Dhp XIX : The Judge

Simply talking a lot

doesn’t mean one is wise.

Whoever’s secure–

no

hostility,

fear–

is said to be wise.

A head of gray hairs

doesn’t mean one’s an elder.

Advanced in years,

one’s called an old fool.

Not by suave conversation

or lotus-like coloring

does an envious, miserly cheat

become an exemplary man.

A shaven head

doesn’t mean a contemplative.

The liar observing no duties,

filled with greed & desire:

what kind of contemplative’s he?

Begging from others

doesn’t mean one’s a monk.

As long as one follows

householders’ ways,

one is no monk at all.

Not by silence

does someone confused

& unknowing

turn into a sage.

Not by harming life

does one become noble.

One is termed

noble

for being

gentle

to all living things.

Monk,

don’t

on account of

your habits & practices,

great erudition,

concentration attainments,

secluded dwelling,

or the thought, ‘I touch

the renunciate ease

that run-of-the-mill people

don’t know’:

ever let yourself get complacent

when the ending of effluents

is still unattained.