077

If one finds a person who points out faults and who reproves, one should follow such a wise and sagacious person as one would a guide to hidden treasure. It is always better, and never worse, to cultivate such an association.

078

Let the person admonish, instruct and shield one from wrong; this person , indeed is dear to the good and detestable to the evil.

079

Do not associate with evil companions; do not seek the fellowship of the vile. Associate with good friends; seek the fellowship of noble people.

080

One who drinks deep the Dhamma lives happily with a tranquil mind. The wise person ever delights in the Dhamma made known by the Noble One (the Buddha).

081

Irrigators regulate the waters; fletchers straighten the arrow shaft; carpenters shape the wood; the wise control themselves.

082

Just as a solid rock is not shaken by the storm, even so the wise are not affected by praise or blame.

083

On hearing the Teachings, the wise become perfectly purified like a lake deep, clear and still.

084

The good renounce (attachment for) everything; the virtuous do not prattle with a yearning for pleasures. The wise show no elation or depression when touched by happiness or sorrow.

085

They are truly virtuous, wise and righteous, who neither for their own sake nor for the sake of another (do any wrong), who do not crave for sons, wealth or kingdom, and do not desire success by unjust means.

086

Few among people are those who cross to the farther shore. The rest, the bulk of people, only run up and down the hither bank.

087

But those who act according to the perfectly taught Dhamma will cross the realm of Death, so difficult to cross.

088

Abandoning the dark way, let the wise person cultivate the bright path.

089

Having gone from home to homelessness, let one yearn for that delight in detachment, so difficult to enjoy.

090

Giving up sensual pleasures, with no attachment, the wise person should cleanse oneself of defilements of the mind.

091

Those whose minds have reached full excellence in the factors of enlightenment, who, having renounced acquisitiveness, rejoice in not clinging to things--rid of cankers, glowing with wisdom, they have attained Nibbana in this very life.