Chapter 6: The Wise Man
Wise people cultivate knowledge, follow virtue, and remain unshaken by praise or blame.
13 argumentative units
- 01Precept to follow the wise man
The author instructs that one should follow an intelligent person who guides toward true treasures, shows what to avoid, and offers reproof, as this brings benefit rather than harm.
- 02The wise man's reception—loved by good, hated by bad
The author predicts that a wise man who admonishes, teaches, and forbids improper conduct will be beloved by the good but hated by the bad.
- 03Precept on choice of friends
The author prescribes avoiding evil-doers and low people as friends while cultivating friendships with the virtuous and the best of men.
- 04Claim that studying the law brings happiness
The author asserts that one who imbibes the law lives happily with a serene mind, and the sage rejoices always in the law as taught by the enlightened.
- 05Analogy: wise people shape themselves like craftsmen shape materials
The author uses analogies of water-makers, fletchers, and carpenters to illustrate that wise people similarly fashion and shape themselves.
- 06Claim of wise people's steadfastness amid blame and praise
The author compares wise people to a solid rock that is unmoved by wind, asserting they do not waver amidst blame and praise.
- 07Analogy: wise people become serene like a still lake
The author describes wise people who have listened to the laws as becoming serene and untroubled, comparing them to a deep, smooth, and still lake.
- 08Claim of good people's equanimity and composure
The author asserts that good people maintain composure regardless of circumstances, never appearing elated or depressed whether touched by happiness or sorrow.
- 09Definition of a good, wise, and virtuous person
The author defines someone as good, wise, and virtuous if they desire neither offspring, wealth, lordship, nor personal success through unfair means.
- 10Observation that few attain Arhatship
The author observes that few among people reach the other shore (become Arhats), while most run back and forth upon the shore.
- 11Promise that those following the law overcome death
The author promises that those who follow the well-preached law will cross the dominion of death, however difficult it may be to overcome.
- 12Precept on renouncing ordinary life for monastic life
The author prescribes that a wise man should abandon the dark state of ordinary life for the bright state of monasticism, seeking enjoyment in solitude while renouncing all possessions and mental troubles.
- 13Description of the liberated person
The author describes those whose mind is grounded in the seven elements of knowledge, free from attachment, with conquered appetites and full of light as being free even in this world.