Itivuttaka — Assim Foi Dito — 78 — Converging Elements

1This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.

2“Mendicants, sentient beings join together and converge because of an element: Those who have inferior convictions join together and converge with those who have inferior convictions. Those who have good convictions join together and converge with those who have good convictions.

3In the past …

4In the future …

5At present, too, sentient beings join together and converge because of an element. Those who have inferior convictions join together and converge with those who have inferior convictions. Those who have good convictions join together and converge with those who have good convictions.”

6The Buddha spoke this matter. On this it is said:

7“Socializing creates a snarl;
they’re cut off by being aloof.
If you’re lost in the middle of a great sea,
and you clamber up on a little log, you’ll sink.

8So too, a person who lives well
sinks by relying on a lazy person.
Hence you should avoid such
a lazy person who lacks energy.

9Dwell with the noble ones
who are secluded and determined
constantly energetic,
the astute who practice absorption.”

10This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.