2:3 Shame
One who,
flouting, despising
a sense of shame,
saying, “I am your friend,”
but not grasping
what he could do [to help]:
Know him as
“Not one of mine.”
One who,
among friends,
speaks endearing words
to which he doesn’t conform,
the wise recognize
as speaking without doing.
He’s not a friend
who’s always wary,
suspecting a split,
focusing just on your weakness.
But him on whom you can depend,
like a child on its parent’s breast:
That’s a true friend
whom others can’t split from you.
Carrying one’s manly burden,
the fruits & rewards develop
the conditions that make for joy,
the bliss that brings praise.
Drinking the savor of seclusion,
the savor of calm,
one is freed from evil, devoid
of distress,
refreshed with the savor
of rapture in the Dhamma.1
vv. 253–257
Note
1. This last verse = Dhp 205.
See also: AN 2:31–32; AN 2:118; AN 4:32; AN 6:12; AN 7:35; AN 8:54