Dharmapada Chapter 5 THE FOOLISH The night is long for one who cannot sleep.
A journey is long for one who is tired.
Ignorant existence is long and tedious for those unaware of truth.
Having found no companion who has travelled at least as far as ourselves,
It is better to go alone than to accompany those who remain irresolute.
This is my child,
This is my wealth.
Such thoughts are the preoccupations of fools.
If we are unable to own even ourselves,
Why make such claims?
The fool who knows he is a fool is at least a little bit wise.
The fool who thinks that he is wise is assuredly a fool.
Like spoons unable to taste the flavour of the soup are the fools who cannot see truth,
Even though they live all their lives among the wise.
Like the tongue that can appreciate the flavour of the soup is one who can discern clearly the truth after only a brief association with the wise.
By heedlessly performing evil,
The unwary fools produce their own bitter fruits.
They behave like their worst enemy.
A deed is not well done when,
Upon reflection,
Remorse arises.
With tears of sorrow one harvests its fruit.
A deed is well done when,
Upon reflection,
No remorse arises.
With joy one harvests its fruits.
Fools perceive evil acts to be sweet as honey until they have seen the consequences.
When they behold their fruits,
Fools suffer indeed.
Even after months of rigid asceticism subsisting on a frugal diet,
A fool is not to be compared in value to the person who simply sees the truth.
Fresh milk does not immediately turn into curd,
And evil acts do not immediately show their fruits.
However,
Fools do suffer from the consequences of their foolishness,
As they would be burned by standing on coals hidden in ashes.
Fools are those who use foolishly whatever gifts they have,
Destroying their accumulated good fortune.
The conceit and craving of fools grows as they claim for themselves undue authority,
Recognition and reward.
Their falsity affects their longing.
They wish to be seen as powerful and discerning.
Like the tongue that can appreciate the flavour of the soup is one who can discern clearly the truth after only a brief association with the wise.
The Wise 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.
Let the wise guide beings away from darkness,
Give direction and advice.
They will be treasured by the virtuous and dismissed by the foolish.
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.
Surrendering oneself to Dhamma leads to serene being,
The wise perpetually delight in the truth taught by the awakened one.
Those who build canals channel the flow of water.
Arrowsmiths make arrows.
Woodworkers craft wood.
The wise tame themselves.
As solid rock is unshaken by the wind,
So are those with wisdom undisturbed,
Whether by praise or blame.
On hearing true teachings,
The hearts of those who are receptive become serene,
Like a lake,
Deep,
Clear and still.
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.
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.
Few are those who reach the beyond.
Most pace endlessly back and forth,
Not daring to risk the journey.
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.
With an image of liberation as the goal,
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,
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.
