Chapter (অধ্যায়): BHARTRIHARI'S VERSES ON RENUNCIATION PAGE-309Page: 309 of 548
Even when the only food is gained by begging,
and that is tasteless;
One's bed, the dry earth;
One's whole family, his own body;
His only clothing, a ragged bit of cloth__
Alas, alas, the desire for enjoyment does not leave a man.
(Verse 15)
Not knowing the power of flame, the insect falls into it.
The fish swallows the bait, not knowing the hook inside.
That, well aware of the vanity and dangers of the world,
We cannot give it up__
Such is the power of Delusion.
(Verse 18)
Have such places in the Himalayas become extinct
That a man should go begging at others' doors?
Have the roots in the mountain forests all disappeared?
Are the springs all dry?
Are the trees all withered that bear sweet fruits
And bark for garments
That a man should look with fear on the face of a fool, Whose head is turned by a little wealth?
(Lit., "Whose eyebrows are dancing with the wind of the pride of a little wealth".)
(Verses 24‑25)
Arise! Let us go into the forest
Where pure roots and fruits will be our food,
Pure water our only drink,
Pure leaves our bed,
And where the little‑minded, the thoughtless,
And those whose hearts are cramped with wealth
Do not exist.