One who does not care for you is your enemy.

One who does not care for you is your enemy. If there is a danger of death or destruction in securing an object then safety lies in avoiding it. Weaknesses and shortcomings are not the things to talk about. Opportunities do not repeat themselves. Sometimes, very wise and learned persons fail to achieve the object they were aiming at and foolish and uneducated people attain their purposes.

Postpone evil deeds as long as possible because you can commit them whenever you so desire (then why hurry in committing them). To cut connections with ignorant people is itself like forming connections with wise persons. Whoever trusts this world is betrayed by it and whoever gives it importance is disgraced by it. Every arrow of yours will not hit the bull’s eye. When status changes, your conditions also change.

Before ascertaining the conditions of a route, find out what kinds of persons will accompany you on the journey. Instead of enquiring about the condition of the home in which you are going to stay, first of all, try to find out what kind of people your neighbours are. Do not introduce ridiculous topics in your talk even if you have to repeat the sayings of others. Do not seek the advice of women, their verdicts are often immature and incorrect and their determinations are not firm.

You must guard and defend them and act as a shelter to protect them from impious and injurious surroundings and infamous sights, this kind of shelter will keep them well-protected from every harm. Their contact with a vicious and sinful atmosphere (even with all the shelter that you can provide) is going to prove more harmful than being left with protection. Do not let them interfere with affairs where you cannot personally guide or protect them.

Do not let them aspire for things which are beyond their capacities. They are more like decorations to humanity and are not made to rule and govern humanity. Exhibit reasonable interest in things which they desire and give importance to them, but do not let them influence your opinions and do not let them impel you to go against your sane views.

Do not force them into marriages which they abhor or which they consider below their dignity because there is a danger of thus converting honourable and virtuous women into shameless and dishonourable beings. Divide and distribute work among your servants so that you can hold each one responsible for the work entrusted to them.