Beholding the misery that attends the gratification
of the senses, they that are possessed of wisdom cultivate the virtues of
tranquillity and self-restraint for the purpose of attaining to
Emancipation. In consequence of their righteous behaviour, wealth, and
pleasure can never succeed in afflicting them.[1541] Householders may,
without any compunction, enjoy wealth and other possessions that are
obtained without Exertion. As regards, however, the duties of their order
that are laid down in the scriptures, these, I am of opinion, they should
discharge with the aid of Exertion.[1542] The practice of those that are
honoured, that are born in high families, and that have their eyes always
turned towards the import of the scriptures, is incapable of being
followed by those that are sinful and that are possessed of unrestrained
minds. All acts that are done by man under the influence of vanity, meet
with destruction. Hence, for them that are respectable and truly
righteous there is no other act in this world to do than penance.[1543]
As regards, those house-holders, however, that are addicted to acts, they
should, with their whole hearts, set themselves to acts. Following the
duties of their order, O king, they should with cleverness and attention
perform sacrifices and other religious rites. Indeed, as all rivers, male
and female, have their refuge in the Ocean, even so men belonging to all
the other orders have their refuge in the householder.'"
SECTION CCXCVII
"Janaka said, 'Whence, O great Rishi, does this difference of colour
arise among men belonging to the different orders? I desire to know this.
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