The man who wears dirty raiments, who is emaciated and covered with
veins, who meditates alone in the forest, him I call indeed a Brahmana.
I do not call a man a Brahmana because of his origin or of his mother.
He is indeed arrogant, and he is wealthy: but the poor, who is free from
all attachments, him I call indeed a Brahmana.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, after cutting all fetters, never
trembles, is free from bonds and unshackled.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, after cutting the strap and the thong,
the rope with all that pertains to it, has destroyed all obstacles, and
is awakened.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, though he has committed no offence,
endures reproach, stripes, and bonds: who has endurance for his force,
and strength for his army.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who is free from anger, dutiful, virtuous,
without appetites, who is subdued, and has received his last body.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who does not cling to sensual pleasures,
like water on a lotus leaf, like a mustard seed on the point of a
needle.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who, even here, knows the end of his own
suffering, has put down his burden, and is unshackled.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana whose knowledge is deep, who possesses
wisdom, who knows the right way and the wrong, and has attained the
highest end.
Him I call indeed a Brahmana who keeps aloof both from laymen and from
mendicants, who frequents no houses, and has but few desires.
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