Verses 700–709

700. Consider that thy mother and father are thy first instructors; Parvati and Siva are the greatest of teachers. It is a shame to call those teachers who are hired.

701. Whatever orpiment may be, there is not the least tin in it, though the three (powder, tin and lead) be found, it is not attached to them; but in the flaming fire is tin produced.

702. He smiles, he reads, he sings, whatever he do he is not pained, but pleased with all and at one time will forget all. He is young, he becomes old. Consider who this is.

703. If the water exudes and stands, mud is produced; but when thick rain pours, it will not remain. Reveal not this path but know it well (thus does sloth reduce men to sensuality).

704. The water shows the might of a ship; the plain shows the power of a car; but the power of a woman is seen wherever she be.

705. Who am I to think in any mind or who am I to be without meditation; alas the deity appears to man, and conceals itself.

706. The great family being thus extensive, is it a wise practice to think so much of the tribes of the various rishis? Can a monkey of the woods govern the world?

707. He who desires not milk, water, ghee, boiled rice, women--this is steadfast soul. He shall not fail in a single point nor walk in another path.

708. The swan knows water from milk, but how should the peacock know it. Then can a brute beast know God?

709. He will bestow on the vile and the jesters; he will give it for a pariar, skin, the son of a pariar; or to the drab of a fair, he bestows not on the excellent.