The Buddha's Way of Virtue, by W.D.C Wagiswara and K.J. Saunders, [1920], at sacred-texts.com
The Buddha's Way of Virtue, by W.D.C Wagiswara and K.J. Saunders, [1920], at sacred-texts.com
256, 257. Hasty judgment shows no man just. He is called just who discriminates between right and wrong, who judges others not hastily, but with righteous and calm judgment, a wise guardian of the law.
258. Neither is a man wise by much speaking: he is called wise who is forgiving, kindly, and fearless.
259. A man is not a pillar of the law for his much speaking: he who has heard only part of the law and keeps it indeed, he is a pillar of the law and does not slight it.
260. No man is made an "elder" by his grey locks; mere old age is called empty old age.
261. He is called "elder" in whom dwell truth and righteousness, harmlessness and self-control and self-mastery, who is without taint and wise.
262. Not by mere eloquence or comeliness is a man a "gentleman," who is lustful, a miser, and a knave.
263. But he in whom these faults are uprooted and done away, the wise and pure is called a gentleman.
264. Not by his shaven crown is one made a "religious" who is intemperate and dishonourable. How can he be a "religious" who is full of lust and greed?
265. He who puts off entirely great sins and small faults—by such true religion is a man called "religious."
266. Not merely by the mendicant life is a man known as a mendicant: he is not a mendicant because he follows the law of the flesh;
267. But because, being above good and evil, he leads a pure life and goes circumspectly.
268, 269. Not by silence (mona) is a man a sage (muni) if he be ignorant and foolish: he who holds as it were the balance, taking the good and rejecting the bad, he is the sage: he who is sage for both worlds, he is the true sage.
270. A man is no warrior who worries living things: by not worrying is a man called warrior.
271, 272. Not only by discipline and vows, not only by much learning, nor by meditation nor by solitude have I won to that peace which no worldling knows. Rest not content with these, O Bhikkhus, until you have reached the destruction of all taints.