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iv.—The Suttavaddhananîti.[1]
1.
The thinking of a bad thought, the uttering of a bad speech, and the doing of a bad deed,—this is the characteristic of a fool.
2.
The thinking of a good thought, the uttering of a good speech, and the doing of a good deed,—this is the characteristic of a wise man.
3.
Even if there be no one to depend upon, one should not depend upon a fool: a fool, indeed, like an enemy with a sword in his hand, leads one to destruction.
4.
If occasion arise, one should depend upon a wise man: like a dear, loving relative, a wise man does not lead one to destruction.
5.
The mango-tree, yielding sweet fruit,[2] grew bitter once
- ↑ This anthology was compiled and translated into Burmese by Saddhammanandîmahâthera of Chaunksuk in Upper Burma. Suttavaḍḍhananîti signifies the "Guide for the Advancement of Knowledge." It is a collection of maxims from Buddhistic sources chiefly.
- ↑ Reference is here made to story of the mango-tree in the Dadhivâhanajâtaka, a fairy tale in Jâtakaṭṭhakathâ, ii. 4.
