15. It is by the iron rod of patience and gravity, by the muttering of mantras, and by holy ablutions and austerities, as also by the trident of the triliteral Om, that these thunderbolts are averted.
16. In this manner the seed of meditation also, being carefully preserved from neglect, sprouts forth in the germ of discrimination (viveka) with its handsome and thriving appearance.
17. The ground of the mind shines brightly, with this brilliant germ; and it gladdens the hearts of men in veneration to it, as the smiling moon-beams illume the sky.
18. This germ shoots forth in a couple of leaves, which grow out of themselves upon it; one of them is the knowledge of sástras, and the other is the society of the good and wise. (i.e. Divine knowledge is to be gained from the study of scriptures, and attendance to the lectures of learned men).
19. Let your fixedness support the stem and height of this tree, and make your patience its covering bark; and cause your unconcernedness with the world, supply it with the moisture of indifference.
20. The tree of godliness being nourished with the moisture of unworldliness, and watered by the rain water of sástras, attains its full height in course of a short time.
21. Being thickened by the pith of divine knowledge, and marrow of good society, and the moisture of indifference, this tree attains a fixity, which is not to be shaken by the apes of passions and affections.
22. And then this tree shoots forth in luxuriant branches of wisdom, which stretches far and wide with their fresh verdure and virescent leaves, distilling their juicy sweets all around.
23. These are the branches of frankness and truth, of constancy and firmness, of equanimity and unchangeableness, of calmness and amicableness, and of kindness, self-respect and renown.
24. These branches are again adorned with the leaves of peace and tranquility, and studded with flowers of good repute and fame; wherewith this tree of godliness becomes the párijáta (or the arbour of paradise or Parnassus) to the hermits of the forests.