Nothing in this world is as pure and sublime as absolute knowledge. The ripe fruit of all yogas, whoever possesses it finds joy within themselves at the right time. The man of faith, steeped in absolute knowledge and master of his senses, soon experiences the highest spiritual peace.

But the ignorant and unbelievers, who doubt the sacred writings, cannot become conscious of God. For the doubter, there is no happiness either in this life in this world or in the next.

He whose spiritual knowledge has uprooted his doubts, and who, having renounced the fruits of his actions, has firmly established himself in the awareness of his true self, remains free from the shackles of action. You must, armed with the sword of knowledge, cut through the doubts that ignorance has planted in your heart.

The purpose of the various forms of austerity, penance, and charity.

Using true language directed toward the good of all, but also avoiding hurtful words, as well as assiduously reciting the scriptures (the revealed holy scriptures), such are the austerities of the word.

Serenity, simplicity, gravity, self-control, and purity of thought, such are the austerities of the mind.

Practiced with faith by men whose goal is not to obtain some material blessing for themselves, but to satisfy the Supreme, the triple union of these austerities stems from virtue.

As for ostentatious penances, which seek the respect, honor, and veneration of men, they are said to belong to passion. They are merely unstable and ephemeral.

Finally, penances and austerities performed out of foolishness, and involving stubborn torture, or undergone with the intention of injuring or destroying (as do those who use instruments with which they torture themselves and pierce their skin or cheeks), are said to spring from ignorance.

Charity dictated by duty, performed without expecting anything in return, in the right conditions of time and place, and to one who is worthy of it (such as wise scholars who have no income), this charity is said to be performed under the sign of virtue.

But charity inspired by the hope of reward, or the desire for material fruit, or even performed reluctantly, is said to belong to passion.

Finally, charity that is performed neither at the right time nor in the right place, nor to people who are worthy of it, or that is exercised in a disrespectful and contemptuous manner, is said to spring from ignorance.