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76
Only blessings can arise
from seeking the company
of wise and discerning persons,
who skilfully offer
both admonition and advice
as if guiding one to hidden treasure.
77
Let the wise guide beings
away from darkness,
give direction and advice.
They will be treasured by the virtuous
and dismissed by the foolish.
78
Do not seek the company
of misguided friends;
beware of degenerate companions.
Seek and enjoy the company
of well-guided friends,
those who support insight.
79
Surrendering oneself to Dhamma
leads to serene being.
The wise perpetually delight in the truth
taught by the Awakened One.
80
Those who build canals
channel the flow of water.
Arrowsmiths make arrows.
Woodworkers craft wood.
The wise tame themselves.
81
As solid rock
is unshaken by the wind,
so are those with wisdom undisturbed
whether by praise or blame.
82
On hearing true teachings,
the hearts of those who are receptive,
become serene –
like a lake, deep, clear and still.
83
Virtuous beings are unattached.
They do not indulge in heedless speech
about sensual pleasures.
They experience both joy and sorrow
but are possessed by neither.
84
Neither for one’s own sake
nor on behalf of another
does a wise person do harm
– not for the sake of family, fortune or gain.
Such a one is rightly called
just, virtuous and wise.
85
Few are those who reach the beyond.
Most pace endlessly back and forth,
not daring to risk the journey.
86
Although it is difficult to cross over
the storm-swept sea of passion,
those who live in accord
with the well-taught Way
arrive at the beyond.
87 - 88
The wise abandon darkness
and cherish light,
leave petty security behind
and seek freedom from attachment.
To pursue such release is difficult and rare,
yet the wise will seek it,
detaching themselves from obstructions,
purifying heart and mind.
89
Freeing themselves from longing,
unhindered by habitual grasping,
those who align themselves with the Way
delight in non-attachment
and, while still in the world,
are radiant.
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© 2006 Aruna Publications |