Dhammapada · Chapter 23
The Elephant
14 verses · Like an elephant in battle, endure the arrow shot from the bow — endure rough speech. The Buddha praises the four blisses: noble friends, contentment, merit at life's end, and abandonment of all suffering as the final peace.
Chapter 23
नागवग्गो
Nāgavagga
23.1
As a war elephant endures the arrow shot from the bow, so shall I endure abuse
23.2
They take the tamed one to assemblies; the king mounts the tamed
23.3
Excellent are the tamed mules, the thoroughbred horses, and the great elephants — but…
23.4
Not by these vehicles could one go to the untrodden region
23.5
The elephant called Dhanapāla, hard to control when in rut, even when bound, eats no…
23.6
When one is drowsy, a great eater, sleeping and rolling from side to side — like a great…
23.7
Formerly this mind wandered as it wished, where it wished, as it pleased
23.8
Delight in heedfulness, guard your own mind
23.9
If you find a prudent companion to walk with — wise, of good conduct — overcoming all…
23.10
If you do not find a prudent companion to walk with — wise, of good conduct — then like a…
23.11
The solitary life is better — there is no companionship with the fool
23.12
When a need has arisen, friends are bliss
23.13
Bliss is service to one's mother in this world; bliss too is service to one's father
23.14
Virtue till old age is bliss