76. Should
one find a man who points out faults and who reproves, let him follow
such a wise and sagacious person as one would a guide to hidden
treasure. It is always better, and never worse, to cultivate such an
association.
77. Let
him admonish, instruct and shield one from wrong; he, indeed, is dear
to the good and detestable to the evil.
78. Do
not associate with evil companions; do not seek the fellowship of the
vile. Associate with the good friends; seek the fellowship of noble
men.
79. He
who drinks deep the Dhamma lives happily with a tranquil mind. The
wise man ever delights in the Dhamma made known by the Noble One (the
Buddha).
80. Irrigators
regulate the rivers; fletchers straighten the arrow shaft; carpenters
shape the wood; the wise control themselves.
81. Just
as a solid rock is not shaken by the storm, even so the wise are not
affected by praise or blame.
82. On
hearing the Teachings, the wise become perfectly purified, like a
lake deep, clear and still.
83. The
good renounce (attachment for) everything. The virtuous do not
prattle with a yearning for pleasures. The wise show no elation or
depression when touched by happiness or sorrow.
84. He
is indeed virtuous, wise, and righteous who neither for his own sake
nor for the sake of another (does any wrong), who does not crave for
sons, wealth, or kingdom, and does not desire success by unjust
means.
85. Few
among men are those who cross to the farther shore. The rest, the
bulk of men, only run up and down the hither bank.
86. But
those who act according to the perfectly taught Dhamma will cross the
realm of Death, so difficult to cross.
87-88. Abandoning
the dark way, let the wise man cultivate the bright path. Having gone
from home to homelessness, let him yearn for that delight in
detachment, so difficult to enjoy. Giving up sensual pleasures, with
no attachment, let the wise man cleanse himself of defilements of the
mind.
89. Those
whose minds have reached full excellence in the factors of
enlightenment, who, having renounced acquisitiveness, rejoice in not
clinging to things — rid of cankers, glowing with wisdom, they have
attained Nibbana in this very life. [10]
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