English
Long is the night for one awake, Long is a league for one who is weary; Long is transmigration for fools, Who do not know the True Dhamma. If, while wandering, one does not find A better or equal companion for oneself, Let one firmly pursue a solitary life; There is no companionship with fools. "I have sons, I have wealth," Thus the fool is tormented; Indeed, one's self is not one's own, How then sons, how then wealth? Whoever, being a fool, knows his foolishness, Is wise by that very fact; But a fool who thinks himself wise, He is truly called a fool. Even if a fool associates with a wise person Throughout his life, He does not understand the Dhamma, Just as a ladle does not know the taste of soup. But if a discerning person associates with a wise person Even for a moment, He quickly understands the Dhamma, Just as the tongue knows the taste of soup. Fools of evil mind wander about, As if with an enemy, their own self; Doing evil deeds, Which bear bitter fruit. That deed is not well done, Which, having done, one repents; Whose result one experiences With a tearful face, weeping. But that deed is well done, Which, having done, one does not repent; Whose result one experiences With joy and a happy mind. A fool thinks evil is like honey, As long as the evil has not ripened; But when the evil ripens, Then the fool comes to suffering. Though a fool might eat his food Month after month with a kusa-grass tip, He is not worth a sixteenth part Of those who have comprehended the Dhamma. Indeed, an evil deed done Does not immediately curdle like milk; It follows the fool, burning him, Like fire hidden by ashes. As long as knowledge arises for the fool, It is only for his harm; It destroys the fool's good fortune, And shatters his head. He desires an unworthy state, and precedence among monks; And power in dwellings, And honor in other families. 74. "Let them think it was done by me, Both householders and renunciants; Let them be subject to me, In any matter, done or undone;" Such is the thought of the fool, His desire and conceit grow. 75. Indeed, one is the path to gain, Another is the path to Nibbāna; Having thus understood this, A monk, a disciple of the Buddha; Should not delight in honor, But should cultivate solitude. The Chapter on Fools, the fifth, is finished.