Chapter 5

Long is the night to the wakeful, long the league to one who is exhausted (with travel). Long is the process of faring (through repeated existences) to those spiritually immature ones who do not know the real truth (saddhamma).

If he who goes about (in search of truth) does not find one better than or (at least) similar to himself, let him firmly lead a solitary life. There is no companionship (for him) with the spiritually immature.

The spiritually immature person vexes himself (thinking) ‘Sons are mine, riches are mine’. He himself is not his own, even; how then sons? how then riches?

The spiritually immature person who recognizes his immaturity is to that extent mature; the spiritually immature one who thinks of himself as mature is termed immature indeed.

Though throughout his life a spiritually immature person attends upon (or: honours) one who is spiritually mature, he does not necessarily know the truth, any more than the spoon knows the taste of the soup.

If for a moment a wise man attends upon one who is spiritually mature, he quickly perceives the truth, as the tongue at once detects the taste of the soup. the spiritually immature

Of evil understanding, the spiritually immature live as enemies to themselves, committing sinful deeds, the consequences of which are bitter.

That deed is not well done which, being done, one repents, (and) the result of which one suffers with tearful face and lamentations.

That deed is well done which, being done, one does not repent, (and) the result of which one receives gladly.

So long as it has not ripened, the spiritually immature one thinks sin as sweet as honey; (but) when sin does ripen, then the spiritually immature one suffers a downfall.

Month after month, a spiritually immature person may eat his food with the tip of a blade of (sacred) kusa-grass, (yet) his worth is not a fraction (lit., not a sixteenth part) of those who have ascertained the truth.

Unlike milk, which curdles immediately, the sin that has been committed does not at once bear fruit. (Instead) it pursues the spiritually immature person like a fire covered with ashes, burning him (only after a time).

The spiritually immature person wins (theoretical religious) knowledge only to his own disadvantage; it destroys his better nature while splitting his head.

One who is spiritually immature desires a false reputation, honour among fellow almsmen, authority over monastic settlements, and respect from the families (living) round about.

‘Let both those householders and those who have gone forth (from the household life) approve what I have done; let them be subject to me in all the spiritually immature undertakings, great and small.’ Such is the wish of the spiritually immature, (as a result of which) his craving and conceit increase.

One thing is that which leads to (worldly) gain; quite another the way that leads to Nirvāṇa. Thus comprehending, let the almsman, the disciple of the Buddha, take no delight in respectful greetings, but devote himself to solitude.