Dhp 256-272 - The “Established in Dhamma” Chapter
Translated by Bhante Suddhāso
Source: https://suttacentral.net/dhp256-272/en/suddhaso
License: CC0-1.0
Source note: 11 Pali headings, colophons, or recitation-summary segments have no English translation in the source. All English source segments are retained; no body passages are omitted.

Collection of Minor Texts
Verses of Dhamma
The “Established in Dhamma” Chapter
One is not established in Dhamma
if one seeks benefit using violence;
a wise person does not wish to have
both benefit and detriment.
One who guides others nonviolently,
peacefully, in accordance with Dhamma,
such a wise person is a guardian of the Dhamma
and is said to be established in Dhamma.
One is not wise
just because one talks a lot.
One who is safe, non-hostile, harmless and fearless
is said to be wise.
One is not an upholder of the Dhamma
just because one talks a lot.
Even if one has learned little
but personally sees the Dhamma,
then one is an upholder of the Dhamma,
one who does not neglect the Dhamma.
One is not an elder
just because one has grey hairs on one's head.
One is who is decrepit and feeble
is said to be an old fool.
But one who is truthful, in accordance with the Dhamma,
harmless, self-restrained, trained,
steadfast, and free of all contaminants
is said to be an elder.
Not by the quality of their conversation
or the beauty of their appearance
is a person considered excellent,
if they are envious, stingy, and deceitful.
One who has shredded,
uprooted, and destroyed those qualities,
a wise person who has expelled their defects,
is said to be excellent.
One is not a contemplative just because one has a shaven head.
If one has no religious practices, tells lies,
and is full of desire and greed,
how can they be a contemplative?
One who tranquilizes all that is evil,
whether minor or major,
one who has tranquilized all that is evil
is said to be a contemplative.
One is not a monk
just because one receives almsfood from others.
One who takes up a flawed doctrine
is not a monk.
One who has discarded both merit and evil,
lives a spiritual life,
and wanders in the world with careful consideration
is said to be a monk.
One is not a sage if they act like one
yet are confused and ignorant.
A wise person who carefully weighs their options,
chooses the best,
and completely avoids evil
is a sage; because of this one is a sage.
One who evaluates both of these in the world
is said to be a sage.
One is not noble
if one harms living beings.
One who does not harm any living being
is said to be noble.
Not just by morality or by spiritual practices
or by learning a lot
or by gaining concentration
or by sleeping in seclusion
or by experiencing the happiness of renunciation
or by associating with uncommon people
should a monk be satisfied
as long as one’s defilements have not been eliminated.