Sri Aurobindo
Translations
CWSA.- Volume 5
Part One. Translations from Sanskrit
Section Four.
Bhartrihari. The Century of Life
On Wisdom
All varying Scriptures that the earth divide,
Have yet one common rule that need o’erride
Dogma nor rite, nor any creed offend;
All to their heavens by one sole path intend.
’Tis this: – Abstain from slaughter; others’ wealth
To covet cease, and in thy speech no stealth
Of falsehood harbour; give in season due
According to thy power; from ribald view
Or word keep far of woman, wife or maid;
Be mild obedience to thy elders paid;
Dam longing like a river; each act beneath
Show mercy and kindness to all things that breathe.