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THE BUDDHIST WAY OF LIFE
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become respectable by means of much talking only, or by the beauty of his complexion.
He in whom all this is destroyed, and taken out with the very root, he when freed from hatred and wise, is called respectable.
A man is not just if he carries a matter by violence ; no, he who distinguishes both right and wrong, who is learned and guides others, not by violence, but by the same Dhamma, being a guardian of the Dhamma and intelligent, he is called just.
A man is not learned simply because he talks much ; he who is patient, free from hatred and fear, is called learned.
A man is not a supporter of the Dhamma because he talks much ; even if a man has learnt little, but sees the Dhamma bodily, he is supporter of the Dhamma, a man who never neglects the Dhamma.
If a man find a prudent companion who walks with him, is wise, and lives soberly, he may walk with him, overcoming all dangers, happy, but considerate.
If a man finds no prudent companion to walk with him, is wise, and lives soberly, let him walk alone, like a king who has left his conquered country behind, like an elephant in the forest.
It is better to live alone, there is no companionship with a fool ; let a man walk alone, let him commit no sin, with few wishes, like an elephant in the forest.
If the occasion arises, friends are pleasant ; enjoyment is pleasant, whatever be the cause ; a good work is pleasant, whatever be the cause ; a good work is pleasant in the hour of death ; the giving up of all grief is pleasant.
Pleasant in the world is the state of a mother, pleasant the state of a father, pleasant the state of a Samana.
Pleasant is virtue lasting to old age, pleasant is a faith firmly rooted ; pleasant is attainment of intelligence, pleasant is avoiding of sins.
He who walks in the company of fools suffers
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