A jewel is not found in every mountain, a pearl is not found on the head of every elephant, good people are not found everywhere, sandalwood is not found in every forest.

The wise always teach their sons various skills, for a son who is versed in strategy and is also skilled, then he makes his family worshipable.

That mother is an enemy and that father is a foe, who do not educate their children; for in the midst of a public assembly, uneducated children are a sore sight, just like cranes in the midst of swans.

Over-indulgence has many faults, punishment has many virtues; therefore, a son and a pupil should be punished and not over-indulged.

A verse, or its half, or its half’s half, or just a letter, should be studied; for without charity, without study, without virtuous action, a day should not pass.

Sorrow of separation from one’s beloved, dishonour from one’s own people, exhaustion of money taken as a loan, serving a wicked person, and friends becoming two-faced in one’s poverty; these five without fire burn the body.

Trees on the banks of a river, a lustful woman in another man’s house, and a king without strategists, are swiftly destroyed, without doubt.

The strength of a Brahmin is his knowledge, the Kshatriya ruler’s strength is his army, the strength of a Vaishya is his wealth, a Shudra’s strength is his service.

A poor man is left by a prostitute; the subjects leave a weak king; a bird leaves a fruitless tree; after meals, the guests leave the house.