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THE BUDDHIST WAY OF LIFE
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§ 7. On Wisdom, Justice and Good Company
Be wise, be just and choose good company.
This is the Buddhist Way of Life.
If you see a man who shows you what is to be avoided, who administers reproofs, and is intelligent, follow that wise man as you would one who tells of hidden treasures ; it will be better, not worse, for him who follows him.
Let him admonish, let him teach, let him forbid what is improper—he will be beloved of the good, by the bad he will be hated.
Do not have evil-doers for friends, do not have low people for friends ; have virtuous people for friends, have for friends the best of men.
He who drinks in the Dhamma lives happily with a serene mind; the sage rejoices always in the Dhamma as preached by the elect.
Well-makers lead the water (wherever they like), fletchers bend the arrow ; carpenters bend a log of wood ; wise people fashion themselves.
As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, the wise people falter not amidst blame and praise.
Wise people, after they have listened to the Dhamma become serene, like a deep, smooth and still lake.
Good men indeed walk (warily) under all circumstances; good men speak not out of a desire for sensual gratification; whether touched by happiness or sorrow wise people never appear elated or depressed.
It is sweet as honey, so thinks the fool, while as yet the evil has not ripened. But when the evil ripens the fool comes to grief.
A fool does not know when he commits his evil deeds ; but a wicked man burns by his own deeds, as if burnt by fire.
Long is the night to him who is awake ; long is a mile to him who is tired ; long is life to the foolish who do not know the true Dhamma.
If a traveller does not meet with one who
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