The virtuous man is happy in this world, and he is happy in the next; he
is happy in both. He is happy when he thinks of the good he has done; he
is still more happy when going on the good path.
The thoughtless man, even if he can recite a large portion of the law,
but is not a doer of it, has no share in the priesthood, but is like a
cow-herd counting the cows of others.
The follower of the law, even if he can recite only a small portion of
the law, but, having forsaken passion and hatred and foolishness,
possesses true knowledge and serenity of mind, he, caring for nothing in
this world or that to come, has indeed a share in the priesthood.
CHAPTER II
ON EARNESTNESS
Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the
path of death. Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are
thoughtless are as if dead already.
Having understood this clearly, those who are advanced in earnestness
delight in earnestness, and rejoice in the knowledge of the elect.
These wise people, meditative, steady, always possessed of strong
powers, attain to Nirvana, the highest happiness.
If an earnest person has roused himself, if he is not forgetful, if his
deeds are pure, if he acts with consideration, if he restrains himself,
and lives according to law--then his glory will increase.
By rousing himself, by earnestness, by restraint and control, the wise
man may make for himself an island which no flood can overwhelm.
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