Couplet 261
To bear due penitential pains, while no offence
He causes others, is the type of 'penitence'
Explanation
The nature of religious discipline consists, in the endurance (by the ascetic) of the sufferings which it brings on himself, and in abstaining from giving pain to others
Couplet 262
To 'penitents' sincere avails their 'penitence';
Where that is not, 'tis but a vain pretence
Explanation
Austerities can only be borne, and their benefits enjoyed, by those who have practised them (in a former birth); it will be useless for those who have not done so, to attempt to practise them (now)
Couplet 263
Have other men forgotten 'penitence' who strive
To earn for penitents the things by which they live
Explanation
It is to provide food etc, for the ascetics who have abandoned (the desire of earthly possessions) that other persons have forgotten (to practise) austerity ?
Couplet 264
Destruction to his foes, to friends increase of joy
The 'penitent' can cause, if this his thoughts employ
Explanation
If (the ascetic) desire the destruction of his enemies, or the aggrandizement of his friends, it will be effected by (the power of) his austerities
Couplet 265
That what they wish may, as they wish, be won,
By men on earth are works of painful 'penance' done
Explanation
Religious discipline is practised in this world, because it secures the attainment of whatever one may wish to enjoy (in the world to come)
Couplet 266
Who works of 'penance' do, their end attain,
Others in passion's net enshared, toil but in vain
Explanation
Those discharge their duty who perform austerities; all others accomplish their own destruction, through the entanglement of the desire (of riches and sensual pleasure)
Couplet 267
The hotter glows the fining fire, the gold the brighter shines;
The pain of penitence, like fire, the soul of man refines
Explanation
Just as gold is purified as heated in the fire, will those shine, who have endured the burning of pain (in frequent austerities)
Couplet 268
Who gains himself in utter self-control,
Him worships every other living soul
Explanation
All other creatures will worship him who has attained the control of his own soul
Couplet 269
E'en over death the victory he may gain,
If power by penance won his soul obtain
Explanation
Those who have attained the power which religious discipline confers, will be able also to pass the limit of Yama, (the God of death)
Couplet 270
The many all things lack! The cause is plain,
The 'penitents' are few The many shun such pain
Explanation
Because there are few who practise austerity and many who do not, there are many destitute and few rich in this world
