A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

11: Association, 2
Jā 503 Sattigumbajātakaṁ
According to Upbringing
Two parrots who are brothers are brought up
differently, one in a robber-village, and one in a
hermitage of the wise. When a King loses his way
the first wants to kill and rob him, while the
second offers him a helping hand.
201. Yaṁ yaṁ hi Rāja bhajati, santaṁ vā yadi vā asaṁ,
Sīlavantaṁ visīlaṁ vā, vasaṁ tasseva gacchati.
With the one he keeps company,
King, be he good or be he bad,
Virtuous or unvirtuous,
He goes under their influence.
202. Yādisaṁ kurute mittaṁ, yādisañ-cūpasevati,
So pi tādisako hoti, sahavāso hi tādiso.
With whomever he makes his friend,
With whomever he associates,
Such a person does he become,
Through living close with such a one.
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