Page:The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás.djvu/424

364 Mines of virtue, free from the troubles of the world and with all their doubts solved; who, rather than abandon my lotus feet, account neither life nor home precious;

Who are abashed, when they hear themselves praised, and exceedingly glad to hear the praises of others; who are always equable and calm, consistent in virtuous practice, honest and kindly disposed to all men; distinguished for prayer, penance, religious observances, temperance, self-denial, and performance of pious vows; for devotion to their guru, to Gobinda and to Bráhmans; for faith, forbearance, charitableness and compassion; for a rapturous love of my feet, a superiority to all material delusions, an absolute composure, discrimination, humility and knowledge, and for doctrine in strict accordance with the Vedas and Puránas; who never display ostentation, arrogance, or pride, nor ever by any chance set their foot on the way of wickedness; who are always either hearing or singing my acts and have no selfish object, but are devoted to the good of others; in short, reverend Sir, the characteristics of the saints are so numerous that not even Sáradá or the scriptures could tell them all.

Not Sáradá nor Sheshnág could tell them." Hearing this, Nárad clasped his lotus feet, crying, "Thus the friend of the suppliant, the all-merciful, has with his own mouth declared the characteristics of his worshippers." After again and again bowing his head at his feet, Nárad returned to the city of Brahma Blessed, says Tulsi Dás, are all they who abandon other hope and attach themselves to Hari.

People who hear or recite the sanctifying praises of Rávan's foe, even without asceticism, prayer and meditation, are rewarded with steadfast faith in Ráma. Woman is like the flame of a candle, let not your soul be as the moth, but discard love and intoxication, worship Ráma and hold communion with the saints.

[Thus endeth the Book entitled "," composed by Tulsi Dás for the bestowal of pure wisdom and continence; being the third descent into 'the holy lake of Ráma's deeds,' that cleanses from every defilement of the world.]