The Elephant chapter takes its name from the animal the Buddha most often chose for himself: the great, patient beast that endures. Its opening verse is a vow: as a war elephant endures the arrow shot from the bow, so shall I endure abuse — for many in this world are without virtue (23.1). Endurance is then crowned the highest tameness: they parade the tamed elephant, the king mounts the tamed horse, but best among humans is the self-tamed one who endures insult (23.2–23.3); no mount can carry you to the untrodden country — only the well-tamed self goes there (23.4).
The chapter tells of Dhanapala, the captive elephant who refuses food, remembering his forest (23.5) — an image of the mind's longing for its true home — and of restraining one's own formerly wandering mind as a keeper restrains a rutting elephant (23.7), lifting oneself from difficulty as an elephant lifts itself from mud (23.8). On companionship it is decisive both ways: with a wise, upright companion, walk together joyfully; finding none, walk alone like the elephant in the Matanga forest — better solitude than fellowship with fools (23.9–23.11). It closes counting the blisses: friends in need, contentment, merit at life's end, and the abandoning of all suffering (23.12); mother-care, father-care, virtue till old age, faith, and wisdom (23.13–23.14).
Key verses
As a war elephant endures the arrow shot from the bow, so shall I endure abuse. Many in this world are without virtue.
The solitary life is better — there is no companionship with the fool. Walk alone, doing no evil, with few wants, like an elephant in the Mātaṅga forest.
When a need has arisen, friends are bliss. Contentment with whatever there is, is bliss. Merit at the end of life is bliss. The abandonment of all suffering is bliss.
Read Chapter 23 in full
Every verse with translation, word meanings, and commentary — free.
ઍપમાં મફત વાંચોપરંપરાઓને પૂછો
એક પ્રશ્ન। પાંચ પરંપરાઓના જવાબ।
એકાઉન્ટ વગર દર 24 કલાકે 2 પ્રશ્નો।