317

As an elephant in the battlefield withstands arrows shot from bows all around, even so shall I endure abuse. There are many, indeed, who lack morality.

318

Tamed elephants can be led into a crowd, and the king mounts a tamed elephant. So too, best among people is the subdued one who endures abuse.

319

Excellent are well-trained mules, thoroughbred Sindhu horses and noble tusker elephants. But better still is the person who has subdued oneself.

320

Not by these mounts, however, can one go to the Untrodden Land (Nibbana), as one who is self-tamed goes by one's own tamed and well-controlled mind.

321

Musty during rut, the tusker named Dhanapalaka is uncontrollable. Held in captivity, the tusker does not touch a morsel, but only longingly calls to mind the elephant forest.

322

When a person is sluggish and gluttonous, lazy, rolling around in bed like a fat pig--that sluggard undergoes rebirth again and again.

323

Formerly this mind wandered about as it liked, where it wished, according to its pleasure, but now I shall thoroughly master it with wisdom, as a mahout controls an elephant in rut.

324

Delight in heedfulness! Guard well your thoughts! Draw yourself out of this bog of evil, even as an elephant draws oneself out of the mud.

325

If for company you find a wise and prudent friend, one who leads a good life, you should overcome all impediments and keep this person's company, joyously and mindfully.

326

But if for company you cannot find a wise and prudent friend, one who leads a good life, then, like a king who leaves behind a conquered kingdom or a lone elephant in the elephant forest, you should go your own way alone.

327

Better it is to live alone, there is no fellowship with a fool. Live alone and do no evil; be carefree like an elephant in the elephant forest.

328

Good are friends when need arises; good is contentment with just what one has; good is merit when life is at an end; and good is the abandoning of all suffering (through Arahatship).

329

Good it is to serve one's mother; good it is to serve one's father; good it is to serve the Sangha; and good it is to serve the holy people.

330

Good is virtue until life's end; good is faith that is steadfast; good is the acquisition of wisdom; and good is the avoidance of evil.