Book XIX. The Righteous, Dhammaṭṭha Vagga
256, 257
Not therefore is a man called a justice because he decides a cause arbitrarily;
Nay rather is it he that inquires into both right and wrong, he that is wise.
He that leads others without violence, justly and righteously,
He that is protected of the Law, he that is intelligent, he alone is properly called a justice.
258
Not therefore is a man called wise for his much speaking;
He that is patient, free from hatred, free from fear, he alone is called wise.
259
Not therefore is a man versed in the Law for his much speaking.
But he that hears ever so little, and evidences his perception of the Law by his acts,
He is indeed versed in the Law, for he fails not to heed the Law.
260, 261
Not therefore is a man an Elder because his head is gray;
Though he be ripe in years, yet he is called ‘Old-in-vain.’
That man in whom dwell truth, righteousness, non-injury, temperance, and self-control,
He that has rid himself of his faults and is steadfast, that man is truly called an Elder.
262, 263
Not through eloquence or beauty of complexion
Is a man accomplished, if at the same time he be envious, niggardly, deceitful.
But he that has cut off and uprooted and removed all these faults,
He that has rid himself of hatred, he that is intelligent, such a man is rightly called accomplished.
264, 265
No tonsure can make a monk of a man who is undisciplined, who speaks falsehood;
If a man be affected with desire and cupidity, how can he be a monk?
But he that overcomes sins both small and great, wholly and entirely,
He is rightly called, from victory over sins, a monk.
266, 267
Not therefore is a man a monk because he receives alms from others.
He that adopts the religion, forms and all, is not on that account a monk.
Whoever in this world casts out both merit and demerit, lives a life of chastity,
Walks wisely through the world, he is a monk indeed.
268, 269
Not because of silence is a man a sage, if he be foolish and ignorant.
But the wise man who takes to himself truth, even as one grasps a pair of scales,
And rejects those things that are evil, such a man is a sage, and for this reason is a sage.
He that understands both worlds is therefore called a sage.
270
Not therefore is a man Noble because he injures living beings;
A Noble is so called because he never injures living beings.
271, 272
Not merely because of religious practices, nor yet because of much learning,
Neither because of attainment of Tranquillity, nor because of living solitary and remote,
Win I the Bliss of Release, incapable of attainment by worldlings.
Monk, rest not content until thou hast attained Destruction of the Depravities.