wealth (riches). How can there be any greed for riches in the case of Carkavāka birds, who subsist on mere moss (and nothing else) ?
84. The Section on the Sandal Tree
728) Though the sandal-wood is dried up and though it is Tubbed (on a stone), still it spreads out such a fragrance, that even the lush (juicy) wresth of flowers (wreath of fresh flowers) is put to shame in respect of fragrance (i.e. because of its inferior fragrance).
729) You did not give up your original nature, even though the axe was borne down on you for hacking and even when you were rubbed (subjected to rubbing or friction) (on a stone). Therefore, oh sandal tree, the world bows down to you with humbled head.
730) Amongst all the best of trees, you have had your birth in a noble family; hence it is that you are always attached to (fond of) the double-tongued (split-tongued) (serpents) and to wicked people (who too are double-tongued i. e. speak in two divergent ways).
731) There is only one draw-back (defect) created by fate in the case of the sandal tree, which is otherwise excellent(arta = alea), namely, that the wicked(venomous) snakes do not leave its side (vicinity) even for a moment.
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