Elephant

327

Be devoted to conscientiousness.
Guard your own mind.
Lift yourself up from this bad place,
just like an elephant sunk in mud.

328

If you find an intelligent companion,
a fellow-traveler of pure actions and wise,
you should overcome all problems
and travel with him, delighted and mindful.

329

If you do not find an intelligent companion,
a fellow-traveler of pure actions and wise,
like a king leaves behind the subdued kingdom,
you should travel alone, just like an elephant in the elephant-grove.

330

It is better to live alone; there is no companionship with a fool.
One should live alone, and commit no evil.
One should be content with little,
like an elephant in the elephant-grove.

331

Good are friends when need arises.
Good is satisfaction with whatever one has.
Good is merit when the life comes an end.
Good is to abandon all suffering completely.

From "DHAMMAPADA"