Good counsel and good company give rise to wisdom—some acquire it in youth, others only in later years. If wisdom does not come early, great disasters may follow. Just as a fire in the forest blazes uncontrollably, or a mighty wind, once it rises, sweeps away trees and buildings in its path, so too, if folly takes root in childhood, the vigor of youth makes it all the more dangerous. Examples of this abound everywhere. Yet, it is also seen that some people, after spending years in folly and vice, suddenly become pious in their later days. The root of such transformation is always good advice or good company. Sometimes, by chance, or due to some incident, or even a single word, a person may suddenly awaken—such transformations are rare indeed.

Motilal, returning from Jessore disappointed, said to his companions, “There is no wealth in my fate, and it is useless to seek it further. Now, let me travel for a while in the northwestern regions—will any of you come with me?” When Lakshmi smiles, companions flock unbidden—when there is money in hand, one need not even call, many come of their own accord. But in times of want, it is hard to find a companion. Those who stayed with Motilal did so for the sake of pleasure, amusement, and money—they showed affection, but in truth, they had not a drop of genuine love for him. When they saw that his fortunes had dried up, debts surrounded him on all sides, and even daily meals were a struggle, let alone the life of a gentleman, they thought, “What is the use of keeping up this friendship now? Better to slip away.” Motilal asked them such questions and saw that none gave any answer. All swallowed hard, hemmed and hawed, made various excuses, and cited other obligations. Disgusted by their behavior, Motilal said, “It is in adversity that one knows a true friend. After all this time, I have come to know you. Well, then, you may all go to your own homes; I shall travel the country alone.” The companions replied, “Boro Babu! Don’t be angry—why don’t you go ahead, and we’ll settle our own affairs and join you later.” At their words, Motilal no longer... Ignoring his ears, he set out on foot, and as a guest in strange places, begging for alms, after three months he finally arrived at Benares. In this state of adversity, left to his own solitary thoughts, his mind began to wander in many directions. He saw temples, ghats, and mansions built at great expense now falling into ruin—ancient, once-mighty trees with many spreading branches, now withered and decaying. He observed that rivers, mountains, and caves do not remain unchanged forever—inevitably, with time, all things alter and decay; everything is transient, everything is hollow. Mankind too is beset by disease, old age, separation, grief, and countless sorrows; pride, envy, pleasure, and enjoyment in this world are all as fleeting as bubbles on water.

Reflecting