A true meal is that which consists of the remnants left after a brahmana's meal. Love which is shown to others is true love, not that which is cherished for one's own self. To abstain from sin is true wisdom. That is an act of charity which is performed without ostentation.
For want of discernment the most precious jewels lie in the dust at the feet of men while bits of glass are worn on their heads. But we should not imagine that the gems have sunk in value, and the bits of glass have risen in importance. When a person of critical judgement shall appear, each will be given its right position.
Although sandalwood be cut, it does not forsake its natural quality of fragrance; so also the elephant does not give up sportiveness though he should grow old. The sugarcane does not cease to be sweet though squeezed in a mill; so the man of noble extraction does not lose his lofty qualities, no matter how pinched he is by poverty.
(lord visnu asked his spouse lakshmi why she did not care to live in the house of a brahmana, when she replied) " o lord a rishi named agastya drank up my father (the ocean) in anger; brighu muni kicked you; brahmanas pride themselves on their learning having sought the favour of my competitor sarasvati; and lastly they pluck each day the lotus which is my abode, and therewith worship lord shiva. Therefore, o lord, I fear to dwell with a brahmana and that properly.
Sastric knowledge is unlimited, and the arts to be learned are many; the time we have is short, and our opportunities to learn are beset with obstacles. Therefore select for learning that which is most important, just as the swan drinks only the milk in water.
The moon, who is the abode of nectar and the presiding deity of all medicines, although immortal like amrta and resplendent in form, loses the brilliance of his rays when he repairs to the abode of the sun (day time). Therefore will not an ordinary man be made to feel inferior by going to live at the house of another.