ach? Those, however, that are
conversant with the Soul and that which is not-Soul never fear
calamities. The person of wisdom, naturally standing immovable like
Himavat, never gives way to wrath; never suffers himself to be attached
to the objects of the senses; never languishes in sorrow or rejoices in
happiness. When overwhelmed with even great afflictions, such a person
never gives way to grief. That person is a very superior one whom even
great success cannot gladden and even dire calamities cannot afflict, and
who bears pleasure and pain, and that which is between them both, with an
unmoved heart. Into whatever condition a person may fall, he should
summon cheerfulness without yielding to sorrow. Indeed, even thus should
one drive off from one's self one's swelling grief that is born in one's
mind and that is (if not dispelled) sure to give pain. That assembly of
learned persons engaged in the discussion of duties based upon both the
Srutis and the Smritis is not a good assembly,--indeed, that does not
deserve to be called by the name of assembly,--entering which a wicked
man does not become penetrated with fear (born of his wicked deeds). That
man is the foremost of his species who having dived into and enquired
after righteousness succeeds in acting according to the conclusions to
which he arrives.[853] The acts of a wise man are not easily
comprehensible. He that is wise, is never stupefied when afflictions come
upon him. Even if he falls away from his position like Gautama in his old
age, in consequence of the direct calamity, he does not suffer himself to
be stupefied.[854] By any of these, viz., mantras, strength, energy,
wisdom, prowess, behaviour, conduct, or the affluence of wealth, can a
person acquire that which has not been ordained to be acquired by him?
What sorrow then is there for the non-acquisition of that upon which one
has set one's heart? Before I was born, they that have the matter in
their hands had ordained what I am to do and suffer. I am fulfilling what
was thus ordained for me. What then can death do to me? One obtains only
that which has been ordained to be obtained. One goes thither whither it
was ordained that one is to go. Those sorrows and joys are obtained that
are ordained to be obtained. That man who knowing this fully, does not
suffer himself to be stupefied, and who is contented under both happiness
and sorrow, is regarded as the foremost of his species.'"'"

SECTION CCXXVII