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Causes of one’s downfall

The wicked are dear to him, with the virtuous he finds no delight, he prefers the creed of the wicked — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

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Being fond of sleep, fond of company, indolent, lazy and irritable — this is the cause of one’s downfall.

Though being well-to-do, not to support father and mother who are old and past their youth — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

To deceive by falsehood a Brahmin or ascetic or any other mendicant — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

To have much wealth and ample gold and food, but to enjoy one’s luxuries alone — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

To be proud of birth, of wealth or clan, and to despise one’s own kinsmen — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

To be a rake, a drunkard, a gambler, and to squander all one earns — this is a cause of one’s downfall.
 
Not to be contented with one’s own wife, and to be seen with harlots and the wives of others — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

Being past one’s youth, to take a young wife and to be unable to sleep for jealousy of her — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

To place in authority a woman given to drink and squandering, or a man of a like behavior — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

To be of noble birth, with vast ambition and of slender means, and to crave for ruler ship — this is a cause of one’s downfall.

Knowing well these causes of downfall in the world, the noble sage endowed with insight shares a happy realm.

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