Hearing the talk of people, one should not say, 'this is a good action,' nor 'this is a bad action.' For there is an objection (to either answer). (17)

He should not say that it is meritorious, because he ought to save those beings, whether they move or not, which are killed there for the sake of making a gift. (18)

Nor should he say that it is not meritorious, because he would then prevent those for whose sake the food and drink in question is prepared, to get their due. (19)

Those who praise the gift, are accessory to the killing of beings; those who forbid it, deprive (others) of the means of subsistence. (20)

Those, however, who give neither answer, viz.

that it is meritorious, or is not so, do not expose themselves to guilt, and will reach Beatitude . (21)

Knowing that Beatitude is the best thing as the moon is among the stars, a sage always restrained and subduing his senses brings about Beatitude. (22)

A pious man shows an island to the beings which are carried away (by the flood of the Samsara) and suffer for their deeds. This place of safety has been proclaimed (by the Tirthakaras). (23)

He who guards his soul, subdues his senses, puts a stop to the current (of the Samsara), and is free from Asravas , is (entitled to) expound the pure, complete, unparalleled Law. (24)

Those who do not know this (Law), are not awakened, though they fancy themselves awakened; believing themselves awakened, they are beyond the boundary of right faith . (25)

Eating seeds and drinking cold water and what

has been especially prepared for them, they enter upon meditation , but are ignorant of the truth, and do not possess carefulness. (26)

As dhankas, herons, ospreys, cormorants, and pheasants meditate upon capturing fish, (which is) a sinful and very low meditation, so some heretical, unworthy Sramanas contemplate the pursuit of pleasures; (they are) sinful and very low like herons. (27, 28)

Here some weak-minded persons, abusing the pure path, enter upon a wrong path. They thereby will go to misery and destruction. (29)

As a blind-born man getting into a leaky boat wants to reach the shore, but is drowned during the passage ; so some unworthy, heretical Sramanas, having got into the full current (of the Samsara), will incur great danger. (30, 31)

But knowing this Law which has been proclaimed by the Kasyapa, (a monk) crosses the dreadful current (of the Samsara), and wanders about intent on the benefit of his soul. (32)

Indifferent to worldly objects, a man should wander about treating all creatures in the world so as he himself would be treated. (33)

A wise man knowing (and renouncing) excessive pride and deceit, (in short) giving up all (causes of worldly existence), brings about his Liberation . (34)