A Compendium of Sacred Narratives and Wise Sayings

First, the departure to the forest for penance; then, the slaying of the golden deer; the abduction of Vaidehi Another name for Sita, meaning "Princess of Videha."; the death of the bird-king Jatayu; the conversation with the monkey-king Sugriva; the subduing of Vali; the crossing of the great ocean; the burning of the city of Lanka; and finally, the death of the demons Ravana and Kumbhakarna—this, indeed, is the Ramayana in brief. 1

The people of Kanyakubja, Kamarupa, Gauda, Utkala, and Maithila—these five are the Pancha-Gauda The five northern classifications of Brahmins based on geography: modern-day Kannauj, Assam, Bengal, Odisha, and Mithila/Bihar. who reside to the north of the Vindhya mountains. 2

The Dravida The southern classification. scholars are the Dravidas, the Karnatakas, the Andhras?, the Maharashtrians, and the Gurjaras; these five are known as the Pancha-Dravida. 3

These are to be counted... [ritual instructions follow] ...Salutation to the Lord, salutation to the Fire. ॐ The sacred syllable Om. Agni is the deity. The nectar [is divided into] 1 part; 3 parts for Soma and Rudra; 4 for the Ancestors; 5 for the Lord of Progeny; 6 for the Wind; 7 for the Sun; 8... [this section describes the division of ritual offerings].

Salutations to Hari A name for Vishnu., salutations to the Beautiful One, salutations to the Supreme Lord. Salutations to the Supreme Spirit, the presiding deity of the sacred thread ceremony. In the presence of the Tiger [deity/power], the Rama-mantra for success... according to the law.

One should keep hidden [the following]: family flaws, matters of intimacy, the intake of medicine, and the words of a disturbed? person. Even if climbing a mountain peak or in a temple, in a village or by a pond, if wind or speech escapes, it is heard. A counsel known to six ears is shattered; a counsel known to four ears remains stable; but a counsel known only to two ears, even Brahma The Creator deity. cannot discover its end. 4

O Lord of the Earth, even a very small task should be deliberated upon; even Brihaspati The preceptor of the gods and the master of wisdom. would speak his words in the midst of an assembly. 4

Through physical appearance, gestures, gait, movement, speech, and changes in the eyes or face, the hidden thoughts of the mind are revealed. 1

For a heartless man, I will honor all people with respect; yet one should not converse with a person who is angry without a cause. When a wife is young and beautiful, but without desire...

5

...The mother and father should be sought for protection. One should not [waste] the remainder of one's wealth. 1

Giving, receiving, telling secrets, asking secrets, eating together, and offering food—these are the six signs of affection. 1

The Mother, the Motherland, the River Ganges, and the Lord Janardana A name for Krishna/Vishnu, meaning "He who moves the masses."; the letter 'Ja' is rare when these five are combined. 1 original: "Janani janmabhumishcha jahnavi cha janardanah... pancha durlabhah." This verse praises five things starting with the Sanskrit letter 'J' that are precious and difficult to obtain.

The wise praise the mixture of milk and water [for the swan's ability to separate them]. One should leave behind those who cannot distinguish between the two. 1

Physical beauty, character, lineage, wealth, penance, and knowledge—wherever these exist, there the person is truly born. 1

The wise should not give a daughter in marriage to those who live far away, those who are without knowledge, those who are already married to young women, or those who are destitute. 1

Giving offerings to the ancestors at Gaya, or casting the bones of the deceased into the Ganges—these are considered equal for the purpose of purification by the sages. 1

Between horses, elephants, and iron; between wood, stone, and cloth; and between women, men, and water—there is a vast difference [in quality]. 1

The king takes everything according to his passion...