Author: Ānandajoti

The Buddha explains the seven things by which one can recognise a true friend.

The Buddha explains to the young man Sigāla how to distinguish bad friends and good friends.

The Bodhisatta explains to King Brahmadatta the sixteen qualities of a foe, and the sixteen qualities of a friend.

People objected to someone because he was called Black-Ear; however he turned out to be a true friend. Names are not important, they are but sounds.

A jackal, who saved a lion when he was in peril of losing his life, is recommended by the lion to his jealous mate.

The Bodhisatta was one time born as a lowly god in a sacred reed (Kusanāḷi). Nevertheless he was able to save the home of a god who lived in a tree, who then spoke this verse.

A King of the geese is caught by a fowler, but his Commander-in-Chief refuses to leave him. The fowler takes them to the King of Men who, impressed by their virtue, sets them free.

The Bodhisatta wishes to find out which is more important, virtue or learning, and takes a coin a day from the King until on the third day he is arrested. He then understands which is most valued in the world.

As the Buddha goes on his alms-round he sees a group of boys tormenting a snake for fun. He admonishes them with this verse.

The group of six monks chase off the group of seventeen monks and take their rooms. The Buddha lays down a rule and speaks the following verse.