1.3.5 The Absence of Fraud
281 Who seeks heaven’s joys, from impious levity secure, Let him from every fraud preserve his spirit pure. Let him, who desires not to be despised, keep his mind from (the desire of) defrauding another of the smallest thing.
282 ‘Tis sin if in the mind man but thought conceive; ‘By fraud I will my neighbour of his wealth bereave.’ Even the thought (of sin) is sin; think not then of crafiily stealing the property of another.
283 The gain that comes by fraud, although it seems to grow With limitless increase, to ruin swift shall go. The property, which is acquired by fraud, will entirely perish, even while it seems to increase.
284 The lust inveterate of fraudful gain, Yields as its fruit undying pain. The eager desire of defrauding others will, when it brings forth its fruit, produce undying sorrow.
285 ‘Grace’ is not in their thoughts, nor know they kind affection’s power, Who neighbour’s goods desire, and watch for his unguarded hour. The study of kindness and the exercise of benevolence is not with those who watch for another’s forgetfulness, though desire of his property.
286 They cannot walk restrained in wisdom’s measured bound, In whom inveterate lust of fraudful gain is found. They cannot walk steadfastly, according to rule, who eagerly desire to defraud others. 36
287 Practice of fraud’s dark cunning arts they shun, Who long for power by ‘measured wisdom’ won. That black-knowledge which is called fraud, is not in those who desire that greatness which is called rectitude.
288 As virtue dwells in heart that ‘measured wisdom’ gains; Deceit in hearts of fraudful men established reigns. Deceit dwells in the mind of those who are conversant with fraud, even as virtue in the minds of those who are conversant with rectitude.
289 Who have no lore save that which fraudful arts supply, Acts of unmeasured vice committing straightway die. Those, who are acquainted with nothing but fraud, will perish in the very commission of transgression.
290 The fraudful forfeit life and being here below; Who fraud eschew the bliss of heavenly beings know. Even their body will fail the fraudulent; but even the world of the gods will not fail those who are free from fraud.
1.3.6 Veracity
291 You ask, in lips of men what ‘truth’ may be; ‘Tis speech from every taint of evil free. Truth is the speaking of such words as are free from the least degree of evil (to others).
292 Falsehood may take the place of truthful word, If blessing, free from fault, it can afford. Even falsehood has the nature of truth, if it confer a benefit that is free from fault.
293 Speak not a word which false thy own heart knows Self-kindled fire within the false one’s spirit glows. Let not a man knowingly tell a lie; for after he has told the lie, his mind will burn him (with the memory of his guilt).
294 True to his inmost soul who lives,- enshrined He lives in souls of all mankind. He who, in his conduct, preserves a mind free from deceit, will dwell in the minds of all men.
295 Greater is he who speaks the truth with full consenting mind. Than men whose lives have penitence and charity combined. 3 7 He, who speaks truth with all his heart, is superior to those who make gifts and practise austerities.
296 No praise like that of words from falsehood free; This every virtue yields spontaneously. There is no praise like the praise of never uttering a falsehood: without causing any suffering, it will lead to every virtue.
297 If all your life be utter truth, the truth alone, ‘Tis well, though other virtuous acts be left undone. If a man has the power to abstain from falsehood, it will be well with him, even though he practise no other virtue.
298 Outward purity the water will bestow; Inward purity from truth alone will flow. Purity of body is produced by water and purity of mind by truthfulness.
299 Every lamp is not a lamp in wise men’s sight; That’s the lamp with truth’s pure radiance bright. All lamps of nature are not lamps; the lamp of truth is the lamp of the wise.
300 Of all good things we’ve scanned with studious care, There’s nought that can with truthfulness compare. Amidst all that we have seen (described) as real (excellence), there is nothing so good as truthfulness.