A true elder is virtuous, gentle, self-controlled, and has a pure mind. Of paths, the Eightfold Path is best for achieving detachment and wisdom. It is important to pursue enlightenment when young, as delay can lead one to never find the way to pure wisdom. Cutting down all selfish desires, not just some, helps one progress toward liberation. Death comes for all and neither family nor possessions can prevent it, so one must follow the path to Nirvana without delay. The wise shine brightly through virtuous conduct. Abiding joy comes from ending all selfishness by training the mind alone. Craving and attachment cause suffering as one runs frightened through the world like a hunted hare.

1. 1 Gray hair does not make an elder; one can grow old and still be immature. A true elder is truthful, virtuous, gentle, self-controlled and pure in mind.

2. 2 Of paths the Eightfold is the best; of truths the Nobles Four are the best; of mental states Detachment is the best; of human being the Illumined one is the best.

3. 3 Now is the time to wake up when you are young and strong. Those who wait and waver with a weak will and a divided mind, will never find the way to pure wisdom.

4. 4 Cut down the whole forest of selfish desires and not just one tree and you will be on your way to liberation.

5. 5 Death comes and carries off a man absorbed in his family and possession as the monsoon flood sweeps away a sleeping village.

6. 6 Neither children nor parents can rescue one whom death has seized. Remember this and follow without delay the path that leads to ‘Nirvana’.

7. 7 It is hard to leave the world and harder to live in it, painful to live with the worldly and painful to be a wanderer. Reach the goal; and you will wander and suffer no more.

8. 8 Those who are good and pure in conduct are honored wherever they go. The wise and virtuous persons shine like snow covered peaks, above the rest of the world, even when seen from a distance.

9. 9 Sitting alone, sleeping alone, and going about alone vanquish the ego by yourself alone. Abiding joy will be yours when all selfish desires end.

10. THE GLORY OF THE WORLD IS LIKE A FLOWER; IT STAND IN FULL BLOOM IN THE MORNING AND FADES IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY. 10

11. 11 All human beings are subject to attachment and thirst for pleasure. Driven by this thirst they run about frightened like a hunted hare, suffering more and more.

12. 12 A person driven by fierce craving is like a spider caught in his own web.

13. 13 He is supremely wise who is free from compulsive urges and attachment.

14. 14 Adultery leads to four things: fear of being caught and punished, a bad reputation, a feeling of guilt, and suffering in hell. Against these the pleasure of a frightened man in the arms of a frightened woman are small and short-lived. Therefore do not commit adultery.

15. 15 Only a trained elephant goes to the battlefield; only a trained elephant carries the king. Best among men are those who have trained their mind to endure harsh words patiently.

16. 16 Pull yourself out of bad ways as an elephant raises itself out of the mud.