[1516] That man who,
reflecting with his mind, O king, and ascertaining his own ability,
accomplishes righteous acts, certainly obtains what is for his benefit.
Water poured into an unbaked vessel gradually becomes less and finally
escapes altogether. If kept, however, in a baked vessel, it remains
without its quantity being diminished. After the same manner, acts done
without reflection with the aid of the understanding do not become
beneficial; while acts done with judgment remain with undiminished
excellence and yield happiness as their result. If into a vessel
containing water other water be poured, the water that was originally
there increases in quantity; even so all acts done with judgment, be they
equitable or otherwise, only add to one's stock of righteousness. A king
should subjugate his foes and all who seek to assert their superiority,
and he should properly rule and protect his subjects. One should ignite
one's sacred fires and pour libations on them in diverse sacrifices, and
retiring in the woods into either one's middle or old age, should live
there (practising the duties of the two last modes of life). Endued with
self-restraint, and possessed of righteous behaviour, one should look
upon all creatures as on one's own self. One should again reverence one's
superiors. By the practice of truth and of good conduct, O king, one is
sure to obtain happiness.'"
SECTION CCXCIII
"Parasara said, 'Nobody in this world does good to another.
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