Grey hairs
 

Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

Now then, if you are desirous to follow the way

To settle matters use not force in any way

Consider calmly what is right and wrong instead

Looking at the disputed aspects put forward

Only with truth and peace should you be concerned

Make truth your guardian and you guard the true word

In this way virtue and wisdom do combine

Then he too, to the group of wise men could join

Not by display of verboseness is wisdom flagged

To tread the path scholarship to be under-scored

Serenity, surely demonstrates one's wisdom

When free from fear and is then learned freedom

Verbosity doesn't make a doctrine-bearer

In him is a person though a little-hearer

When he sees the Truth he neglects it not rashly

A bearer of the Truth he is called clearly

Not as an elder is one then be treated

Though grey hairs is then seen on his head displayed

Even though to a ripe age he has progressed

Yet the aging life be utterly wasted

Made bold with honesty, virtue, non-violence

Full of restraint, mind and all actions controlled

Truly free from all defilements while being wise

In the true sense he is then an Elder called

Not by mere eloquence nor by beauty of form

Is man treated as being accomplished in form

For in him there be shortcomings as such

Jealous, miserly and deceitful so much

When in whom are these then destroyed fully

Uprooted and extinguished utterly

Now has cut off the poison of hatred

The wise man said to be fully accomplished

Translation of Dhammattha Vagga verses 256-263 of Dhammapada Pali

- U. L. Clarence Silva