Austerity constitutes the strength of ascetics; the Vedas are the strength of those acquainted with them; violence is the strength of the wicked; and forgiveness is the strength of the virtuous. These eight — namely water, roots, fruits, milk, clarified butter offered at the wish of a brahmin, at the command of a guru, and medicines — do not break a vow. What is contrary to oneself should never be done to another. In brief, even this is virtue; other kinds of virtue exist, but they arise from caprice. Anger must be conquered by forgiveness; the wicked must be conquered by honesty; the miser must be conquered by generosity, and falsehood must be conquered by truth. One should not place trust in a woman, a rogue, an idle man, a coward, a fierce man who boasts of his strength, a thief, an ungrateful man, or an atheist. Achievement, length of life, fame, and power — these four always increase in one who respectfully salutes his elders and constantly serves the aged.