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320
Like an elephant in battle
withstands arrows,
I choose to endure
verbal attacks from others.
321
Well-trained horses
can be trusted in crowds,
and are to be mounted by kings.
Individuals who have trained
themselves to withstand abuse
will be valuable everywhere.
322
Impressive are horses or elephants
which have been well-trained;
but more impressive
are individuals
who have tamed themselves.
323
It is not on a well-trained animal
that you can ride
to the land of liberation;
it is only on the vehicle
of a well-trained self
that you will arrive there.
324
A wild elephant
when captured and bound and in rut
is restless, uncontrollable,
not eating its food.
It longs for its native forest home.
325
It is a fool that overeats
and indulges in laziness,
then, feeling drowsy,
wallows in sleep like an oversized pig;
this forebodes continued suffering.
326
My mind which was once
wild and unruly,
wandering as it wished,
I hold now in check,
as the mahout with his hook
controls an elephant in rut.
327
As an elephant
resolutely drags itself from a swamp
uplift yourself with the inspiration
of cultivated attention.
328
If you find a good companion,
of integrity and wisdom,
you will overcome all dangers
in joyous and caring company.
329
But if you cannot find
a good companion
of integrity and wisdom,
then, like a king departing
a conquered land,
or an elephant wandering
alone in the forest,
walk alone.
330
A harmless solitary life
lived at ease
like that of the lone elephant in the forest,
is better than
the unnecessary company of fools.
331
Pleasure arises from
the timely company of friends.
Pleasure arises from
having few needs.
Pleasure arises from
accumulated virtue at life’s end.
Pleasure arises from
seeing beyond suffering.
332
Pleasure arises from
rightly serving one’s parents.
Pleasure arises from
supporting renunciates.
Pleasure arises from
honouring awakened beings.
333
Pleasure arises from
sustaining virtue into old age.
Pleasure arises from
sustaining sound faith.
Pleasure arises with insight.
Pleasure arises from
renouncing evil.
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© 2006 Aruna Publications |