A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

10: Association 1
SN 1.3.11 Sattajaṭilasuttaṁ
Appearance is not All
King Pasenadi interrupts his interview with the
Buddha to pay respect to various kinds of ascetics
who are passing nearby. The Buddha cautions
that outward appearance is not trustworthy, and
the King admits that these are his spies.
198. Na vaṇṇarūpena naro sujāno,
Na vissase ittaradassanena,
Susaññatānañ-hi viyañjanena
Asaññatā lokam-imaṁ caranti.
Not by outward form is a person known,
Not by seeing briefly can there be trust,
For under pretence of being restrained
The unrestrained ones will live in this world.
199. Patirūpako mattikā kuṇḍalo va,
Lohaḍḍhamāso va suvaṇṇachanno,
Caranti eke parivārachannā,
Anto asuddhā, bahi sobhamānā.
Like a clay earring resembling one gold,
Like a copper coin covered in bright gold,
Some wander around with a retinue,
Inside impure, but seeming to be pure.
137