§1üs«tra. The N iti Sdstra Kdxci is a work on ethics, comprized in on© hundred
and twenty-three stanzas, each of which contains a moral lesson i it is considered
coeval with, if not more' ancient than the Brdta Yudha, and the
Kdxoi is considered the most pure extant. The modern version of this
work has already been referred to, and translations of some of the stanzas
have been introduced. The following are taken indiscriminately, and
translated immediately from the Kami.
A man who is modèrate and cool in his desires will do good to a country.
A woman is like unto Manuhdra when her desires are moderate,
and men cannot look upon her without delight. A Pandita must act
up to his doctrines ;~although it may be in war and difficulty* still he
must act up to what he professes.
This must be the conduct of the Pandita. If attacked by a serpent, he
most not be moved by it, nor even by a lion fstiU the same, he must
be firm and unmoved, and neither the serpent nor the lion will have
power to hurt him.
As the rnrcfia flower floatstins the water, so does the heart exist in a
pure body; but let it not be forgotten, that the roM of the flower
holds to the ground, and that the heart of man depends üpón his
conduct in life. The conduct of a Pandita must he distinguishedby
mercy, charity, firmness, and prudence. His speech should he soft
and gentle, and in accordance with and like unto written instruction,
so as to moderate and calm the mind and desires of mankind. -
It is mean and low for a rich man not to dress well :• it is still more
mean and low for a man of understanding to mix with bad company.
So is it when a man attains a high age and knows not the Sdstra ;
but when a man, through the whole course öf'liis' life, does -not
reflect upon his conduct, such a man- is of no use in the world
whatever.
A man should wear that sort of apparel which in the general opinion is
considered proper, and should also eat that kind of food which is
generally approved of. If he does this, he will appear like unto a
virgin, who has just attained maturity. Let him not follow implicitly
the advice and instruction he may Receive, but lei him weigh them,
and select what is good by his own understanding.
In war, let there be no fear on any account, but let the whole thoughts
be directed to the main object of urging the warriors to the attack of
the
< ■ the foe. Moreover, let lié thoughts fee directed to what may be the
H enemy’s plans % this done, let the heart feel fire.
‘ When a man engagés another in his service, there are four points on
which,he. should satisfy himself respecting him. First, his appearance;
secondly, his conduct ; thirdly, his intelligence ; and fourthly, his
: honesty.
The most valuable property is gold ; and whoever has much of St, if he
doés not assist those who are poor and in want, is like unto a house
■f without a fence,1 and he will- soon fee deprived o f the property which
he possesses.
As the moon and the stars shed their light by night, and the sun giveth
■light by day, so should the sayings of à wise man enlighten all around
; him,.. ■ :.
Follow not the seeming wisdom of a woman’s rbsqausrse ; .for as a man is
more powerful arid better informed (than a woman, it is fitter that he
should stand on his own ground.
A wan who knows not-the customs of the country tyüdya Nagdra% is
like a man who would bind an elephant with cords made from the tdn-
jm g flower. I t is.not necessary for # e elephant to be enraged : with
thé least potion he bréaks the cords asunder.
Deprive not another of the credit which is due to him, nor lower him in
the opinion of the world ; for the sun, when he approaches near to the
ivmoonÿ.'in depriving her of her.light adds nothing fo his own lustre.
There is\nothing better in the world than a man who keeps his word .} &nd
".there is nothing worse than a man who^Swerves from his word, fosr.be
is a liar. There are five witnesses which may he stem fey every one :
Yang-andla or Brdma (fire). Séria (thé sun), Chdndra (the moon), Kdla
{.time,) Bdyu (life). And they are the great witnesses, always present
throughout the three worlds ; therefore let men recollect .never to lie..
There are three things which destroy a man’s character, and they are as
three poisons.: the first, to disgrace his family or lower himself; the
second, to take delight in bringing misfortunes and unhappiness .upon
others ; . the third, to be a hypocrite, and assume the character of a
Pandita.
Several works have been.recentiy .discoveredin Bali, called Agdma,, Adi-
gdma, Pûrwa Digâma, Sûrcha, Muschdyagdma, Kantdr.a or Sdstna Mmdttva,
Dewagdma, Maimari, Tatwa, Wiya Wasdha, Ddsta Kalabdya, Sld/can
Taragdma,