Suppl. 40 versed, V. 3, 4

[Guest guest]

If association with Sages is obtained,

to what purpose are the various methods of

self-discipline?

Tell me, of what use is a fan when the cool,

gentle, south wind is blowing?

 

The heat of mental and bodily excitement is

allayed by (the rays of) the moon;

want and misery are removed by the kalpaka tree,

sins are washed away by the sacred waters of the Ganges.

All these afflictions are altogether banished by the

mere darshan of the peerless Sage.

 

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transl. by Osborne

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When one has learned to love the company

of sages, wherefore all these rules of discipline?

When a pleasant, cool southern breeze is blowing,

what need is there for a fan?

 

Fever is overcome by the cool light of the Moon;

Want by the good Wish-yielding Tree;

and Sin by the Holy Ganges.

Those three - Fever and Want and Sin -

all flee at the august sight of the peerless Sage.

 

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transl. by Swaminathan

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