one's power to attain. One should not turn one's thoughts
towards objects that are non-existent. One should, on the other hand,
direct one's mind towards knowledge by such persistent efforts as are
sure to succeed.[758] With the aid of the declarations of the Srutis and
of persistent efforts calculated to bring success, that Knowledge is sure
to flow. One that is desirous of saying good words or observing a
religion that is refined of all dross, should utter only truth that is
not fraught with any malice or censure. One that is possessed of a sound
heart should utter words that are not fraught with dishonesty, that are
not harsh, that are not cruel, that are not evil, and that are not
characterised by garrulity. The universe is bound in speech. If disposed
to renunciation (of all worldly objects) then should one proclaim,[759]
which a mind fraught with humility and a cleansed understanding, one's
own evil acts.[760] He who betakes himself to action, impelled thereto by
propensities fraught with the attribute of Passion, obtains much misery
in this world and at last sinks into hell. One should, therefore,
practise self-restraint in body, speech, and mind. Ignorant persons
bearing the burdens of the world are like robbers laden with their booty
of straggling sheep (secreted from herds taken out for pasture). The
latter are always regardful of roads that are unfavourable to them (owing
to the presence of the king's watch).[761] Indeed, as robbers have to
throw away their spoil if they wish for safety, even so should a person
cast off all acts dictated by Passion and Darkness if he is to obtain
felicity. Without doubt, a person that is without desire, free from the
bonds of the world, contented to live in solitude, abstemious in diet,
devoted to penances and with senses under control, that has burnt all his
sorrows by (the acquisition of) knowledge, that takes a pleasure in
practising all the particulars of yoga discipline, and that has a
cleansed soul, succeeds, in consequence of his mind being withdrawn into
itself, in attaining to Brahma or Emancipation.[762] One endued with
patience and a cleansed soul, should, without doubt, control one's
understanding. With the understanding (thus disciplined), one should next
control one's mind, and then with the mind overpower the objects of the
senses. Upon the mind being thus brought under control and the senses
being all subdued, the senses will become luminous and gladly enter into