41. Call to your mind the instances of many a monarch, of ordinary men and of base and mean huntsmen also, that have been honoured in all ages and countries, for their observance of an unimpressed equality in all states and circumstances of their lives.
42. All intelligent men strictly observed the rule, of preserving their equanimity in their course through life; whether it be for the achievement of their acts for this life or the next, as also for the success of their understandings of every kind.
43. They neither long for longevity nor desire their death in difficulties; but live as long as they have to live, and act as they are called to act, without any grudge or murmur.
44. It is the business of the wiseman, to conduct himself in the career of his life, with a contented mind and placid countenance, both in his favourable and unfavourable circumstances, as well as in the happiness or misery of himself or others.
CHAPTER CLXXXXIX.
State of Living liberated Man.
Argument:—The liberated man neither gains nor loses anything, by his observance or neglect of the acts of life; and yet he is enjoined to act in conformity with the prescribed rules of conduct of his society and country.
Ráma said:—Tell me sir, why the wise and liberated man is not freed from his subjection to the prescribed rules of conduct, when his soul is beatified with the spiritual light, and his mind is emancipated from all earthly cares.
2. Vasishtha replied:—The observance and avoidance of all ritual and pious acts, are equal and of no avail to the truly enlightened man; who is indifferent to aught of good or evil to his life (i.e. who is neither solicitous to have anything desirable or leave what is unfavourable to him into the world).
3. There is nothing whatever in this frail world, which may be desirable to the man of right understanding, not aught of positive evil, which deserves the avoidance and abhorrence of the wise man.
4. The wise man derives no positive nor permanent good, by his doing of any act prescribed by custom or usage; nor does he lose anything by his neglect of them; wherefore it is best for him to stand in the middle course, and according to the common rules of society and his country.