251

Not by passing arbitrary judgements does a person become just; a wise person investigates both right and wrong.

252

One who does not judge others arbitrarily, but passes judgement impartially according to truth, that sagacious person is a guardian of law and is called just.

253

One is not versed in Dhamma because one speaks much. One who, after hearing even a little Dhamma, does not neglect it but personally realises its truth, that person is truly versed in the Dhamma.

254

A monk is not an Elder because his head is gray; he is but ripe in age, and he is called one grown old in vain.

255

One in whom there is truthfulness, virtue, inoffensiveness, restraint and self-mastery, who is free from defilements and wise--he is truly called an Elder.

256

Not by mere eloquence nor by bodily beauty does a person become accomplished, should one be jealous, selfish and deceitful.

257

But one in whom these are wholly destroyed, uprooted and extinct, and who has cast out hatred--that wise person is truly accomplished.

258

Not by shaven head does a person who is undisciplined and untruthful become a renunciate.

259

How can one who is full of desire and greed be a renunciate? One who wholly subdues evil both small and great is called a renunciate, because that person has overcome all evil.

260

One is not a renunciate just because one lives on other's alms. Not by adopting outward form does one become a true renunciate.

261

One here who lives the holy life and walks with understanding in this world, transcending both merit and demerit--that person is truly called a renunciate.

262

Not by observing silence does one become a sage, if one be foolish and ignorant.

263

But that wise person who, as if holding a balance-scale, accepts only the good and rejects the evil--that person is truly a sage. Since both (the present and future) worlds are comprehended, that person is called a sage.

264

One is not a Noble One who injures living beings. One is called a Noble One because one is harmless towards all living beings.

265

You should not rest content merely by following rules and observances, nor even by acquiring much learning; nor by gaining absorption, nor by a life of seclusion; Nor by thinking: "I enjoy the bliss of renunciation that is not experienced by the worldling." O renunciates, you should not rest content until the utter destruction of the cankers (Arahatship) is reached.