PRAISE OF GOOD SOCIETY, OR ASSOCIATION WITH THE GOOD
AND WISE.
Argument:—Character of the truly Wise man, his best test, and
company.
Vasishtha continued:—Those among the judicious and wise, that are
indifferent to and unconcerned with the world, and resigned to the
divinity, and resting in his state of supreme felicity; have all their
desires and delusions abated, and their enemies lessened in this world.
2. He is neither gladdened nor irritated at any thing, nor engages in
any matter, nor employs himself in the accumulation of earthly effects.
He does not annoy any body, nor is he annoyed by any one.
3. He does not bother his head about theism or atheism, nor torment his
body with religious austerities; he is agreeable and sweet in his
demeanour, and is pleasing and genteel in his conversation.
4. His company gladdens the hearts of all, as the moonlight delights the
minds of men; he is circumspect in all affairs, and the best judge in
all matters.
5. He is without any anxiety in his conduct, and is polite and friendly
to all; he manages patiently all his outward business, but is quite cool
in his inward mind.
6. He is learned in the sástras, and takes a delight in their
exposition; he knows all people and both past and present; and knows
also what is good and bad for any, and is content with whatever comes to
pass on him.
7. The wise act according to the established usage of good people, and
refrain from what is opposed to it; they gladden all men with their free
admonitions, as the zephyr regales them with the gratuitous odours of
flowers; and they afford a ready reception and board to the needy.
8. They treat with respect the needy that repair to their doors; just as
the blooming lotus entertains the bee, that resorts to the same; and
they attract the heart of people, by their endeavours, to save them from
their sins.
9. They are as cold as any cooling thing, or like the clouds in the
rainy season; and as sedate as rocks, and capable of removing the
calamities of people, by their meritorious acts.
10. They have the power to prevent the impending dangers of men, as the
mountains keep the earth from falling at the earth-quake; they support
the failing spirit of men in their calamitous circumstances, and
congratulate with them in their prosperity.
11. Their countenances are as comely as the fair face of the moon, and
they are as well wishers of men, as their loving consorts; their fame
fills the world as flowers of spring in order to produce the fruits of
general good.
12. Holy men are as the vernal season, and their voice as the notes of
_kokilas_, delighting all mankind; and their minds are as profound
oceans, undisturbed by the turbulent waves and eddies of passions and
thoughts of other people.
13. They pacify the troubled minds of others, by their wise counsels, as
the cold weather calms the turbulent waters and seas, and puts to rest
their boisterous waves.
14. They resemble the robust rocks on the sea-shore, withstanding the
force of the dashing surges of worldly troubles and afflictions; which
overwhelm and bewilder the minds of mankind.
15. These saintly men are resorted to by good people only, at the times
of their utmost danger and distress; and these and the like are the
signs, whereby these good hearted people, are distinguished from others.
16. Let the weary traveller rely for his rest in his Maker alone, in his
tiresome journey through this world; which resembles the rough sea,
filled with huge whales and dragons.
17. There is no other means for getting over this hazardous ocean,
without the company of the good, which like a stout vessel safely bears
him across. There is no reasoning required to prove it so, but it must
be so.
18. Therefore do not remain as a dull sloth in the den, to brood over
your sorrows in vain; but repair to the wise man who possesses any one
of these virtues for your redress, by leaving all other concerns.
19. Mind not his fault but respect his merit, and learn to scan the good
and bad qualities of men from thy youth with all diligence.
20. First of all and by all means improve your understanding, by the
company of the good and careful study of the sástras; and serve all good
people without minding their faults.
21. Shun the society of men (whether friends or relatives), who are
conspicuous for some great and incorrigible crime; otherwise it will
change the sweet composure of your mind, to bitterness and disquiet. (So
in Raghuvansa:—The society of wicked friend, is to be cut off as an
ulcerous limb).
22. This I know from my observation, of the righteous turning to
unrighteousness; this is the greatest of all evils (and must be feared),
when the honest turn to be dishonest.
23. This change and falling off of good men, from their moral rectitude,
have been seen in many places and at different times; wherefore it is
necessary to choose the company of the good only, for one’s safety in
this and salvation in the next world.
24. Therefore no one should live afar from the society of the good and
great; who are ever to be regarded with respect and esteem; because the
company of the good though slightly courted, is sure to purify the
newcomer with the flying fragrance of their virtues.