76. The disciple should associate with a wise friend, who detects and censures his faults, and who points out virtues as a guide tells of buried treasures. There is happiness, not woe, to him who associates with such an intelligent friend.
77. The man who exhorts, instructs and dissuades his fellowmen from unworthy acts is dear to the virtuous and hated by the wicked.
78. Do not keep company with evildoing friends nor with people who are base; associate with the good, associate with the best of men.
79. One who drinks the nectar of the Good Law lives happily with a tranquil mind. The wise man ever delights in the Dhamma as realized by the Noble Ones.
80. Irrigators conduct the water wherever they wish; fletchers shape the shafts; carpenters work (1) the wood, and wise men discipline themselves.
81. As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, so the wise are not shaken by censure or praise.
82. The wise, having hearkened to the Good Law, become serene like unto a deep, calm and crystal-clear lake.
83. Good men abandon lusting after things; they take no pleasure in sensual speech; when touched by happiness or sorrow, the wise show no elation or dejection.
84. For the sake of oneself, or for the sake of another, one should not long for a son, wealth or a kingdom. He who does not crave success or prosperity by wrongful means is indeed virtuous, wise and honorable.
85 Few among men cross over to the further shore; the multitudes who remain run to and fro on this shore.
86. Those who live according to the Dhamma which has been well proclaimed (by the Buddha) will cross over the impassable realm of death to the further shore.
87. Having abandoned the ways of darkness, let the wise follow the light. Having come from home to homelessness, let him enjoy the bliss of solitude, so difficult to achieve.
88. He should focus his mind upon that exalted state (nirvana). Having given up all sense pleasures, possessing nothing, let the wise, cleansing the mind from defilements, purify the self.
89. Those whose minds are well fixed upon the elements of enlightenment (sambodhi),(2) who, without hankering after anything, glory in renunciation, whose biases are extinguished, who are full of light, they indeed have attained the bliss of nirvana in this very world.
FOOTNOTES:
1. The Pali verb namayanti literally means "bend." (return to text)
2. The seven links of sambodhi are: 1) mindfulness; 2) wisdom; 3) energy; 4) joyousness; 5) serenity; 6) concentrated meditation; 7) equanimity. (return to text)