He who possesses virtue and intelligence, who is just, speaks the
truth, and does what is his own business, him the world will hold
dear. 41
As the bee collects nectar and departs without injuring the
flower, or its color or scent, so let a sage dwell in the
community. 42
If a traveller does not meet with one who is his better, or his
equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey; there is no
companionship with fools. 43
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
religion. 44
Better than living a hundred years, not seeing the highest truth,
is one day in the life of a man who sees the highest truth. 45
Some form their Dharma arbitrarily and fabricate it artificially;
they advance complex speculations and imagine that good results
are attainable only by the acceptance of their theories; yet the
truth is but one; there are not different truths in the world.
Having reflected on the various theories, we have gone into the
yoke with him who has shaken off all sin. But shall we be able to
proceed together with him? 46
The best of ways is the eightfold path. This is the path. There
is no other that leads to the purifying of intelligence. Go on
this path! Everything else is the deceit of Māra, the tempter. If
you go on this path, you will make an end of pain! Says the
Tathāgata, The path was preached by me, when I had understood the
removal of the thorn in the flesh. 47
Not only by discipline and vows, not only by much learning, do I
earn the happiness of release which no worldling can know.
Bhikkhu, be not confident as long as thou hast not attained the
extinction of thirst. The extinction of evil desire is the
highest religion. 48
The gift of religion exceeds all gifts; the sweetness of religion
exceeds all sweetness; the delight in religion exceeds all
delights; the extinction of thirst overcomes all pain. 49
Few are there among men who cross the river and reach the goal.
The great multitudes are running up and down the shore; but there
is no suffering for him who has finished his journey. 50
As the lily will grow full of sweet perfume and delight upon a
heap of rubbish, thus the disciple of the truly enlightened
Buddha shines forth by his wisdom among those who are like
rubbish, among the people that walk in darkness. 51
Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us! Among men
who hate us let us dwell free from hatred! 52
Let us live happily then, free from all ailments among the
ailing! Among men who are ailing let us dwell free from ailments! 53
Let us live happily, then, free from greed among the greedy!
Among men who are greedy let us dwell free from greed! 54
The sun is bright by day, the moon shines by night, the warrior
is bright in his armor, thinkers are bright in their meditation;
but among all the brightest with splendor day and night is the
Buddha, the Awakened, the Holy, Blessed. 55