snp.2.8 Suttanipata

Dharma as a Boat

As devas do venerate their lord, Indra king,
so likewise to that person from whom one knows Dharma,
respected, clear-minded, and very learned too,
that teacher makes manifest the words of the Dharma.

This having considered then, the wise person,
while practising Dharma according with Dharma,
becomes learned, intelligent, subtle-minded too,
by diligently dwelling with one who is Such.

But by following the foolish, inferior fellow,
who’s not found Dharma’s goal, while envious of others,
to death one will come before Dharma knowing,
not having crossed over (the river of doubts).

Just as a person going into a river
swollen in flood and very swiftly flowing,
would be carried away by the force of the current—
then how can this person help others across?

So it’s the same with the unpractised person,
who knows not the Dharma as explained by the wise,
sans knowledge profound, not crossed over doubting:
how could this person cause others to Know?

But one who does on a strong boat embark,
furnished with oars and rudder complete,
as skilled in the means, with wisdom as well,
that one can take so many others across.

Of mind developed deeply, one who Knows truly,
one of great learning, or unshakeable Dharma,
other people can lead who possess the capacity
to listen attentively and penetrate deeply.

Therefore be sure to frequent a True person,
an intelligent one who is of great learning,
realized in the meaning, practised on the Path,
a Knower of Dharma attained to the Bliss.

- Translator: Laurence Khantipalo Mills

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The Boat

Honor the person from whom you would learn the teaching,
as the gods honor Indra.
Then they will have confidence in you,
and being learned, they reveal the teaching.
Heeding well, a wise pupil
practicing in line with that teaching
grows intelligent, discerning, and subtle
through diligently sticking close to such a person.
But associating with a petty fool
who falls short of the goal, jealous,
then unable to discern the teaching in this life,
one proceeds to death still plagued by doubts.
It’s like a man who has plunged into a river,
a rushing torrent in spate.
As they are swept away downstream,
how could they help others across?
Just so, one unable to discern the teaching,
who hasn’t studied the meaning under the learned,
not knowing it oneself, still plagued by doubts,
how could they help others to contemplate?
But one who has embarked on a strong boat
equipped with rudder and oar,
would bring many others across there
with skill, care, and intelligence.
So too one who understands—a knowledge master,
evolved, learned, and unflappable—
can help others to contemplate,
so long as they are prepared to listen carefully.
That’s why you should spend time with a good person,
intelligent and learned.
Having understood the meaning, putting it into practice,
one who has realized the teaching may find happiness.