English
19. The Chapter on the Just 256. Not by violence does one become just, if one judges a case with force; But one who discerns both right and wrong, that wise one is called just. 257. Without violence, with justice, with impartiality, he leads others; Guarded by the Dhamma, that intelligent one is called "just." 258. Not by much speaking does one become wise; But one who is safe, without enmity, without fear, is called "wise." 259. Not by much speaking does one uphold the Dhamma; But one who, having heard little, sees the Dhamma with the body; He indeed upholds the Dhamma, who does not neglect the Dhamma. 260. Not by a grey head does one become an elder; His age may be ripe, but he is called "one grown old in vain." 261. In whom there is truth and Dhamma, non-violence, self-restraint, and control; He, indeed, with defilements cast off, that wise one, is called "an elder." 262. Not by mere speech, nor by a beautiful complexion, does a person become good-looking, if he is envious, miserly, deceitful. 263. But one in whom these are cut off, uprooted, destroyed from the root; He, with faults cast off, that intelligent one, is called "good-looking." 264. Not by a shaven head is one a recluse, if unvowed, speaking falsely; Filled with desire and greed, how can he be a recluse? 265. But one who calms evils, small and great, altogether; Because of calming evils, he is called "a recluse." 266. Not by begging from others does one become a bhikkhu; Not by adopting the whole Dhamma does one become a bhikkhu. 267. But one who here has cast off both merit and demerit, and lives the holy life; He, understanding, moves in the world, he indeed is called "a bhikkhu." 268. Not by silence is one a sage, if foolish, undiscerning; But one who, like holding a balance, takes the excellent, that wise one. 269. He avoids evils, he is a sage by that; He who understands both worlds, is called "a sage" by that. 270. Not by harming living beings does one become noble. harms; Non-harming of all beings, is called "noble." 271. Not by mere virtue and vows, or by much learning; Nor by the attainment of concentration, or by secluded lodging. 272. I experience the bliss of renunciation, not enjoyed by ordinary people; A monk should not become complacent, if he has not attained the destruction of defilements. The Chapter on the Righteous, the nineteenth, is finished.