Verse 329. The Lonely Recluse

If for practice one finds no friend
prudent, well-behaved and wise,
like king be leaving conquered land,
fare as lone elephant in the wilds.

Explanation: If you cannot find a wise, mature companion whose ways are virtuous, you must go about life all alone like a king who, abandoning his conquered kingdoms, lives in exile, or like the elephant Matanga who roams the forest living in solitude.

 

Treasury of Truth: Illustrated Dhammapada – 423 Verses

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