(no subject)

If I behave in the way of the childish,
I shall surely proceed to lower realms,
And if I am led there by those unequal (to the Noble Ones),
What is the use of entrusting myself to the childish?

One moment they are friends,
And in the next instant they become enemies.
Since they become angry even in joyful situations,
It is difficult to please ordinary people.

They are angry when something of benefit is said,
And they also turn me away from what is beneficial.
If I do not listen to what they say,
They become angry and thus proceed to lower realms.

They are envious of superiors, competitive with equals,
Arrogant towards inferiors, conceited when praised,
And if anything unpleasant is said, they become angry.
Never is any benefit derived from the childish.

Through associating with the childish,
There will certainly ensue unwholesomeness,
Such as praising myself, belittling others,
And discussing the joys of cyclic existence.

Devoting myself to others in this way
Will bring about nothing but misfortune,
Because they will not benefit me,
And I will not benefit them.

I should flee far away from childish people.
When they are encountered, though, I should please them by being happy.
I should behave well merely out of courtesy,
But not become greatly familiar.

--Shantideva, from the Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life