Dhammapada 206
It is good to see the noble ones
It is good to see the noble ones; living with them is always happiness. By not seeing fools, one could always be happy.
Translated from the Pāli by Banya
Pāli
Sāhu dassanamariyānaṁ,
sannivāso sadā sukho;
Adassanena bālānaṁ,
niccameva sukhī siyā.
In plain words
Seeing and living with spiritually noble people is praised as happy. The sharp contrast with foolish company asks you to take the influence of your companions seriously.
Key words
- ariya
- noble — A spiritual description here, not social rank or family background.
The story behind the verse
Sakka ministers to the Buddha
In the commentary, the Buddha was ill with dysentery near the end of his life. Sakka learned of the illness and came to attend him, and he took on the duties of caring for the Buddha. The Buddha urged him to go, but Sakka continued his service, and the monks wondered why a god would perform such lowly tasks. The Buddha explained that he had previously helped Sakka when Sakka feared death, and he used the occasion to praise the company of the noble and the value of living with the wise.
Retold by Banya from the traditional commentary, after E. W. Burlingame, Buddhist Legends (1921).
To reflect on
Whose example would you like to spend more time with?
Try it today
Spend a few moments learning from someone whose conduct you respect.
Explanation by Banya. Traditional readings vary.