Simhasanadvatrimshika 9.5

9.5

māte 'va rakṣati, pite 'va hite niyuṅkte,
bhārye 'va cā 'bhiramayaty apanīya khedam;
kīrtiṃ ca dikṣu vitanoti tanoti vittaṃ,
vidyā karoti nikhilaṃ khalu bandhukṛtyam. || 5 ||

knowledge performs for us all possible friendly services." After Kamalākara heard these his father's words he became filled with remorse, and said: "I will never look upon my father's face again until I have become all-learned." So saying he went to the land of Kashmir. And there he came to the teacher Candramāuli Bhaṭṭa [Bhaṭṭa is a title equivalent to our ‘Doctor’], and prostrating himself before him said: “My lord, I am a stupid fellow, who hearing your worship’s name have come to study and acquire knowledge. Have mercy on me, and bring me into the possession of knowledge, noble sir.” So saying he prostrated himself again. And when the teacher agreed, he followed his instruction day and night. And thus it is said: 6. Knowledge may be acquired by following a teacher’s instruction, or by a great amount of money, or thru the medium of (other) knowledge; no fourth way is to be found. While he was thus receiving instruction, a long time past. And finally one time his teacher took compassion on him and expounded to him the Charm of Perfect Knowledge. By learning this Kamalākara became all-learned, and taking leave of his teacher returned to his own city. On the way he arrived at the city of Kāñcī, where Anaṅgasena was king. In this city there was a certain woman named Naramohinī, who was incomparably beautiful. Whoever lookt upon her became inflamed with the fever of love and came into a condition of frenzy.

Those who have not learning, nor asceticism, nor generosity, neither morality, nor virtue, nor religion, they are a mere burden upon the face of the earth, and wander about in the world of mortals as beasts in human form. In this round of existence there is no higher ornament for a man than learning. And thus it is said: 3. Knowledge is really man's highest beauty, a secret store of treasure; knowledge is the source of enjoyment, glory, and happiness, it is the Teacher of Teachers [or, 'revered of the reverend']; knowledge is a friend in foreign lands, it is the Supreme Godhead; knowledge is held in honor among kings, rather than wealth; one who has not knowledge is a beast. And so: 4. What value is there in an illustrious origin if a mortal be bereft of knowledge? But even a man of low birth, if he have knowledge, is honored thruout the three worlds. For shame, my son! While I live you ought to devote yourself wholly to the study of science. The knowledge you acquire will perform all manner of friendly services for you. And it is said: 5. Knowledge cherishes us like a mother, enjoins on us the right way like a father, and rejoices us like a wife, driving away our sorrow; she spreads abroad our fame in all quarters, and augments our wealth;