Chapter 66: Purity of Action

Verse 651
A man is seen surrounded by his friends, giving a silk shawl to honor a villager. Behind him children are playing and abundant wealth has been gathered in acknowledgment of his service. His wife and children are nearby. He has all that he has ever wanted in life by virtue of his good works.

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Weaver’s Wisdom

Verse 651

Good friendships bring wealth to a man,
but goodness of action fulfills his every wish.

Verse 652

Fame-garnering actions of no real benefit
should always be strictly avoided.

Verse 653

Declaring that their future will be brighter,
men must desist from deeds that darken glory’s light.

Verse 654

However troubled the times, men of imperturbable perception
never commit shameful or sordid deeds.

Verse 655

Do nothing that would make you regret, “What have I done!”
However, if regrettable deeds occur, do not remain regretful.

Verse 656

Though he must behold his own mother’s hunger,
let a man desist from deeds condemned by wise men.

Verse 657

The worst poverty of worthy men is more worthwhile
than the greatest wealth amassed by wrongful means.

Verse 658

Forbidden deeds, however well accomplished, inflict sorrow
on those who seek after rather than shun them.

Verse 659

What is gained by tears will go by tears. Even if it begins
with loss, in the end, goodness gives many good things.

Verse 660

Protecting the country with wrongly garnered wealth
is like preserving water in an unbaked clay pot.