Verses 550–559

550. Manifest in the world was Guntupally Muttadu gifted with noble virtues. By means of bestowing food and through worship of God, was he absorbed in the Deity.

551. Behold the unrighteous who in the severest famine give the mere leavings of food to others; these shall be born again as dogs that lick defiled leaf-platters.

552. Strange is that a man will embezzle the donations made either by himself or by others. It is like selling a wife and buy a slut instead. (A substitution of crime for virtue.)

553. The sinner that interferes with the charities established by himself or others, he shall for many years be repeatedly born in the earth as a worm and suffer misery,

554. Say not he is there or here. Vishnu dwells through all places shining in splendour. Behind him does the serpent follow the course of his chacra.

555. He has given some creatures feathers as a covering, tails to others, clothes to some, and leaves to others. Thus has God provided for all,

556. He who investigates in water the element (of fire) and ascertains it with delight in his mind--this man is like water of elemental nature. (awfully difficult)

557. A wife unapproved, who does not love you, a friend who desires you not, he hateth not these--he is a silly swain.

558. The state in which it is not disunited from the soul is agreeable to the body. But the state of separation is best for the soul. Therefore if thou obtain such a state thou shall enjoy its fruits.

559. Behold the world is bound with the seven cords of passions. Strange! with the sword of knowledge let us strive to sever them.