Edge of the sword.

The wise poet Sri Bhartrihari says

There is one god either Vishnu or Siva .

There is one friend either a king or a ascetic.

There is one dwelling either in town or in the country.

There is one spouse handsome or ugly!

He asks and answers

1.What is the greatest loss?

Failure to perform one's duty.

2.What is wealth?

Knowledge.

3. Where is peace found?

In truth and righteousness.

4.What is the greatest advantage?

The society of the good.

5.What is the greatest disadvantage?

The society of the wicked.

He praises action in the following manner:

Actions carried in much haste are like arrows piercing the heart.When the wise begin their action
they look carefully to the end of them ,so that they may be free from successive births.

If the sun is tired of his journey why does'nt he stand still?A good man keeps his words and is ever active taking the celestial's constant work as a example.

Finally I will wind up the Neethi satakas or wise sayings with Bhartrihari's following observation on the character of the good.

Private generosity, ungrudging hospitality to strangers, abstinence from speaking in public about one's good deeds, openly proclaiming the benefits received from others, humility in prosperity and respect for one's fellow beings are the sacred doctrines taught by the good , though adherence to it may be difficult as the attempt to stand on edge of the sword!