As an elephant in the battle field
Withstands the arrows shot from a bow.
Even so will I endure abuse,
For people's conduct is mostly low.

The tamed elephant is led to crowds.
The tamed do the kings mount.
The well-tamed is best among men,
Who endures abuse.

Excellent are well-trained mules.
So are thoroughbred ones from Sindhu
And likewise noble fighting elephants.
More excellent is the self-trained man.

Surely never by those vehicles
Would one go to the untrodden land
As does one who is controlled
Through his subdued and well-trained self.

The great elephant called Dhanapalaka
In time of rut is uncontrollable;
Tied fast he refuses his food
Since he calls to mind the elephant wood.

A sluggard, or glutton, too,
Rolling himself about in gross sleep
Like a bigh hog nursed on pig-wash-
That foolish one endlessly comes to birth.

Formerly this mind went wandering
Where it liked, as it wished, as it listed.
I will now control it with attemtiveness
As the driver with his hook a wild elephant.

Take delight in heedfulness
And guard well your own minds;
Draw yourselves out of evil ways
Like an elephant sunk in the mire.

If for the faring-on you can find
A friend, well-behaved, prudent and wise,
Walk with him joyfully and mindfully,
Overcoming dangers (open and concealed).

If for the faring-on you cannot find
A friend, well-behaved, prudent and wise,
Fare alone as a king renoucing his country
And as an elephant alone in the wilds.

Better is it to fare alone;
There is no friendship with a fool.
Fare alone and commit no sin,
Being carefree as an elephant in the wilds.

Happy is it to have a friend in need
Happy is contentement with whatever betides.
Happy is merit at the end of life.
Happy is it to leave all sorrow behind.

Happy is it to honour mother.
Happy is it to honour father.
Happy is it to honour ascetics.
Happy is it to honour the Noble Ones.

Happy is virtue until old age.
Happy is faith that firmly stands.
Happy is it to gain insight.
Happy is it to commit no sin.