Letter No. 4

To,  Kshirod Chandra Bhattacharya:

     Confine your mind in a strong barrier. Water’s nature is to run down. It can never remain still except in a pitcher. In a like manner, mind will flow out unless confined within a strong barrier. The two receptacles to receive the flow of the mind are woman and gold. The former is more powerful than the latter. Therefore to keep mind still, it is necessary to avoid the proximity of women. Water in a well sunk close to the bank of a big river, rises and falls with the river itself. ?The river finally draws all the water and dries up the well. Therefore it is necessary to stay at a respectable distance from river-like women. But when you have succeeded in encasing your mind in a strong cover, you may remain in that river without getting affected. If a pitcher filled with water is kept immersed in a river, it will always remain full and its water is not affected by the rise and fall of water in the river.

     To be able to play with a snake, one must learn the secret of taming it, otherwise he is sure to lose his life. To be a king, first learn to be humble. Connoisseurs have said, “Do not get into the waters of river-like women for a bath.” Rush not blindly to take a plunge into the bottomless ocean-like women. He is truly clever who can live peacefully in this vale of tears. To live sadly in a place full of woes, does not mark the brave man. To pass as a drunkard among inebriates or as a thief amongst thieves is not a strange feat. He is truly brave and admirable who can hold his own against the opposing forces of his surroundings. To pass joyfully in a place full of misery, is a clever attainment.

Regard your wife as a helpmate and do not be deluded by taking her as a plaything. Ramachandra performed Rajasuya Yagna by keeping the golden image of Sita. The pleasure of making the wife’s image, the treasure of heart and contemplating on it from a distance is real enjoyment. It is not possible at close quarters. Near at hand, it is called Maya (snare); at a distance, it is called ardent love and affection

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