[1506] Having obtained the allotted period of
life, O king, with such difficulty, one should not diminish it (by
indulgence of the senses). On the other hand, man should always exert, by
righteous acts for his gradual advancement.[1507] Among the six different
colours that Jiva attains at different periods of his existence, he who
falls away from a superior colour deserves obloquy and censure. Hence,
one that has attained to the result of good acts should conduct oneself
in such a way as to avoid all acts stained by the quality of Rajas.[1508]
Man attains to a superior colour by righteous acts. Unable to acquire a
superior hue, for such acquisition is extremely difficult, a person, by
doing sinful acts only slays himself (by sinking into hell and falling
down into an inferior colour). All sinful acts that are committed
unconsciously or in ignorance are destroyed by penances. A sinful act,
however, that is committed knowingly, produces much sorrow. Hence, one
should never commit sinful acts which have for their fruit only sorrow.
The man of intelligence would never do an act that is sinful in character
even if it leads to the greatest advantage, just as a person that is pure
would never touch a Chandala.[1509] How miserable is the fruit I see of
sinful acts! Through sin the very vision of the sinner becomes perverse,
and he confounds his body and its unstable accompaniments with the
Soul.[1510] That foolish man who does not succeed in betaking himself to
Renunciation in this world becomes afflicted with great grief when he
departs to the next world.
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