Dhammapada, Chapter 23 summary
Chapter 23 of 26 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 23, elephant training becomes a model for enduring insults, controlling thoughts, and escaping harmful conduct, while self-mastery is placed above mastery of animals. The verses also recommend wise companions or solitude, then identify friendship, good deeds, parenthood, virtue, faith, and wisdom as sources of pleasure.
What happens
- An elephant enduring arrows provides a model for patiently bearing insults, and self-control ranks above training animals.
- Only the self-controlled person reaches Nirvana; the captive Dhanapalaka refuses food and longs for the grove.
- The speaker contrasts a wandering mind with firm control, then urges readers to escape wrongdoing like an elephant escaping mud.
- A wise companion is welcome, but solitude is preferable to fellowship with a fool.
- The closing verses name friendship, good deeds, parenthood, spiritual standing, lasting virtue, faith, and wisdom as pleasures.
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In this chapter
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What does the speaker recommend when no wise companion is available?
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