Elephants and Horses

Ajahn Munindo

Elephants and Horses

320.
As an elephant in battle
withstands arrows,
I choose to endure
verbal attacks from others.

321.
Well-trained horses
can be trusted in crowds,
and are to be mounted by kings.
Individuals who have trained
themselves to withstand abuse
will be valuable everywhere.

322.
Impressive are horses or elephants
which have been well-trained;
but more impressive
are individuals
who have tamed themselves.

These renditions by Ajahn Munindo are from the book, A Dhammapada for Contemplation, Second Edition, (pdf) pp. 119-120, inspired by the Dhammapada, Chapter XXIII: Elephants: Verses 320, 321, 322.