One is not low because of birth nor does birth make one holy. Deeds alone make one low, deeds alone make one holy.
With his wealth collected justly, won through his own efforts, he shares both food and drink with beings who are in need.
Generosity, kind words, doing a good turn for others, and treating all people alike: these bonds of sympathy are to the world what the lynch-pin is to the chariot wheel.
By doing evil, one defiles oneself; by avoiding evil, one purifies oneself. Purity and impurity depend upon oneself: no one can purify another.
Above, across or back again, wherever he goes in the world let him carefully scrutinise the rise and fall of compounded things.
With firm resolve, guard your own mind!
Who so untiringly pursues the Dharma and the Discipline shall go beyond the round of births and make an end of suffering.
Who gives, his virtues shall increase; who is self-curbed, no hatred bears; who so is skilled in virtue, evil shuns, and by the rooting out of lust and hate and all delusion, comes to be at peace.
Who is energetic and not indolent, in misfortune unshaken, flawless in manner and intelligent, such a one to honour may attain.
Just as a tree, though cut down, sprouts up again if its roots remain uncut and firm, even so, until the craving that lies dormant is rooted out, suffering springs up again and again.