Chapter 23: The Elephant

The author asserts that silently enduring abuse, like an elephant bearing arrows in battle, is the proper response to a hostile world.

The author illustrates that just as a tamed elephant serves well in battle under a king, the man who silently endures abuse is the best among humans.

The author claims that self-mastery is superior even to taming noble animals like mules, horses, and elephants.

The author argues that animals cannot reach Nirvana regardless of being tamed, but a disciplined person reaches it through taming their own mind.

The author provides a concrete example of the wild elephant Dhanapalaka who, though difficult to restrain, refuses food while bound because it yearns for freedom in the elephant grove.

The author warns that a person who becomes fat, sleepy, and overindulgent is foolish and will be reborn repeatedly, comparing them to a hog.

The author expresses personal resolve to control the wandering mind through discipline, as a rider controls an elephant with a hook.

The author exhorts the reader to be watchful of thoughts and to extract themselves from wickedness, using the image of an elephant freeing itself from mud.

The author claims that finding a prudent, wise companion who lives soberly allows one to overcome dangers and walk happily together.

The author asserts that if no wise companion is available, solitude is better; one should walk alone like a king or forest elephant, maintaining moral purity.

The author reiterates that solitary living is preferable to foolish companionship, and advises walking alone with few desires and without sin, comparing oneself to a forest elephant.

The author lists various occasions and conditions that bring pleasure: friends in times of need, enjoyment, virtuous works, and especially the release from grief.

The author identifies pleasant states of being within society and religious practice: motherhood, fatherhood, monastic life, and Brahminhood.

The author concludes by identifying lasting virtue, firm faith, intelligence, and avoidance of sin as pleasant states that bring fulfillment.