If such a man desires to even
make a gift of the whole world, who is there that would like even to look
at him? Constant companionship with Prosperity stupefies a person of weak
judgment. It drives off his judgment like the wind driving off the
autumnal clouds. Companionship with Prosperity induces him to think,--I
am possessed of beauty! I am possessed of wealth! I am high-born! I meet
with success in whatever I undertake! I am not an ordinary human
being!--His heart becomes intoxicated in consequence of these three
reasons. With heart deeply attached to worldly possessions, he wastes the
wealth hoarded by his sires. Reduced to want, he then regards the
appropriation of other people's wealth as blameless. At this stage, when
he transgresses all barriers and beings to appropriate the possessions of
others from every side, the rulers of men obstruct and afflict him like
sportsmen afflicting with keen shafts a deer that is espied in the woods.
Such a man is then overwhelmed with many other afflictions of a similar
kind that originate in fire and weapons. Therefore, disregarding all
worldly propensities (such as desire for children and wives) together
with all fleeting unrealities (such as the body, etc.,) one should, aided
by one's intelligence, apply proper medicine for the cure of those
painful afflictions. Without Renunciation one can never attain to
happiness. Without Renunciation one can never obtain what is for one's
highest good. Without Renunciation one can never sleep at case.
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