198. Happy indeed we
live, friendly amidst the afflicted (by craving). |
Amidst afflicted men we dwell free from affliction.
199. Happy indeed we
live, free from avarice amidst the avaricious.
Amidst the avaricious men we dwell free from avarice.
200. Happy indeed we
live, we who possess nothing.
Feeders on joy we shall be, like the Radiant Gods.
201. Victory begets enmity;
the defeated dwell in pain.
Happily the peaceful live, discarding both victory and defeat.
202. There is no fire
like lust and no crime like hatred.
There is no ill like the aggregates (of existence)
and no bliss higher than the peace (of Nibbana). [17]
203. Hunger is the worst
disease, conditioned things the worst suffering.
Knowing this as it really is, the wise realize Nibbana, the highest bliss.
204. Health is the most
precious gain and contentment the greatest wealth.
A trustworthy person is the best kinsman,
Nibbana the highest bliss.
205. Having savored the
taste of solitude and peace (of Nibbana),
pain-free and stainless he becomes,
drinking deep the taste of the bliss of the Truth.
206. Good is it to see
the Noble Ones;
to live with them is ever blissful.
One will always be happy by not encountering fools.
207. Indeed, he who moves
in the company of fools grieves for longing.
Association with fools is ever painful, like partnership with an enemy.
But association with the wise is happy, like meeting one's own kinsmen.
208. Therefore, follow
the Noble One, who is steadfast,
wise, learned, dutiful and devout.
One should follow only such a man,
who is truly good and discerning,
even as the moon follows the path of the stars. 12