KN.DHP76-89 — Chapter on the Wise
The Story of Elder Rādha
Like a treasure revealer,
Who sees the faults in others;
A wise one who speaks in reproach,
Such a sage should be revered.
For one who associates with such a sage,
It is better, not worse.
The Story of the Horse Trainer and Elder Channa
He should advise and instruct,
And prevent from what is unwholesome;
For he is dear to the good,
And not dear to the bad.
Do not associate with unwholesomefriends,
Do not associate with the lowly;
Associate with virtuous friends,
Associate with the best of men.
The Story of Elder Mahākappina and the Novice Paṇḍita
The joy of the Dhamma brings happiness,
With a clear and serene mind;
In the Dhamma proclaimed by the Noble Ones,
The wise always delight.
Water guides lead water,
Arrow makers shape arrows;
Carpenters shape wood,
The wise shape themselves.
The Story of Elder Lakuṇḍakabhaddiya and the Blind Mother
Just as a solid rock
Is not shaken by the wind;
So too, the wise are not moved
By praise or blame.
Just as a deep lake
Is clear and undisturbed;
So too, upon hearing the Dhamma,
The wise become serene.
The Story of Five Hundred Disciples
Everywhere, indeed, the good renounce,
The peaceful do not speak of desires;
Touched by happiness or by suffering,
The wise do not show elation or depression.
The Story of Elder Dhammika and Elder Dhammassavana
Not for his own sake, nor for another's sake,
Not for a child, nor for wealth, nor for a kingdom;
He should not wish for success by wrong means,
He who is virtuous, wise, and righteous.
Few among men are those
Who go beyond to the other shore;
The rest of the people
Run along the shore.
But those who practice the Dhamma
Well taught,
They will cross over
This realm of death, so hard to overcome.
The Story of Five Hundred Visiting Disciples
Abandoning the dark Dhamma,
The wise cultivate the bright;
Leaving home for homelessness,
In solitude, where it is hard to find.
There he should seek delight,
Having abandoned desires, without possessions;
The wise should purify themselves,
From mental defilements.
Those whose minds are well developed
In the factors of enlightenment,
Who delight in relinquishment,
Without clinging,
The taintless, the radiant,
They are fully extinguished in the world.