Wealth

Poem : 971

The light of life is mental energy; disgrace is his
Who says, 'I 'ill lead a happy life devoid of this.'

Explanation :
One's light is the abundance of one's courage; one's darkness is the desire to live destitute of such (a state of mind.)

Poem : 972

All men that live are one in circumstances of birth;
Diversities of works give each his special worth.

Explanation :
All human beings agree as regards their birth but differ as regards their characteristics, because of the different qualities of their actions.

Poem : 973

The men of lofty line, whose souls are mean, are never great
The men of lowly birth, when high of soul, are not of low estate.

Explanation :
Though (raised) above, the base cannot become great; though (brought) low, the great cannot become base.

Poem : 974

Like single-hearted women, greatness too,
Exists while to itself is true.

Explanation :
Even greatness, like a woman's chastity, belongs only to him who guards himself.

Poem : 975

The man endowed with greatness true,
Rare deeds in perfect wise will do.

Explanation :
(Though reduced) the great will be able to perform, in the proper way, deeds difficult (for others to do).

Poem : 976

'As votaries of the truly great we will ourselves enroll,'
Is thought that enters not the mind of men of little soul.

Explanation :
It is never in the nature of the base to seek the society of the great and partake of their nature.

Poem : 977

Whene'er distinction lights on some unworthy head,
Then deeds of haughty insolence are bred.

Explanation :
Even nobility of birth, wealth and learning, if in (the possession of) the base, will (only) produce everincreasing pride.

Poem : 978

Greatness humbly bends, but littleness always
Spreads out its plumes, and loads itself with praise.

Explanation :
The great will always humble himself; but the mean will exalt himself in selfadmiration.

Poem : 979

Greatness is absence of conceit; meanness, we deem,
Riding on car of vanity supreme.

Explanation :
Freedom from conceit is (the nature of true) greatness; (while) obstinacy therein is (that of) meanness.

Poem : 980

Greatness will hide a neighbour's shame;
Meanness his faults to all the world proclaim.

Explanation :
The great hide the faults of others; the base only divulge them.