Chapter 6: The Wise Man

The author commands the reader to recognize and follow wise men who identify true treasures, reveal what should be avoided, and offer correction, asserting this will benefit rather than harm the follower.

The wise man's correction will be cherished by the virtuous but despised by the wicked, establishing that wisdom divides opinion based on moral character.

The reader is instructed to cultivate friendships with virtuous and excellent people while rejecting association with the wicked and lowly.

Those who internalize the law live happily with calm minds, and the sage rejoices in the law as taught by enlightened ones.

Drawing on analogies of water-channelers, arrow-makers, and carpenters who shape matter, the author asserts that wise people similarly fashion themselves through disciplined effort.

Like a solid rock unmoved by wind, the wise person remains unshaken by blame and praise, demonstrating inner stability.

After hearing the law, wise people attain serenity comparable to a deep, smooth, and tranquil lake.

Good people remain steady regardless of circumstances, do not chase pleasures, and maintain emotional equilibrium whether experiencing happiness or sorrow.

The truly good and wise person renounces desire for sons, wealth, power, and unfair success, seeking instead no gain for either himself or others.

The author observes that few people attain spiritual liberation (becoming Arhats), while most people merely repeat cycles of worldly striving.

Those who hear and follow the law will transcend death and its dominion, overcoming this ultimate obstacle through disciplined adherence.

The wise person must leave ordinary life (the 'dark state') and enter the monastic life (the 'bright state'), abandoning home and family for solitary contemplation.

Those whose minds are firmly grounded in the elements of knowledge, who remain unattached, rejoice in freedom, have conquered appetite, and are luminous are liberated even in this world.