CHAPTER XXII
THE DOWNWARD COURSE
He who says what is not goes to hell; he also who, having done a thing,
says I have not done it. After death both are equal: they are men with
evil deeds in the next world.
Many men whose shoulders are covered with the yellow gown are
ill-conditioned and unrestrained; such evil-doers by their evil deeds go
to hell.
Better it would be to swallow a heated iron ball, like flaring fire,
than that a bad unrestrained fellow should live on the charity of the
land.
Four things does a reckless man gain who covets his neighbor's
wife--demerit, an uncomfortable bed, thirdly, punishment, and lastly,
hell.
There is demerit, and the evil way to hell: there is the short pleasure
of the frightened in the arms of the frightened, and the king imposes
heavy punishment; therefore let no man think of his neighbor's wife.
As a grass-blade, if badly grasped, cuts the arm, badly-practised
asceticism leads to hell.
An act carelessly performed, a broken vow, and hesitating obedience to
discipline (Brahma-kariyam), all these bring no great reward.
If anything is to be done, let a man do it, let him attack it
vigorously! A careless pilgrim only scatters the dust of his passions
more widely.
An evil deed is better left undone, for a man repents of it afterwards;
a good deed is better done, for having done it, one does not repent.
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