senses). On the other hand, man should always exert, by
righteous acts for his gradual advancement.[1507] Among the six different
colours that Jiva attains at different periods of his existence, he who
falls away from a superior colour deserves obloquy and censure. Hence,
one that has attained to the result of good acts should conduct oneself
in such a way as to avoid all acts stained by the quality of Rajas.[1508]
Man attains to a superior colour by righteous acts. Unable to acquire a
superior hue, for such acquisition is extremely difficult, a person, by
doing sinful acts only slays himself (by sinking into hell and falling
down into an inferior colour). All sinful acts that are committed
unconsciously or in ignorance are destroyed by penances. A sinful act,
however, that is committed knowingly, produces much sorrow. Hence, one
should never commit sinful acts which have for their fruit only sorrow.
The man of intelligence would never do an act that is sinful in character
even if it leads to the greatest advantage, just as a person that is pure
would never touch a Chandala.[1509] How miserable is the fruit I see of
sinful acts! Through sin the very vision of the sinner becomes perverse,
and he confounds his body and its unstable accompaniments with the
Soul.[1510] That foolish man who does not succeed in betaking himself to
Renunciation in this world becomes afflicted with great grief when he
departs to the next world.[1511] An uncoloured cloth, when dirty, can be
cleaned, but not a piece of cloth that is dyed with black; even so, O
king, listen to me with care, is it the case with sin. That man who,
having knowingly committed sin, acts righteously for expiating that sin,
has to enjoy and endure the fruits of his good and bad acts
separately.[1512] The utterers of Brahma maintain, under the authority of
what has been laid down in the Vedas, that all acts of injury committed
in ignorance are cancelled by acts of righteousness. A sin, however, that
is committed consciously is never cancelled by righteousness. Thus say
the regenerate utterers of Brahma who are conversant with the scriptures
of Brahmana. As regards myself, my view is that whatever acts are done,
be they righteous or sinful, be they done knowingly or otherwise, remain
(and are never destroyed unless their fruits are enjoyed or
endured).[1513] Whatever acts are done by the mind with full
deliberation, produce, according to their grossness or subtility, fruits