As an aquatic fowl, while moving over the waters, is
never drenched in that element, even thus does a person of wisdom move
(in the world) among creatures. By the aid of one's intelligence one
should act in the world after this fashion, without grief, without joy,
with an equal eye for all, and destitute of malice and envy. One living
in this way succeeds in creating the qualities (instead of being oneself
affected by them), like a spider creating threads.[613] The qualities
should, indeed, be regarded as the threads of the spider. Some say that
the qualities in respect of such men are not lost. Some say that they are
all lost. Those who say that they are not lost rely upon the revealed
scriptures (viz., the Srutis), which do not contain any declaration to
the contrary. They, on the other hand, who say that the qualities are all
lost rely on the Smritis. Reflecting upon both these opinions, one should
judge oneself as to which of them is right. One should thus get over this
hard and knotty question which is capable c f disturbing the
understanding by doubt, and thereby win happiness. When that doubt will
be removed, one will no longer have to indulge in sorrow of any kind. Men
of filthy hearts may by knowledge obtain success like persons plunging in
a well-filled stream purifying themselves of all filth. One who has to
cross a broad river does not feel happy at only seeing the other shore.
If the case were otherwise (i.e., if by only beholding the other shore
one could reach it by a boat), then might one become happy.
Pages:
1797
1798
1799
1800
1801
1802
1803
1804
1805
1806
1807
1808
1809
1810
1811
1812
1813
1814
1815
1816
1817
1818
1819
1820
1821