Virtue

Poem : 261

To bear due penitential pains, while no offence
He causes others, is the type of 'penitence'.

Explanation :
The nature of religious discipline consists, in the endurance (by the ascetic) of the sufferings which it brings on himself, and in abstaining from giving pain to others.

Poem : 262

To 'penitents' sincere avails their 'penitence';
Where that is not, 'tis but a vain pretence.

Explanation :
Austerities can only be borne, and their benefits enjoyed, by those who have practised them (in a former birth); it will be useless for those who have not done so, to attempt to practise them (now).

Poem : 263

Have other men forgotten 'penitence' who strive
To earn for penitents the things by which they live?

Explanation :
It is to provide food etc, for the ascetics who have abandoned (the desire of earthly possessions) that other persons have forgotten (to practise) austerity ?

Poem : 264

Destruction to his foes, to friends increase of joy.
The 'penitent' can cause, if this his thoughts employ.

Explanation :
If (the ascetic) desire the destruction of his enemies, or the aggrandizement of his friends, it will be effected by (the power of) his austerities.

Poem : 265

That what they wish may, as they wish, be won,
By men on earth are works of painful 'penance' done.

Explanation :
Religious dislipline is practised in this world, because it secures the attainment of whatever one may wish to enjoy (in the world to come).

Poem : 266

Who works of 'penance' do, their end attain,
Others in passion's net enshared, toil but in vain.

Explanation :
Those discharge their duty who perform austerities; all others accomplish their own destruction, through the entanglement of the desire (of riches and sensual pleasure).

Poem : 267

The hotter glows the fining fire, the gold the brighter shines;
The pain of penitence, like fire, the soul of man refines.

Explanation :
Just as gold is purified as heated in the fire, will those shine, who have endured the burning of pain (in frequent austerities).

Poem : 268

Who gains himself in utter self-control,
Him worships every other living soul.

Explanation :
All other creatures will worship him who has attained the control of his own soul.

Poem : 269

E'en over death the victory he may gain,
If power by penance won his soul obtain.

Explanation :
Those who have attained the power which religious discipline confers, will be able also to pass the limit of Yama, (the God of death).

Poem : 270

The many all things lack! The cause is plain,
The 'penitents' are few. The many shun such pain.

Explanation :
Because there are few who practise austerity and many who do not, there are many destitute and few rich in this world.